Mount Rogers is 30 miles east of Bristol in southwest Virginia. It begins in Damascus and follows US 58 east to Volney. Another segment follows VA 603 between Konnarock and Trout Dale. Both highways are two-lane paved roads; US 58 is not recommended for vehicles longer than 35 feet. The byway is 56 miles long and usually remains open all year.
The Mount Rogers scenic byway winds through hardwood forests and rural countryside as it crosses Jefferson National Forest and Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Mount Rogers stands proudly at 5,729 above sea level and can be seen at various points along the drive. It also has the honor of being Virginia’s highest point.
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area encompasses 114,000 acres and is part of the Jefferson National Forest. Visitors will find numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Mount Rogers National Recreation Trail is found here as is the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Enjoy walking a short distance on either of these trails or plan a more extensive backpacking adventure. Either way, you’ll be treated to hardwood forests, numerous songbirds, and trickling streams. You might even spot a deer or two. Altogether there is over 400 miles of trail available to the hiker, mountain biker, backpacker, and horseback rider.
Those interested in a more passive activity will find numerous places to pull over and enjoy a good book or picnic. Grayson Highlands State Park is also a good place to find lots of picnic areas. The 4,754-acre park also offers camping opportunities. There are nearly 100 campsites available to tent campers and RVers. It also has comfort stations, shower facilities, and hookups at some campsites. Jefferson National Forest also has several campgrounds but none of the sites have hookups.