Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is part of Virginia’s Jefferson National Forest and is built around the tallest point in the state. Having said that, it is much more than a mountain and offers some or the most spectacular mountain views you will find anywhere in the Appalachian chain.

Offerings

To get a sense of the area, you need to get out of the car. There are hundreds or miles of hiking and horse trails. Numerous fishing streams can be accessed throughout the area and many are stocked with trout. Some of the water can be paddled with a canoe or kayak. Part of the state’s premier bike trail (Virginia Creeper Trail) passes through the Recreation Area. Many campgrounds are also available in and around Mount Rogers.

Hiking

Hiking Mount Rogers is highly recommended and hikes can begin from numerous trailheads. I always recommend beginning from Grayson Highlands State Park. It will be necessary to pay to enter, but the is ample safe parking and the approach to the lacks any significant incline. It’s the easiest place to begin and you don’t need to hike far to capitalize on all the mountain has to offer.

Views

From vantage points all over the Recreation Area, one can find amazing mountain views. Mount Rogers is very near the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, so visitors will be looking at some of the highest Appalachian peaks.

The southern slope of Mount Rogers is grazed to keep down vegetation, which contributes to unobstructed vistas. In fact, the very peak of the mountain sits in a pine forest and a bit anticlimactic. The rest of the hike, however, is absolutely stunning.

Wild Horses

Wild horses are everywhere on the southern slope and contribute to reduced vegetation. Touching or feeding the horses is not permitted, but you will see people doing it. Be aware that the Forest Service does employ rangers to police the slopes, so it is best to obey the rules.

Campgrounds

The Forest Service manages eight campgrounds. Only two (Raccoon Branch and Stony Fork) are really adequate for RVs. Grindstone is a third, and one of my favorite campgrounds on the east coast, but it is currently closed for a septic upgrade and will not reopen before 2025.

Grayson Highlands State Park offers tent and RV camping. The sites are a little close together, but it is still a lovely place to stay. There is a small camp store and visitor center. Also, the amphitheater has, in the past, offered bluegrass music on the weekends, which can be a lot of fun.

I don’t really promote private campgrounds, but there are several in the area.