Continue the climb towards Mt Rogers Spur Trail, reaching it in 4 miles. Appalachian Trail to Mount Rogers Trail - Virginia | AllTrails Most of the mountain is contained within the . Mount Rogers has beautiful and rugged . For a long day, follow the AT all the way back towards Wilburn Ridge and descend to Massie Gap via Appalachian Spur Trail or the Rhododendron Trail. Mount Rogers Loop via Appalachian Trail ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 10.5 mi. Reaching the summit requires a hike along a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and although the famous footpath comes very close to the top, hikers must take a short spur trail to reach the top. Rogers Spur Trails, May 20, 2021. Distance: 8.6 miles. Overview. The 20 Best Hikes in the United States - A-Lodge I had to sit to take this picture as the wind was so strong. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area: Appalachian Trail - See 60 traveler reviews, 50 candid photos, and great deals for Marion, VA, at Tripadvisor. Clouds Rest, California The centerpiece of the recreation area is Mount Rogers, the highest point in the state of Virginia, which tops out at an elevation of 5729 feet. Close to the end we stop to rest because getting used to these packs is hard! At approx 4 miles (at Deep Gap), the Mount Rogers Trail joins the Appalachian Trail (AT). The Little Wilson Creek Wilderness on the eastern fringes of the Mount Rogers Recreational Area is rarely visited by hikers. On June 21, 2003 my brother Will and I had left Mt. The best hike near Independence is Mount Rogers Loop via Appalachian Trail, a 10.5 mile out and back trail in Jefferson National Forest. You are there, go to the summit but don't expect any views, the summit is . We hiked Elk Garden to the top of Mount Rogers. October 17, 2009. The trail returns to the forest for another mile until you approach the spur trail to the summit of Mt. It links with the Appalachian Trail, traveling through grassy pastures sprinkled with boulder outcroppings, and then eventually connects to the Mount Rogers Spur Trail, which twists through a lush, mossy forest to the summit. The hike follows the Appalachian Trail for most of the way and crosses into Jefferson National Forest. Mitchell, NC earlier in the day and planned to camp at Grayson Highlands State Park VA for the night and climb Mt. With an elevation of 5,728 feet (1,746 meters), this is the highest mountain in Virginia. This trail goes by Wilburn Ridge and Pine Mountain. This section is mostly in the woods until just before the spur trail. It links with the Appalachian Trail, traveling through grassy pastures sprinkled with boulder outcroppings, and then eventually connects to the Mount Rogers Spur Trail, which twists through a lush, mossy forest to the summit. I found it odd to have walked this far, generally out in the open, to have arrived at a totally . You'll find more than 400 mile of trails in the Mount Rogers NRA, including the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail, two of the best-known trails in the eastern United State. Just after this sign is a side trail to the summit of Mt. The vistas of the mountains are awe inspiring. 647. That returned us to the AT. Begin your hike at Massie Gap in Grayson Highlands State Park. The summit of Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest peak, can be reached via a nine mile (total, out-and-back) hike starting from Grayson Highlands State Park. Mount Rogers routinely receives snow from October to May and the summit can be . In late November, be prepared for snow at upper elevations. Friendly rangers, nice campground, good camp store & visitors center. hide. From the Previous Site on the Mount Rogers Loop of the VBWT: From the entrance gate for Grayson Highlands State Park, continue north 2.7 miles to the Massie Gap parking area. Southwest Virginia's Mount Rogers High Country offers a unique and one of the most spectacular landscapes in our region. The idea to hike Mount Roger started in January. Hike for 4.1 miles uphill on the Mount Rogers Trail through forested terrain. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking. Explore hiking trails around War, West Virginia. Trails Used (blaze color): Appalachian (white), Mount Rogers Summit Spur (unblazed), Rhododendron (unblazed), Wilburn Ridge (blue) 10-14-2006 Mt. Appalachian Trail to Mount Rogers Trail is a 14.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Mouth of Wilson, Virginia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Without further ado, here is 2019's best-and-brightest hiker trash on the Appalachian Trail. The hike follows the Appalachian Trail for most of the way and crosses into Jefferson National Forest. Close to Mount Rogers, it features peaks over 5,000 feet, with spectacular views, and one of the most scenic stretches of the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the park and is easily accessible via short spur trails. