Given the possible routes to the highpoint in Virginia, there are several ways to reach the summit of Mount Rogers.  More than one option will take hikers on several miles along the Appalachian Trail and increase your lifetime AT stats.  I opted for camping in Grayson Highlands State Park at Hickory Ridge Campground and started the hike from Massie Gap Trailhead, within the state park's boundaries boasting plenty of day-hiking parking spots.

The temperatures were in the mid 80s to low 90s during the hike with no precipitation and very few bugs.  The condition of the trail was excellent and the views from several ridges were stunning.  From Wilburn Ridge, I gazed at the Texas Longhorn cattle grazing on the grass valleys.  Despite the slight haze from the Canadian fires up North, several peaks were visible in the distance.

Even though I got a late start, I opted for an extended hike along the pony trail where I was rewarded with fairly up close views of ponies.  Grayson Highland State Park hikers had informed me of 2 foals, yet when I approached, the adult mares and a stallion had closed off any quick glimpses I could have stolen.  I felt that I had already intruded beyond a comfortable distance as it was.  Pleased to have seen the ponies, and after adding 1 mile to my hike, I doubled backed to the main trail and continued up toward the summit of Mount Rogers.

Along the way, I was greeted by families, couples, hiking duos and a few solo hikers.  I spoke briefly with an avid hiker, Sue and snapped a photo of her dog, Fiona (with permission, of course).   While I started my hike alone, save a leopard butterfly companion which met me at the start of my hike, I reached the summit with brand new friends and an appreciation of the highpointers quest for the 50 highpoints in each state across the USA.  We all have our reasons for getting out there, some people are inspired by challenges while others are escaping the competitiveness of corporate life; we often find a common thread among our fellow hikers.

Near Wilburn Ridge, I encountered a large group of young hikers (18-22 years of age) traveling down the mountain while I was traveling up the trail.  None of these hikers stepped aside nor yielded in the appropriate manner.  A few said, “Excuse Us” knowingly passing as a group which does not recognize trail etiquette; they narrowly inched by me on the trail “stairs”.  I wonder if those who aren't versed in trail etiquette are likely to be ill-prepared for backcountry hiking.  Even if you know the etiquette and choose to ignore the hikers creed, please learn the 10 essentials, carry them backcountry and avoid becoming separated on the trail if you have split the items among your hiking team.

The summit and benchmark are hidden within an enchanted forest as there is no obvious peak, only a subtle highpoint.  The moss covered rocks, giant ferns and Red spruce of Mount Rogers are reminiscent of two distinct rainforests in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state known as HOH Rainforest of Olympic National Park and Pony Bridge Hike in the Quinault Rainforest, part the Olympic National Forest.