Hike Mount Rogers
Details
Distance
8 miles
Elevation Gain
1080 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Christin Healey
This trail is also the highest point in Virginia, and because of wildfires, it is all big skies and pine trees, making it feel like somewhere out west rather than Southern Virginia.
First of all, who doesn't love wild ponies! There are tons of ponies here, and although they are wild, they are not afraid of people and you can get pretty close (just don't feed them!).
Once you enter Grayson Highlands State Park, you will see a parking lot for Massie Gap a few miles in, park here. There is an obvious trail, the Rhododendron Trail, that you will follow for about .5 mile until you reach the AT. Turn left, follow the AT to Wilburn Ridge, go past the Thomas Knob Shelter until you reach the short spur that leads to the Mount Rogers summit. There are no real views at the summit, but plenty along the hike to get there. Round trip the hike is 8 miles.
In the springtime there are tons of rhododendron, blueberries in late summer, and fiery colors in the fall. To top it all off, there are plenty of great campsites and shelters as well as nearby water sources. Dogs are also welcome and from personal experience, love this hike :) This can also be done as a day hike if you don't want to camp.
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Reviews
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Some of the best backpacking in the state
The sweeping views, wild ponies, and ample space to hike and camp make this area one of my favorites in the entire state. I've hiked or camped at Mount Rogers a few times, each very different from the last! Highly recommend stopping in Abingdon afterwards for a bite!
5.0
AMAZING
Horses are so friendly, it is wide open. Easy to follow directions!!! 10/10!
5.0
Best Backpack In Virginia
Such a beautiful hike with so many different terrains and landscapes! I felt like I was somewhere far far away from Virginia! There are tons of great backcountry campsites as the trail is located along the AT. It's super dog friendly and the ponies come right up to you!
5.0
Our Favorite Hike To Date
We hiked in from Massie Gap to Mount Rogers in late June and we quickly decided this was our favorite hike we've ever done. This hike offers the most beautiful views I've ever seen in the United States, and hiking among the ponies is one you won't soon forget! Plenty of beautiful camping spots. We hope to come back one day.
5.0
Gorgeous Scenery
I seriously loved this hike and it easily tops all the other hikes I've done this far in Virginia!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Nearby Adventures
Photograph Wild Horses at Grayson Highlands State Park
Hike Rhododendron Trail
Hike and Fish Cabin Creek Trail
Hike Wilburn Ridge
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