Overview
Mount Rogers is the highest peak in Virginia. While quite a few peaks in the Appalachians outside of Virginia are higher, Mount Rogers can claim to be the highest of the state highpoints east of South Dakota that lacks a road to its summit. The summit is covered by a thick spruce-fir forest and offers no views, but the trails to the summit pass through open meadows and cross bald ridgetops with far reaching vistas.
Mount Rogers is the centerpiece of a National Recreation Area. The summit lies within the Lewis Fork Wilderness Area and is reached by a half mile spur trail off of the Appalachian Trail. The main trailheads are located at Massie Gap in Grayson Highlands State Park and at Elk Graden on State Secondary Route 600.
While not as popular as the Great Smoky Mountains, those wanting solitude should use the area on weekdays or during low-use seasons. The following trails are heavily used : Appalachian Trail, Mount Rogers Trail, Virginia Highlands Trail, and the Mount Rogers Spur Trail.
To reach the summit from Massie Gap (elevation 4650') in Grayson Highlands, follow the obvious trail north for a half mile to the Appalachian Trail. Turn left and follow the AT up Wilburn Ridge through Rhododendron Gap and on past the Thomas Knob Shelter to the short spur trail to the summit. Total distance is about 4 miles one way. In my opinion this is the most scenic route.
From the Elk Garden Trailhead (elevation 4450'), follow the AT or the Virginia Highlands Trail (take each one way for variety) north to the spur trail. This route is also about 4 miles one way.
Wild ponies roam the open crest zone. Rhododendron thickets bloom in June.
Getting There
Mount Rogers is most easily accessed from Interstate 81. Take exit 45 at Marion onto State Route 16 and go south. Proceed a 33 miles to the junction with US 58 at Volney. Turn right (west) onto 58 and in 8 miles turn right into Grayson Highlands State Park.
From I-77, take Hillsville Exit 14 to U.S. 58. Travel west on U.S. 58, 40 miles to Volney. Turn left to stay on U.S. 58 and go eight miles to the park entrance.
Estimated Driving Time to Park from: Northern Va., 6.5 hours; Richmond, 5.5 hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virgnia Beach, 7.5 hours; Roanoke, 2.5 hours.
Inside the state park, park at Massie Gap Trailhead. Elk Garden Trailhead is located on Route 600, which leaves US 58 some 10 miles west of the state park turnoff.
Red Tape
Grayson Highlands State Park has an entry fee:
Per car peak season weekend day, $3
Per car peak season weekday, $2
Per car outside of Memorial Day-Labor Day, $2
The park gate is only open from 8 AM to 10 PM.
For More Information, Contact:
Grayson Highlands State Park, 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, Va. 24363, phone (276) 579-7092.
There is no fee or time restriction on accessing Mt. Rogers via the Appalachian Trail from Elk Garden on Virginia Secondary Route 600.
All national forest trails are open to foot and horse travel except the following foot only-trails: Appalachian Trail, Mount Rogers Trail, Mount Rogers Spur Trail, Cliffside Trail, Pine Mountain Trail, and Lewis Fork Spur Trail.
Dogs are required to be on a leash in both the State Park and the National Recreation Area.
When To Climb
Winter usually sees a modist snowpack develop on the highest peaks. Exposed ridgetops are hit with life threatening wind chills frequently during the colder months of the year, but winter ascents are not uncommon. The high elevation makes the area a comfortable escape from summer's heat.
Average daily temperature during the main season is between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 30-59 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The mountain can experience snow as early as September and into late May. During late spring and early fall, temperatures well below freezing (i.e. between 15 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit) are not unusual.
Camping
Developed fee-for-use campgrounds are available in the State Park and at several locations in the National Forest. Thomas Knob Shelter is very inviting, but AT through-hikers should be given "first dibbs" on the space. There are many nice campsites along the ridgetops. No fees or permits are needed for backcountry camping. State park camping is only allowed in the developed sites. No camping or fires are allowed on the summit.
Mountain Conditions
Information, Contact:
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
3714 Highway 16
Marion, VA 24354-4097
Phone 276-783-5196
800-628-7202
Email (This "mail to" link will insert a subject in your email which is needed to route your email to the NRA. Please do not change the subject line.)
Office hours are 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Mid-May to Mid-October the visitor center is also open from 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday.
OR
Grayson Highlands State Park
829 Grayson Highland Lane
Mouth of Wilson, Va. 24363
Phone (276) 579-7092.
Mount Rogers Weather Links
Maps and Other Links
Aerial View of Mount Rogers
USFS Mount Rogers Web Site
Grayson Highlands State Park Site
State Park Brochure and Map (PDF)
External LinksImages
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Grayson Highlands
