The Grayson Highlands Backpacking Dream? Yeah, well, what’s that? I can explain. Easy. First, when you backpack Grayson Highlands, you’re living the dream. Right from the very moment when you step out of your car and breathe in that fresh pine scented mountain air. Already, it’s restoring your soul. Teaching you things, if you’ll listen. Opening your senses to a whole new reality…
Don’t believe me? Well, you’ll soon see that what I’m saying is all true. All of it.
But, if you’re not careful up there. Then, your dream of backpacking Grayson Highlands can become a real nightmare. One in which your whole world goes completely dark. And you’re trapped by yourself in an isolated corner of the woods. With nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. But someone, or something, out there is stalking you. And will never give up until it gets you in the end.
No, I’m not kidding. Cause this really happened to me on my most recent trip to Grayson Highlands. And that’s why I’m writing this. Because, no, it’s not all just about beautiful sights and sounds when you go backpacking at Grayson Highlands. No way.
As sometimes, even a sunny backpacking mountain paradise can become a dark world of terror and sheer violence. Shattering your whole calm reality. And leaving you with only one moment to save the day… If you have what it takes to overcome evil incarnate…
That said, this Fall backpacking trip to Grayson Highlands that I speak of began pleasantly enough for me.
I parked my truck at my favorite trailhead. Then, proceeded across the roadway to the cattle gate, which I opened, passed through, and SHUT. Then, I started up the steep hillside in the meadow on the Applachian Trail.
And, in no time, I was in the groove and on the move. Flying up the trail. Dusting a myriad of backpackers, probably half my age. Then, stopping to chat with some of the smiling downhill backpackers coming the other way. But still, those hose bags that I’d left behind in my wake did not catch up with me.
Of course, I’m exaggerating. Sort of. But, not really.
However, I should say that two of the reasons for my alarming alacrity on the trail that day were the following:
One, I regularly hike elevation at Buffalo Mountain, near my home. So, I’m mostly used to hiking elevation. And two, I was testing two new pieces of gear. Both of which put A LOT more spring in my step.
Specifically, my new ultralight backpack, The Gregory Focal 58L.
Which, as it turns out, is well over 1 pound lighter than my old Gregory Paragon 68L. Now, that’s a bit of a load off my shoulders. Trust me, you’d feel more spring in your step with it, too, as the Focal ONLY weighs 2.93 pounds.
Plus, it was super comfortable with the mesh back panel. So I wasn’t sweating it out as much as a more traditional backpack, which rests right up against your swampy-a$$ back. Moreover, it really twisted and turned, almost as a part of me, on account of the FreeFloat suspension. And finally, the oversized zippered hip pockets could swallow my whole smartphone. Thus, my camera would be ready for taking the fantastic trip pictures, which I’ll soon show you.
So check it out, if you wanna go ultralight and more comfortable on your next backpacking adventure. And try to keep up with me.
The Gregory Focal 58L
Still, to actually keep pace with me, you’d also need the other set of gear that I was testing that day. Which were the Trekology Collapsible Trekking Poles.
No, I’m certainly no trekking pole expert, as this was only the second time that I’ve used these. But I will say that these REALLY put some MORE SPEED in my steps. Seriously. Also, trekking poles help you with your balance. They definitely did for me. No lie, here.
Moreover, I really liked these Trekology Trekking poles, because they have a reputation for durability and affordability. Have cork handles. A real bonus, for me. And, they can also be used as a stalwart fishing wading staff. Lots of guys do it, too.
So, for me, these trekking poles are an absolute winner. And made hiking into Grayson Highlands that day more akin to a video game, at times. In that, it really felt like I was moving at a blazing pace with more ease than ever. And had to constantly duck and dodge all the rocks, overhanging branches, downed trees, etc. coming at me with a quick agility.
So check them out, then maybe you’ll become be a real speed beast on the trail, like I was that day.
Trekology Collapsible Trekking Poles
All jokes aside, though. Despite my record-setting pace, rocketing up the mountainside that day, I still took some time to stop and admire the views, which Grayson Highlands, and vicinity, is notorious for.
And the views were to die for. Of course. It’s Grayson Highlands, after all. In the Fall. So the changing leaves were spectacular. With gorgeous colors. Those red and yellow leaves. Stunning. The vistas endless. The mountains. Magic. Majestic.
I even caught a glimpse of a black bear, too. In a shadowy thicket. Blinking, it stared right at me.
No doubt, in shock at the jaw-dropping speed of the unusual creature heading its way. Then, I stopped. In a cloud of dust. And we held each other’s gaze, before it bounded off up the mountainside.
Such a sight to behold. I marveled, before going my own way, too. Which was to a certain trail shelter, where I already knew there’d be some great camping along a pristine mountain stream.
Forgot to say, also, that, yes indeed, I did run into some wild ponies that day. Which Grayson Highlands is nationally famous for.
And truthfully, I’ve never been up there when I didn’t run into a small band of them. But, you know, it never gets old. Personally, I just like seeing them.
And no, I never feed them, like some dumba$$ touron would. And why would you? I tell you, if you just get yourself into a non-threatening posture, act real friendly, crouch down low. Take out your darn phone. A lot of times, those ponies will walk right up to you.
I’ve had them sniff me. Lick the sweat off my forearms and ankles. Heck, I’ve even had a foal affectionately nuzzle me, while another playfully tried to knock me over on a scenic mountainside, as the sun was going down. So fun. Doesn’t get any better.
Gary Alan
After a long career in the publishing industry, Gary Alan left his corporate job to pursue his next adventures in life as a blogger, writer, investor, fly fisherman, hiker, and traveler. He is the author of the adventure fiction book, 'Big Thunder-Hearted River'.