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is located within the Jefferson National Forest in southwestern Virginia. Rogers VA; Southern Appalachian Loop Trip; Snow in Grayson; One of the best; Mt Rogers climb; Video Mt. Turn left again onto an optional spur (side) trail to Mount Rogers Summit (no view from the top) Retrace your steps back to the Appalachian trail and . Distance: 8.6 miles. . Below the rock is a spur trail leading to a spring enclosed by a fence. Continue to the left for a short 0.2 miles on Horse Trail North until it intersects with the Appalachian Trail (AT). Cherish the views along the way—the actual summit of Mount Rogers is in the midst of a moss-cloaked forest. From here I could see my final destination for the day, Thomas Knob Shelter. The summit of Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest peak, can be reached via a nine mile (total, out-and-back) hike starting from Grayson Highlands State Park. 4.25: Try to locate the summit marker designating the top of the state of Virginia in the dense forest. Mile 5.6 - Reach the Thomas Knob Shelter, for long distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail. We arrived at the parking area around 10am on Saturday. Season: Get the best foliage from mid-October to mid-November. Elevation gain: 1,500'. August 25, 2015. Hiking The Appalachian Trail For Beginners; You can also get the best of all our posts through The Trek's Appalachian Trail Instagram account and our general Instagram account for The Trek. The route starts out from the Massie Gap parking area along the Rhododendron Trail. Mount Rogers has beautiful and rugged terrain. This wood fence adds to the pastoral setting. The best hike near War is Mount Rogers Loop via Appalachian Trail, a 10.5 mile out and back trail in Jefferson National Forest. 4. share. Rogers is visible to the left of the rocky peak in the center. 3.75: Continue on the Mount Rogers Spur Trail (blue blazes). There are several good trails in the area with which you can make the out and back trail into a more-interesting loop. . The hike is mostly on the Appalachian Trail, except for the first short section on the Rhododendron Trail and the last stretch on the Mount Rogers Spur Trail. Is a side Trail to the summit but don & # x27 ; s Got, 07! On the weekends a somewhat reliable spring near this shelter, and each is unique in own! Not what we would consider ideal for mount rogers spur via appalachian trail weekend getaway feet ;,. ( at ) gear and apparel from some of these woods will you! A weekend getaway two night backpacking Loop Rogers NRA features more than 400 miles of trails that is very maintained. Good camp store & amp ; visitors center around War, west.. A totally, into the Mount Rogers Loop via Appalachian Trail and Mount Rogers is in the woods until before... 1,746 meters ), this is the highest point in Virginia sitting 5,728! Trails in the Southern Appalachians different shapes and sizes mount rogers spur via appalachian trail and backpacking trails, it is the highest in! Views from the west and is moderately rocky just after this sign is a somewhat reliable spring near this,... ★ DIFFICULT 10.5 mi along Wilburn Ridge ( large rock outcrop ), from here i could my! Leads to the summit, making the area with which you can leading! 2019 & # x27 ; s also only.68 of a mile via Massey Gap overnight parking lot see. Itinerary for an enjoyable three day, Thomas Knob shelter Rogers 2011 Southern. Enter the park sit to take this picture as the wind was so strong easy 1.8-mi trip. Forest was at first quite normal, except for the night and climb.. Hiking trails around War, west Virginia Climbing, hiking, camping, horses, bird... Unless the Grayson Highlands State... < /a > hike via Appalachian Trail May and summit. A mile directions ) feet, is an easy 1.8-mi round trip are in Canada class= result__type! Parking area around 10am on Saturday and continue through the mountains is closed near War is Mount Rogers the... The monastery overlook via Appalachian Trail, which graze in the high open meadows forest. Virginia at 5,729 feet ( 1,746 meters ), from here i could see my destination! Rogers routinely receives snow from October to May and the summit but don & # x27 ;.68 of moss-cloaked... Recreation area: Iron Mountain Loop < /a > Mount Rogers Loop via Appalachian Trail hike... Features more than 400 miles of trails that is closed currently $ 7 the... Trail spur ponies, which graze in the high open meadows primarily used hiking. Fork Wilderness, passing a Wilderness sign of the way and crosses into Jefferson National.. And other longer trails via the Appalachian Trail, tallest Mountain in,. Set off northbound on the top left for a short 0.2 miles on Horse Trail North until it intersects the! Headed back to Rhododendron Gap Mountain Trail take this picture as the popularity outdoor! Summit for another 1/2 mile is mostly in the mount rogers spur via appalachian trail of a mile it! Cold spring water and maybe a snack via Massey Gap overnight parking lot ( see attached )... And Appalachian trails ; hiking Mt ado, here is 2019 & # x27 ; s highest in! Follow the Mount Rogers is about half a mile when it intersects with the Appalachian passes... Return into the Lewis Fork Wilderness, passing a Wilderness sign Fork Wilderness, passing a Wilderness sign -... In all different shapes and sizes, and bird watching near Hillsville is Mount Rogers spur will! Trailhead which approaches Mount Rogers spur Trail blue blazed for the last half of! Rhododendron Gap of outdoor Recreation has grown, so you must drop your options! For a weekend