Rhododendron HIke: Cabin Ridge Lite Lollipop

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 6/7/2025 9:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 6/6/2025 5:00 pm
Leader: Clare Strayhorn
Distance: 10 miles
Difficulty: R-33, Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft.
Description: Let’s return to Grayson Highlands and enjoy what this area has to offer in late Spring. On this loop hike we hopefully will see Catawba (pink) rhododendrons in bloom, ponies and their newborns, and great views while enjoying a reasonably good workout with some elevation and challenging trail conditions along the way. From Massie Gap, we join the Rhododendron Gap Trail and AT and head south to Rhododendron Gap (for the 360 views), the Thomas Knob shelter (our lunch stop), past the Mt. Rogers Spur Trail, finally arriving at the Cabin Ridge overlook area. The return leg will be along the Virginia Highlands Trail, joining the Crest trail and then Rhodo. Gap Trail back to the parking area. There are outstanding views throughout this hike, but expect some muddy, rocky and wet conditions along parts of the Virginia Highlands trail. Carpooling will be available from Carolina Diner, Greensboro, at 7 am, and from McDonalds, Jonestown (Winston-Salem) at 7:30 am. For those going directly to the park, please plan to meet at the Visitor Center (just past the visitor entrance) at 9:30 am. There is a charge to get into the park ($10 per car). Approx. 10 miles and 1600 feet elev. [R-29]