We drove up Whitetop on July 3, 2006 because we just happened to pass the sign for it. I plan on hiking it this summer since I know where the trailhead it now. Thanks :) Great views up there! Can't wait to post a trip report on it later this month I hope.
I was camping at Beartree Lake Recreation Area for five days ending on July 2. We had a great time and I did a lot of hiking, but didn't have the time to hit Whitetop again.
Given a chance, someone will throw a cell tower or microwave tower or radio tower on the highest possible peak. It's depressing how many high peaks here in the South have towers on them. Even Clingman's Peak--one of the highest in the East--has a series of towers on it which prevents you from actually hitting the high point.
To Whitetop Mountain or that corner of southwestern VA?
For the mountain it's this:
From I-77, take 21 north. Pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway, go through Sparta, and take 221 North toward Independence. Take 58 North toward Damascus. Pass Grayson Highlands State Park. Soon thereafter, take 600 on the right. In a couple of miles you will see a well marked forest service road on the left that leads up to the summit. One can take this road and drive all the way to the very top of the peak.
For that section of VA I'd just follow directions to Damascus, VA.
First of all, thanks for your documentation, it gave me a good idea when I was hiking there. Seems since your post 2005, some changes may have taken place. For example there is a posted sign right off the AT parking lot on Rt 600 which is named Elk Garden, the sign says 2.5 miles on the AT till Whitetop mountain summit which seems more accurate than the quoted 3.8 miles and when I hiked it, I think the sign is more accurate. All in all a pleasant hike and thanks to you for giving us a great idea about what to expect once there.
BobSmith - Jun 6, 2006 1:44 am - Hasn't voted
Thanks!Glad you like it. That's a great area. We're going up there in late June to stay at Beartree Recreation Area. I hope to get some decent hiking done.
CRiedel2 - Jul 5, 2006 1:43 pm - Voted 10/10
Great Page!We drove up Whitetop on July 3, 2006 because we just happened to pass the sign for it. I plan on hiking it this summer since I know where the trailhead it now. Thanks :) Great views up there! Can't wait to post a trip report on it later this month I hope.
BobSmith - Jul 5, 2006 8:27 pm - Hasn't voted
Thanks!I was camping at Beartree Lake Recreation Area for five days ending on July 2. We had a great time and I did a lot of hiking, but didn't have the time to hit Whitetop again.
injektilo - Jul 5, 2006 10:06 pm - Voted 10/10
Cool!The views from this one look pretty spectacular... those meadows are very scenic as well. Too bad about the cell towers though. Good job on the page.
BobSmith - Jul 6, 2006 2:33 am - Hasn't voted
Thanks!Given a chance, someone will throw a cell tower or microwave tower or radio tower on the highest possible peak. It's depressing how many high peaks here in the South have towers on them. Even Clingman's Peak--one of the highest in the East--has a series of towers on it which prevents you from actually hitting the high point.
JohnMcPike - Jan 5, 2014 6:03 pm - Hasn't voted
TN-VA-NC Tri State CornerDo you have any info on getting there?
BobSmith - Jan 5, 2014 8:19 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: TN-VA-NC Tri State CornerTo Whitetop Mountain or that corner of southwestern VA?
For the mountain it's this:
From I-77, take 21 north. Pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway, go through Sparta, and take 221 North toward Independence. Take 58 North toward Damascus. Pass Grayson Highlands State Park. Soon thereafter, take 600 on the right. In a couple of miles you will see a well marked forest service road on the left that leads up to the summit. One can take this road and drive all the way to the very top of the peak.
For that section of VA I'd just follow directions to Damascus, VA.
BobEnein - Nov 9, 2019 8:18 pm - Hasn't voted
Route descriptionFirst of all, thanks for your documentation, it gave me a good idea when I was hiking there. Seems since your post 2005, some changes may have taken place. For example there is a posted sign right off the AT parking lot on Rt 600 which is named Elk Garden, the sign says 2.5 miles on the AT till Whitetop mountain summit which seems more accurate than the quoted 3.8 miles and when I hiked it, I think the sign is more accurate. All in all a pleasant hike and thanks to you for giving us a great idea about what to expect once there.