VISIT DAMASCUS, VA
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  • Adventure
    • Local Highlights
    • Virginia Creeper Trail
    • Appalachian Trail (AT)
    • Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    • Highlands Horse Trail
    • Motor Routes
  • Downtown
    • Damascus Trail Center
    • Town Parks
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    • Coolest Pool on the Trail
    • History Tour
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    • Events Calendar
    • A Trail Town Christmas
    • Contra Dance: Trail Town Twirl
    • Appalachian Trail Days Festival >
      • Event Info
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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.
Rules for Forest Visitors
Check for Alerts from the US Forest Service
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.

ADDRESS

P.O. Box 576
208 West Laurel Avenue
​Damascus, VA 24236

PHONE

(276) 475-3831

EMAIL

info (at) damascus .org

​Copyright 2023 ​©
  • Home
  • Adventure
    • Local Highlights
    • Virginia Creeper Trail
    • Appalachian Trail (AT)
    • Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    • Highlands Horse Trail
    • Motor Routes
  • Downtown
    • Damascus Trail Center
    • Town Parks
    • Farmers Market
    • Coolest Pool on the Trail
    • History Tour
    • Dining & Drinks
    • Shopping
    • Damascus Business Group
    • Live in Damascus >
      • Real Estate
      • Damascus Library
      • Schools
      • Healthcare
      • Religious Organizations
  • Stay
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Campgrounds & RV Parks
    • Inns & Lodges
    • Vacation Rentals
  • Events Calendar
    • Events Calendar
    • A Trail Town Christmas
    • Contra Dance: Trail Town Twirl
    • Appalachian Trail Days Festival >
      • Event Info
      • Sponsors & Vendors
      • Trail Days Schedule
      • Music Lineup
  • FAQ
  • Parking
  • Media
  • Merch