Backpacking and Camping
in the Mt. Rogers Area
LIMITS OF STAY IN A.T. SHELTERS
Overnight stays at camping and/or shelter sites shall be limited to the maximum number of nights specified by local authorities (typically 2–3) or to two nights where no local policies have been adopted.
Camping along the AT is prohibited within Grayson Highlands State Park, except inside Wise Shelter. Those wishing to camp near but outside the shelter should hike about 1/10 of a mile north of the shelter, and may camp outside the park boundary beyond the small bridge crossing Big Wilson Creek.
GROUP SIZE LIMITS FOR HIKING GROUPS IN THE MT. ROGERS AREA
Day hiking in non-Wilderness areas: Group size limit: 25 people.
Hiking through designated Wilderness areas (Lewis Fork, Raccoon Branch, Little Wilson
Creek Wilderness areas): Group size limit: 10 people.
Camping overnight, any location: Group size limit: 10 people.
FOOD STORAGE
Bears and rodents seek hikers' food and backpackers are advised to carry a bearproof container for food storage or use the bear boxes near the trail shelters in our area. All backpackers are advised to follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace.
Shelter/Campsite Info
Location + Miles north of Damascus + Trail
Sandy Flats Campsite - 8.2 mi - I.M.T.
Bearbox - No; Privy - Yes
Straight Branch Shelter - 13.2 mi - I.M.T.
Bearbox - No; Privy - No
Cherry Tree Shelter - 19 mi - I.M.T.
Bearbox - No; Privy - Yes
Rhododendron Gap - 29.2 mi - A.T. Spur
Bearbox - Yes; Privy - Yes
The Scales - 36.5 mi - A.T.
Bearbox - Yes; Privy - Yes
Hurricane Mt. Shelter - 44.4 mi - A.T.
Bearbox - Yes; Privy - Yes
Saunders Shelter - 9.5 mi - A.T.
Bearbox - Yes; Privy - Yes
Lost Mt. Shelter - 16 mi - A.T.
Bearbox - Yes; Privy - Yes
Thomas Knob Shelter - 28.4 mi - A.T.
Bearbox - Yes; Privy - Yes
Wise Shelter - 33.5 mi - A.T.
Bearbox - Yes; Privy - Yes
Old Orchard Shelter - 39.5 mi - A.T.
Bearbox - Yes; Privy - Yes
Trimpi Shelter - 53.6 mi - A.T.
Bearbox - Yes; Privy - Yes