Mount Rogers Loop via Appalachian Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a difficult out and back trail to Mount Rogers in Jefferson National Forest.

Trialhead parking is actually in Grayson Highlands State Park and can, at times, get crowded because this is such a popular walk. For most people, seeing the wild ponies in the area can be a lot of fun. There are also some very neat rocks to climb around on and perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch. The actual summit of Mount Rogers is a little anticlimactic because the survey marker marking the summit is in the middle of a forest but the walk is absolutely terrific. There are several good trails in the area with which you can make the out and back trail into a more-interesting loop.

This trail goes by Wilburn Ridge and Pine Mountain.

Getting Started

Enter Grayson Highlands State Park and drive around to the Massie Gap parking area. The state park also offers a nice campground (closed in the winter and often full in the summer).

Taking Children

Great place to take family - especially for the wild ponies.