The Tallest Mountain In Virginia Offers Inviting Hiking Trails With Appalachian Views

At 5,729 feet, Mount Rogers claims the title of the highest mountain in Virginia and is fondly referred to as the "rooftop of Virginia." Located around 35 miles south of Abingdon, one of the most charming small towns to visit in Virginia, and about a two and a half hour drive north from Charlotte, the mountain was named after the geologist and physicist William Barton Rogers, who was the founder and president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). But Mount Rogers isn't just any old mountain, its summit is home to one of only six remaining high-altitude Southern Appalachian spruce forests, meaning there's no panoramic view from the top. Still, the many hiking trails leading up there more than make up for it, providing some stunning scenery as you make your way to the tree line.

Mount Rogers lies within the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, part of the George Washington-Jefferson National Forests. This protected area covers around 200,000 acres and also includes Virginia's second-highest peak, Whitetop Mountain. It's a hiker's paradise with over 500 miles of trails, including a section of one of the best long-distance trails in the world, the Appalachian Trail (AT). But it's not just for walkers, there's a range of camping facilities and other outdoor activities like mountain biking, horseback riding, paddling, and fishing. For nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, there's some interesting and unexpected wildlife to look out for on your way up to the top.

The popular 10.6-mile Mount Rogers via Appalachian Trail hike starts at Massie Gap, around 36 miles south of Marion. Located within one of the underrated State parks on the East Coast, Grayson Highlands, this area is famous for its wild ponies, often seen grazing in the meadows as you head up the Rhododendron Trail to meet the AT. There are two paid parking lots here, one for day use, where it's best to arrive early, and one for overnight hikers, which, due to its popularity, must be reserved in advance. From here, follow this challenging out-and-back trail through some stunning landscapes over Wilburn Ridge, before reaching the summit. The full route over rocky terrain will take around five hours to complete. No permits are needed to hike this part of the AT.

The Virginia Highlands Horse Trail is a 67-mile track that winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Mount Rogers Recreation Area. Designed primarily for horseback riding, parts of the trail are often used by hikers and mountain bikers. It begins at Elk Garden and ends at Route 94 near Ivanhoe. There are designated campsites along the way, complete with horse camps and trailer parking. If you're more into fishing, there are several well-stocked creeks and lakes throughout the area, including Lewis Fork, Whitetop Laurel Creek, and Beartree Lake, where you can catch rainbow trout. Although the main season for outdoor activities typically runs from spring through to November, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in the winter months. Elk Garden Trailhead to the southwest of Mount Rogers is a popular starting point.

As well as the 120 or so wild ponies that roam the lower slopes of Mount Rogers, there is an abundance of wildlife to discover. Black bears, white-tailed deer, and bobcats have occasionally been spotted, and look out for the colorful scarlet tanagers in the canopy or red-tailed hawks above the ridge line. The ponies themselves, thought to be of Shetland descent, were introduced to help maintain the grassy meadows. Although essentially wild, they've gotten used to people, and unfortunately, some haven't stuck to the Leave No Trace principles. They should be treated like all other wild animals, so please keep your distance.

If you're staying for a while, there are several campgrounds within the recreation area, including Chestnut Hollow, Hickory Ridge, Grayson Highlands, and Grindstone. And to experience Virginia to the fullest, add a visit to Damascus or Abingdon to your itinerary. Damascus, otherwise known as "The Trail Town," sits at the crossroads of several other well-known trails, including the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Iron Mountain Trail. At 18.6 miles from Mount Rogers, it also holds the title of "Friendliest town on the Appalachian Trail," and every year in May, the town's population grows from around 650 residents to an estimated 20,000 people who all come together to celebrate the Trail Days Festival. The historic town of Abingdon, just a short drive away, has a range of things to do and a thriving arts scene. The Barter Theatre there is the longest-running professional theater in the U.S. and has seen many well-known actors such as Gregory Peck and Frances Fisher light up its stage.