In the Appalachians where Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina converge, mountains rise over 4,000 feet from base to summit. Such mountains are Mt. Mitchell (6,684′, the highest peak east of the Mississippi), Mt. LeConte (6,593′), Mt. Rogers (5,729′) and Roan Mountain (6,285′). Class III & IV whitewater rivers, including the Nolichucky and Watauga, slash deep, narrow gorges. Beautiful mountain lakes, like Watauga and South Holston, offer plentiful camp-sized islands, deep coves and hundreds of miles of shoreline. Opportunities for backpacking, hiking, bicycling, paddling, climbing and snow skiing abound in the Cherokee, Jefferson and Pisgah National Forests. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blueridge Parkway are part of this region. The Appalachian Trail crosses its tallest peaks and bisects expanses of undeveloped nature.

One of the most diverse and luring backcountry destinations of this region is the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Mt. Rogers NRA consists of 120,000 acres within the Jefferson National Forest, and stretches from Damascus, VA eastward to the New River. The NRA is situated amid several State Parks and campgrounds, as well as three Wilderness Areas. Notable features are Virginia’s highest peak, open balds, panoramic vistas, wild ponies, prime trout streams, the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail — a 34 mile “rail-to-trail” open to mountain bike, horseback and foot travelers. Four complete seasons offer colorful fall leaves, cold and snowy winters, spring wildflowers, and rhododendron blossums and blueberries during the hot summer. Strong wind and morning fog are nearly assured year-round.

Wherever the destination, Hiking Virginia is indispensable for exploring the Commonwealth. Authors Bill and Mary Burnham breath fresh air into popular Virginia destinations, and explore commonly overlooked yet equally dramatic hikes. Explore the history of a young American nation; watch stories of lost cultures come alive; and imagine the ghosts of Indian raiders, moonshiners, and outlaws haunting the backcountry routes of the past. Packed with notes on plants, trees, and geology, plus a list of local attractions and “good eats and sleeps” for the weary hiker, Hiking Virginia covers the Commonwealth’s outdoors from the sea shores to the mountain slopes, past and present.

Absolutely breathtaking. A hiking experience you will never forget and more than likely want to do more than once. Where is that you ask? Why, none other than the nationally renowned Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. This spectacular mountain range, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia offers all the great features hikers look for when indulging their pastime.

Mount Rogers is often referred to as Virginia’s rooftop due to it being the highest point in the entire state at 5,729 feet. It is beloved because of its Canada type of climate complete with similar forests. Yet others compare it to the Big Sky area of Montana.

Mount Rogers is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the United States and for good reason. We will get into that shortly, however, we will first give you a little information about this outstanding place. Mount Rogers is located in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range of southwestern Virginia and is in fact the highest point in the entire state, with its summit being 5,729 feet (a little over a mile) above sea level.

Obviously by being at that altitude it has lower average temperatures than other areas of the state. During the main hiking season from June to August temperatures usually run from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, dropping to 30 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit during the nights.