AT Hike - Massie Gap to Fox Creek (VA 603)

This was a nice hike that rose onto a bald from the parking lot. Nice views from the top before descending into forest.

Three wild ponies were spotted on the spur trail.

This 10.6 mile hike will begin at the Massie Gap parking area and ascend to the AT via a 0.3 mile spur trail. Reaching the trail at about 4800 feet. The trail wiil begin with a small descent along Wilburn Ridge and then ascend reaching Quebec Branch (4200 feet) at 1.5 miles. We'll pass the Wise Shelter, in the Grayson Highlands State Park, at 2.4 miles.

At 3.1 miles we will begin an ascent to Stone Mountain and the Scales (4800 feet). The Scales are reached at 5.3 miles. The Scales are a series of corrals between Stone Mt. and Pine Mt. where cattle were weighed. At 6.8 miles into the hike the AT intersects the Pine Mountain Trail at 4960 feet. From here we shall begin a long descent to the Fox Creek trailhead (3480 feet), VA 603. Along the way we will pass the Old Orchard Shelter at 8.4 miles.

This will be a one-way hike and will require an auto shuttle. 

Plan on spending 7 hours on the trail for this hike.