The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is located in the southern portion of Smyth County and is named for Mount Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia at 5,729 feet above mean sea level. The Area is located only 30-45 minutes south of Interstate 81, from either exit 35 at Chilhowie, or exit 45 in Marion. The Headquarters building is located on Route 16 about 5 miles south of exit 45 where the road crosses Brushy Mountain. The Appalachian Trail crosses Route 16 at this location.
The Grayson Highlands State Park joins the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and the Jefferson National Forest on the South side. From Massie Gap, in the Grayson Highlands Park, there is one of the best scenic hiking trails to the top of Mount Rogers which crosses the Appalachian Trail on the way. A round trip hike can be made easily in one day. To reach the park, drive south on Route 16 from the Marion exit 45 on Interstate 81, 33 miles to Route 58, turn right (west) on Route 58 and continue 8 miles to the Park entrance.