“…the guide both novices and seasoned hikers will consider a necessity.” –The Daily Press

Product Description

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.

Also included is a special section detailing the Appalachian Trail through Virginia, taking thru-hikers along the six-week route from Damascus, Virginia to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Inside readers will find: detailed maps, accurate route profiles showing the ups and downs of each hike, tips on equipment, trip planning, hiking with dogs and children, accurate directions, difficulty ratings, trail contacts, and more.

The previous edition of this guide won the National Outdoor Book Award’s Honorable Mention prize for guidebooks.

From the Back Cover

Lace up your boots and choose from more than fifty of the best hiking trails in the Old Dominion. From an easy 3-mile outing in Shenandoah National Park to a 31-mile overnight trek near the Virginia-Kentucky border, Hiking Virginia features memorable routes for hikers of every stripe. Outdoor explorers and writers Bill and Mary Burnham cover every region of the state, taking you to such scenic hiking destinations as the nature preserves in Northern Virginia and the incomparable Appalachian Trail.

Packed with information on plants, trees, and geology, as well as local attractions and “good eats and sleeps” for the weary hiker, Hiking Virginia has everything you need to discover Virginia outdoors.

Inside you’ll find:
* accurate trail information and detailed maps
* clear directions from major access points
* optional side trips and overnight hikes
* a special section detailing the entire Appalachian Trail through Virginia

About the Author

Bill and Mary Burnham, of Gloucester, Virginia, have blended their love of travel, the outdoors, writing, and photography into a dual freelance career. They are co-authors of three guidebooks and hundreds of magazine articles. They tour the mid-Atlantic giving travel and hiking talks and slide shows. Publishing credits include: Backpacker, Blue Ridge Outdoors, GORP.com, Attache, National Geographic Adventure, The Washingtonian, Hampton Roads Monthly, American Heritage, Family Camping, MetroSports, and Racing Milestones.

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 part of the Jefferson National Forest and was established 45 years ago in 1966. The area comprises over 400 miles of planned trails and pretty much run the gamut as far as types of roads. There are some that are made to be traveled only by foot, while still some allow for horse and even bicycle usage. A word of advice; if you are seeking some solitude do plan accordingly as sometimes the area is very popular on the weekends and certain times of year.

Two of the more popular paths are the Appalachian Trail (AT) and Virginia Trail along with the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. One appealing aspect of the horse trail is that it is around 50 miles long and by virtue of connecting with several other trails it also offers many what are referred to as loop routes.

There are a number of things to keep in mind when planning for a hiking trip to this fantastic mountain range. Determine, according to the time of year you plan on coming, what type of clothing you will need and pack accordingly. As mentioned above, if you are seeking some quiet solitary time, you may elect to come when there are not so many people. There are almost always a number of folks around, just that some times of the year are more popular than others.

While hiking is understandably the most popular pastime in Mount Rogers, there are several other activities and forms of entertainment available. This is important to know because often if people are visiting as a family or group, there are obviously going to be one or two among you who may not be as into hiking as you are.

Plus, even if you yourself are there primarily to hike, there is inevitably going to be some down time when you just want to unwind and relax or perhaps find some different activities to take part in. Either way, rest assured that there will be plenty of you to do at Mount Rogers.

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.

In the winter Mount Rogers receives moderate amounts of snowfall and sometimes can even experience very dangerous wind chills. This however does not dissuade die-hard hikers from climbing and hiking it. The snowy season usually starts in September and sometimes runs all the way into May. During these times you can expect temperatures below freezing in the 15 to 25 degree Fahrenheit range. Make note of this so you can dress accordingly.

Now as far as directions to Mount Rogers. The best way is to take Interstate 81. You will take 81 until you hit exit 45 (Marion) and proceed southbound. You will then drive approximately 33 miles or so until you hit US 58 at Volney. You will then turn right (westbound) and go for around 8 miles at which point you will turn right and that will take you into the Grayson Highlands State Park.

Should you decide you would rather take Interstate 77, you would then take Exit 14 (Hillsville) to US 58. You would then proceed westbound for 40 miles until you hit Volney, at which point you will turn left, staying on US 58 for 8 miles which will take you right into the park entrance.

Now on to the fun part. Things to do and why you should consider Mount Rogers as part of your vacation plans:

Camping. There are a total of 96 campsites available. They range from electric and water sites with various equipment to standard with no hookups to even horse related campsites for those who are looking to saddle up while visiting. There are even group camping options and bunkhouses too.

The Trails. The park has more than two miles of bridle paths for getting your ride on. But do be advised, the camp does not have horses for the trail rides. There are a total of nine different trails in which to hike and each of these are around a mile in length. For those wishing to bike, there are several bike rental places at the park. However, if you choose to bring your own bike do make sure it is a mountain bike.

Backpacking, Wildlife, Fishing, Boating, Canoeing, Even Hunting Opportunities. Say what? Yes, even though the primary attraction is trekking around Mount Rogers, there is also a wide array of other activities available. And this comes in handy, especially if you are traveling as a family. Maybe not everyone might be as crazy about hiking Mount Rogers and may want to do something else for fun and entertainment.

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.