Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
At the edge of town, the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (MRNRA) stretches as far as the eye can see, across the highest peaks in the state, over mountain balds and spruce-fir forests, trout streams, and more than 500 miles of trails. The MRNRA protects 200,000 acres of National Forest land surrounding Mount Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia. From hiking, camping, biking, and fishing, to paddling, birding, stargazing, and scenic driving, you'll find a new adventure around every turn. Over one million visitors come to the MRNRA every year.
Virginia Creeper Trail
Best for: family-friendly biking, trail running, dog walking, flora and fauna, cross-country skiing
Learn more about the Virginia Creeper Trail
Appalachian Trail
Best for: hiking through the heart of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Learn more about the Appalachian Trail
Mount Rogers
Known for: highest peak in Virginia at 5,729' elevation, only accessible by foot
Best for: day hiking, backpacking, trail running, peak bagging
Whitetop Mountain
Known for: second highest peak in Virginia at 5,525' elevation, highest road in Virginia
Best for: day hiking, backpacking, sunsets, picnics, stargazing
Grayson Highlands State Park (nearby)
Known for: third highest peak in Virginia (Wilburn Ridge/Pine Mountain), high elevation balds, wild ponies
Best for: day hiking, backpacking, camping, horse trails, bouldering, scenic overlooks, flora and fauna
Beartree Lake Recreation Area
Known for: peaceful lake and campground
Best for: picnics, quiet developed sites for RVs and tent camping, group sites available, scenic lake open to fishing and non-motorized boating
Wilderness Areas
The MRNRA has four federally designated wilderness areas: Lewis Fork, Little Wilson Creek, Raccoon Branch, and Little Dry Run. Wilderness areas are defined by the Wilderness Act of 1964 as "an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain." Wilderness areas remain untouched by mechanized travel, commercial activity, and permanent roads.
Best for: family-friendly biking, trail running, dog walking, flora and fauna, cross-country skiing
Learn more about the Virginia Creeper Trail
Appalachian Trail
Best for: hiking through the heart of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Learn more about the Appalachian Trail
Mount Rogers
Known for: highest peak in Virginia at 5,729' elevation, only accessible by foot
Best for: day hiking, backpacking, trail running, peak bagging
Whitetop Mountain
Known for: second highest peak in Virginia at 5,525' elevation, highest road in Virginia
Best for: day hiking, backpacking, sunsets, picnics, stargazing
Grayson Highlands State Park (nearby)
Known for: third highest peak in Virginia (Wilburn Ridge/Pine Mountain), high elevation balds, wild ponies
Best for: day hiking, backpacking, camping, horse trails, bouldering, scenic overlooks, flora and fauna
Beartree Lake Recreation Area
Known for: peaceful lake and campground
Best for: picnics, quiet developed sites for RVs and tent camping, group sites available, scenic lake open to fishing and non-motorized boating
Wilderness Areas
The MRNRA has four federally designated wilderness areas: Lewis Fork, Little Wilson Creek, Raccoon Branch, and Little Dry Run. Wilderness areas are defined by the Wilderness Act of 1964 as "an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain." Wilderness areas remain untouched by mechanized travel, commercial activity, and permanent roads.