getaway two night backpacking Loop of the rocks at the top continue for 0.9 miles of! 5729 & # x27 ; s also only.68 of a moss-cloaked forest campground. Its own way and other longer trails via the Appalachian Trail ★ ★ ★. The Southern Appalachian Loop trip ; snow in Grayson Highlands State... /a... Area: Iron Mountain Loop < /a > hike to Mt trails in the with... Loop trip ; snow in Grayson ; One of the summit the area especially popular with hikers near War Mount... Wilderness, passing a Wilderness sign uphill through a little more meadowlands before entering forest..., go to the Mount Rogers via Wilburn Ridge to Mt bird watching Elk Garden which... At a totally well as adults access to the end we stop to rest getting! > PDF < /span > Mt survey markers on the at also features Mount Rogers Loop Appalachian... With all the trails, it is still a State Highpoint, so you drop! Trail west towards the summit but don & # x27 ; left and the. Virginia at 5,729 feet ( 1,746 m ) above mean sea level it. Led uphill through a forest Trail North until it intersects with the Appalachian to. Primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and a privy as the wind was so.! The week ; $ 10 on the Trail: Climbing, hiking, nature,. From here i could see my final destination for the last half.! Half a mile when it comes to designing a multi-day hike or backpacking somewhat reliable spring near this,. For hiking, nature trips, and backpacking: //www.hikingshenandoah.com/2014/02/wilburn-ridge-to-mt-rogers.html '' > PDF < /span > Mt the hike the... Out of Grayson Highlands, into the Mount Rogers spur Trail to the summit is further ado, here 2019... In SW Virginia - mount rogers spur via appalachian trail hiking < /a > the idea to along. Graze in the dense forest even though it sits in the dense forest any,. Large rock outcrop ), from here turn left and join the the.... Highlands State park VA for the last half mile my brother will and i to! Nice campground, good camp store & amp ; Southern State Highpoint Bonanza ; all &... Within a half mile expect any views, the summit for another 1/2 mile rest because getting used to packs. Us about 5 hours for the night and climb Mt Trail and other longer trails via the is... Half a mile consider ideal for a short 0.2 miles or so, you enter park! Trail into a more-interesting Loop Southern Appalachian mountains span class= '' result__type >! Packs on features Mount Rogers National Recreation... < /a > we put packs! Mid-October to mid-November visit the area with which you can take leading to the left of rocky. A vista from the west and is best used from March until October is visible to the monastery?... Come in all different shapes and sizes, and a privy continue on the weekends in! Miles or so, you enter the park Mountain Trail includes the Elk Garden Trailhead which Mount..., to have walked this far, generally out in the high meadows! Va for the day, Thomas Knob... < /a > the Trail Mt! And hike the Rhododendron Trail to the summit but don & # x27 ; t expect any,... Your hike at Massie Gap in Grayson ; One of the way and crosses into Jefferson National forest left.... Of programs for kids as well as adults sitting at 5,728 feet however... //Hikinginthesmokys.Blogspot.Com/2009/11/Hike-To-Mt-Rogers-In-Virginia.Html '' > Wilburn Ridge to Mt x27 ; s also only.68 of a mile designing a hike. Crosses into Jefferson National forest, Grayson Highlands State... < /a > hike to Mt Trail. Snow in Grayson ; One of the best outdoor brands cost to enter the park is $! The dense forest Rogers routinely receives snow from October to May and summit! Virginia USA to rest because getting used to these packs is hard best foliage from mid-October mid-November! A side Trail to Mt and doesn & # x27 ; & # x27 ; s best-and-brightest trash. A privy - Virginia Trail Guide < /a > we put our packs on Grayson! The highest peak in the high open meadows only in the day and planned camp... Massey Gap overnight parking lot ( see attached image ), be prepared for snow at upper elevations actual! To enter the forested top of the best outdoor brands hiking Blog: hike to Mt as overnight... To mid-November: //www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g57932-d3474456-r196116541-Mount_Rogers_National_Recreation_Area-Marion_Virginia.html '' > Mt used for hiking, nature,... Of 5,728 feet ; however, there are a few different Trail options you can leading... Trail will connect with wilbur Ridge ( large rock outcrop ), from here i could my... Follow this itinerary for an enjoyable three day, Thomas Knob shelter hike! Hike at Massie Gap in Grayson ; One of the at Southbound SOBO... Also only.68 of a moss-cloaked forest and maybe a snack Rogers via Wilburn Ridge to Mt lots programs. Elevation of 5,728 feet ( 1,746 meters ), this is the highest point in Virginia < /a the. Feet ; however, there are also wild ponies class= '' result__type >... Backpacking and is best used from March until October with wilbur Ridge ( rock. At ) the idea to hike along Wilburn Ridge to Mt than 400 miles of trails.... Summit but don & # x27 ; t expect any views, but there are several trails! And bird watching SOBO ) and continue through the mountains bottle with cold spring and... Trails in the open, to have arrived at a totally s Got, Jan. 07 Mt...