Things to Do in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is a vast 200,000-acre mountainous region located in Southwest Virginia. This area is characterized by Virginia's loftiest terrain, including Mount Rogers, the state's highest peak, and Whitetop Mountain. The landscape features a blend of rare spruce-fir forests, expansive open meadows, prominent rock formations, and distinctive mountain balds, providing a diverse environment for several sports like hiking, jogging, touring cycling, road cycling, and more. Significant elevation changes and an extensive trail system define the outdoor experience…
78
Routes
4.6
(24)
Average rating
503
People visited
17
hikers
27.1km
07:57
660m
960m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
11.4km
03:24
380m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
18.3km
05:52
1,060m
300m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
7.54km
02:23
450m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(7)
84
riders
53.3km
04:45
850m
850m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
37.1km
03:08
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
10.5km
00:52
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
14.0km
01:20
340m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
runners
18.7km
02:19
280m
280m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
7.44km
01:01
260m
260m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
2
runners
14.3km
01:57
490m
490m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
runners
11.3km
01:30
370m
370m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
riders
17.0km
01:24
80m
80m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
12.8km
01:10
170m
170m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
15.2km
01:34
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
40.3km
03:45
880m
880m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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54.2km
02:56
880m
880m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
52.2km
03:01
1,030m
1,030m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
25.3km
01:14
400m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
29.4km
01:48
680m
680m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.0
(2)
20
riders
37.9km
02:13
350m
350m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
7
riders
39.3km
03:14
230m
230m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
28.5km
01:37
260m
260m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
22.1km
01:13
160m
160m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What types of outdoor activities are available in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area?
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, touring cycling, road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking. The area features around 500 miles of trails, catering to diverse interests. This includes 60 miles of the Appalachian Trail and 18 miles of the Virginia Creeper Trail.
How popular is Mount Rogers National Recreation Area for outdoor activities on komoot?
On komoot, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area features more than 50 routes for various sports. These routes have been explored by over 1,000 visitors and hold an average rating of 4.65 out of 5 stars. The community has contributed 43 ratings to the available routes.
What are some popular hiking trails in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area?
Popular hiking options include trails along creeks, through diverse forests, and to mountain summits. The Rhododendron Trail leading to the Mount Rogers Spur Trail offers views along Wilburn Ridge. For more options, refer to the Hiking in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area guide.
Are there cycling opportunities in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area?
Yes, the area is a prime cycling destination, offering both touring and road cycling experiences. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a famous rail-trail ideal for family-friendly biking. Scenic roads like the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway also provide picturesque routes for road cyclists.
Are there easy or family-friendly trails in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area?
Yes, the Pat Jennings Visitor Center provides access to easier trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. The Virginia Creeper Trail is also suitable for family-friendly biking and trail running. For more options, consult the Easy hikes in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area guide.
What are the notable natural features in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area?
The recreation area is home to Virginia's highest peaks, Mount Rogers (5,729 feet) and Whitetop Mountain (5,525 feet). It features rare spruce-fir forests, expansive open meadows, and distinctive 'mountain balds.' Wild ponies also roam the highlands, adding a unique element to the landscape.
What komoot guides are available for Mount Rogers National Recreation Area?
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Running Trails in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, and Cycling in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. There are also guides for easy hikes, road cycling, MTB, and gravel biking.
Are dogs allowed on trails in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area?
The provided information does not specify dog leash rules or general dog allowances for all trails within Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Visitors should check specific trail regulations or contact the park directly for detailed information regarding pets.
Do I need a permit for hiking or camping in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area?
The provided information does not specify permit requirements for general hiking. For backcountry camping or specific activities, visitors should consult the official USDA Forest Service website or contact the park directly for current regulations and permit information.
What is the highest point in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area?
The highest point in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, and in Virginia, is Mount Rogers, with an elevation of 5,729 feet (1,746 meters). Whitetop Mountain is the second highest peak at 5,525 feet (1,684 meters).
How can I contact Mount Rogers National Recreation Area for more information?
The official website for the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is https://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj. The phone number for the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Office and Pat Jennings Visitor Center is +1-276-783-5196.
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