Massie Gap to Mount Rogers

The route from Massie Gap to the summit of Mount Rogers represents the ultimate Grayson Highlands pilgrimage, ascending to Virginia's highest point at 5,729 feet above sea level on a journey that traverses some of the most spectacular high-country terrain in the entire Appalachian chain. The trail departs Massie Gap and immediately joins the white-blazed Appalachian Trail, climbing through open rhododendron meadows and across the dramatic granite outcrops of Wilburn Ridge, where the feral pony herd is almost guaranteed to be encountered grazing on the wind-swept balds. The views from Wilburn Ridge on clear days extend across three states, with the Tennessee Unaka Mountains visible to the southwest. The trail then re-enters dense old-growth boreal forest as it approaches the summit plateau, where Fraser fir and red spruce create an almost cathedral-like atmosphere. The actual summit of Mount Rogers is wooded and offers no view, but the surrounding landscape and the journey itself constitute the reward. Rare high-elevation plant communities including northern bog sedge and mountain avens grow along the upper reaches. The return trip rewards with extended views that were behind hikers on the ascent. Weather changes rapidly above 5,000 feet; afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through September.