I've heard that, too. One of the rangers at Grayson Highlands was telling me that there is some evidence of limted glaciation on the peaks there between Grayson Higlands and Whitetop. So they were obviously alpine at one point.
An interesting fact about the Whitetop Mountain bald area is that it is thought to be a last remnant of alpine vegetation in the area, as unlike the Grayson Highlands/Wilburn Ridge area and Elk Garden, it has been bald throughout recorded history (The Native Americans called it "The Bald Mountain").
I've heard that, too. One of the rangers at Grayson Highlands was telling me that there is some evidence of limted glaciation on the peaks there between Grayson Higlands and Whitetop. So they were obviously alpine at one point.
...take the AT northbound (east from the road), not southbound as stated above. About a mile in, you'll reach a pasture from which Beech Mountain will be clearly visible. Buzzard Rock and Whitetop are right behind it.
Also note that you can spare yourself 1.3 miles each way and a couple hundred feet of gain/loss by parking at the junction of the AT and Beech Mountain Road (county route 601; smooth gravel; turn east off US-58 north of where it meets the AT). There's space for about five or six cars and plenty of room to pitch a tent (though no facilities or water).
BobSmith - Aug 21, 2005 10:43 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentI've heard that, too. One of the rangers at Grayson Highlands was telling me that there is some evidence of limted glaciation on the peaks there between Grayson Higlands and Whitetop. So they were obviously alpine at one point.
tedstryk - Aug 20, 2005 10:37 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentAn interesting fact about the Whitetop Mountain bald area is that it is thought to be a last remnant of alpine vegetation in the area, as unlike the Grayson Highlands/Wilburn Ridge area and Elk Garden, it has been bald throughout recorded history (The Native Americans called it "The Bald Mountain").
BobSmith - Aug 21, 2005 10:43 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentI've heard that, too. One of the rangers at Grayson Highlands was telling me that there is some evidence of limted glaciation on the peaks there between Grayson Higlands and Whitetop. So they were obviously alpine at one point.
larvitar - Jul 29, 2018 2:10 pm - Hasn't voted
When hiking from US-58......take the AT northbound (east from the road), not southbound as stated above. About a mile in, you'll reach a pasture from which Beech Mountain will be clearly visible. Buzzard Rock and Whitetop are right behind it.
Also note that you can spare yourself 1.3 miles each way and a couple hundred feet of gain/loss by parking at the junction of the AT and Beech Mountain Road (county route 601; smooth gravel; turn east off US-58 north of where it meets the AT). There's space for about five or six cars and plenty of room to pitch a tent (though no facilities or water).