For peak #4, I decided to make the drive up to Virginia and hit the 5,728 foot Mt. Rogers. Rogers is amazing. So far, out of my summit experiences (though few), it is my favorite by far.

But first, dinner! I am a big fan of Asheville based Wicked Weed Brewing. I had the Class Beef Burger (medium) and fries, and a few of the on tap brews that were available, including but not limited to the Pernicious IPA (moderately hoppy and fantastic) and Oblivion (a very good sour). Then off to the hotel in Johnson City, TN for the night. I couldn’t get wagon wheel out my head…

I approached Rogers on the AT from Grayson Highlands State Park. This Grayson is a much, MUCH better play than the 2015 Georgia QB. I digress..

The trail is below tree line for most of the time. This means lots of exposed ridges with fantastic views.

And ponies! PONIES! They’re all over the place.

For this particular hike, I’ll let the pictures do the talking. Here are some views along the way.

I will say that the summit is interesting as you hike into the tree line. There are no views at the top. There is a US Geological Survey marker (yeehaw!). #4 in the bag. Sweet victory!

Why stop here?

Black Mountain, the highest point in Kentucky, was near by. A few hours anyway. I went ahead and made the drive. The hike is only 1.5 miles each way, so it can be done pretty quickly.

Black Mountain is owned by a mining company. There is a gravel road that leads to the summit from the Kentucky and Virginia state line.

To hit all the high points you have to go here, but let me just say, its extremely lame. There’s a plaque and US Geological survey marker at the top… and there are cell phone towers…and no views.

Not too much to get excited about, other than to claim peak #5 at 4,144 feet. And I had great cell service!

At least I did until I dropped (and shattered) my relatively new iPhone 6+ trying to take a picture of the aforementioned Black Mountain sign (which was well below the summit and 1.5 miles away).

To celebrate the summits, I had a High Point IPA from Virginia. It was okay but not hoppy enough having recently enjoyed Wicked Weed.

Sorry Kentucky, your summit was too stupid to deserve a celebratory beverage.