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Backfill missing internal links in navigation cards

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	<h3>Mount Rogers High Country</h3>		<h3>[[Mount Rogers high country\|Mount Rogers High Country]]</h3>
	The high country includes Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s highest point and the state’s highest mountain reached by motor road, respectively. Open balds, spruce-fir forest and rugged ridges shape the landscape. <ref>{{Cite web		The high country includes Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s highest point and the state’s highest mountain reached by motor road, respectively. Open balds, spruce-fir forest and rugged ridges shape the landscape. <ref>{{Cite web
	\|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r08/gwj/publication/JNF%20FEIS.pdf		\|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r08/gwj/publication/JNF%20FEIS.pdf

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{{Text hero
|title=Grayson Highlands and Mount Rogers
|subtitle=Virginia travel guide
|kind=destination
}}
<div class="vw-photo-hero-fallback-source" style="display:none">
{{Place header
|image=
|alt=
|kicker=SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA DESTINATION
|name=Grayson Highlands and Mount Rogers
|summary=High-elevation balds, rugged trails and mountain views in Virginia’s Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
}}
</div>

{{Place quick facts
|label1=Region
|value1=Southwest Virginia
|label2=Type
|value2=State park and national recreation area
|label3=Setting
|value3=Mount Rogers High Country
|label4=Known for
|value4=Hiking, scenic balds and feral ponies
}}
<div class="vw-place-intro">
At the high southern edge of [[Virginia]], the open ridges of Grayson Highlands meet the larger backcountry of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Visitors come for big-sky mountain scenery, rocky outcrops and trails that lead from easy day hikes to overnight wilderness routes. Grayson Highlands State Park is a popular starting point, but the landscape continues well beyond its boundary onto Forest Service land. Plan for changeable mountain weather, check current access information before setting out, and give the ponies plenty of room. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands
|title=Grayson Highlands State Park
|website=Virginia State Parks
|publisher=Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r08/gwj/publication/JNF%20FEIS.pdf
|title=Jefferson National Forest Final Environmental Impact Statement
|website=U.S. Forest Service
|publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>
</div>

<div class="vw-commerce-flow">
{{Book destination
|destination=VA-GRAYSON-HIGHLANDS-AND-MOUNT-ROGERS
|name=Grayson Highlands and Mount Rogers
}}
{{Viator maybe
|destination=VA-GRAYSON-HIGHLANDS-AND-MOUNT-ROGERS
}}
</div>

== Why go ==
This is a destination for experiencing Virginia’s high country on foot: broad grassy openings, exposed rock and long views make a striking contrast with the forested valleys below. The national recreation area encompasses both developed recreation sites and more remote backcountry, while Grayson Highlands State Park provides a well-known trailhead and park facilities. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r08/gwj/publication/JNF%20FEIS.pdf
|title=Jefferson National Forest Final Environmental Impact Statement
|website=U.S. Forest Service
|publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

The scenery is only part of the draw. Hikers may encounter the area’s feral ponies, and the surrounding forest offers room for longer hikes, horseback riding and backpacking. The landscape rewards a slower visit: take time to watch the weather move across the ridges, explore a short trail, or plan a longer route with a map and a realistic sense of the terrain.

== Highlights ==
<div class="vw-place-card-grid">
{{Place card
|title=Grayson Highlands State Park
|link=Grayson Highlands State Park
|text=Start among the park’s trail network, high-country overlooks and access points toward the Appalachian Trail and surrounding national forest.
}}
<div class="vw-place-card">
<h3>Mount Rogers High Country</h3>
The high country includes Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s highest point and the state’s highest mountain reached by motor road, respectively. Open balds, spruce-fir forest and rugged ridges shape the landscape. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r08/gwj/publication/JNF%20FEIS.pdf
|title=Jefferson National Forest Final Environmental Impact Statement
|website=U.S. Forest Service
|publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>
</div>
<div class="vw-place-card">
<h3>Hiking and backpacking</h3>
The Forest Service describes a broad trail network across the recreation area, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, Iron Mountain Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail. Route conditions and access can vary, so check current Forest Service notices before leaving. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r08/gwj/publication/JNF%20FEIS.pdf
|title=Jefferson National Forest Final Environmental Impact Statement
|website=U.S. Forest Service
|publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>
</div>
<div class="vw-place-card">
<h3>Wild ponies</h3>
The ponies are a familiar sight in the park’s high country. They are not tame: do not approach, touch or feed them, and enjoy them from a respectful distance. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands
|title=Grayson Highlands State Park
|website=Virginia State Parks
|publisher=Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>
</div>
</div>

== History and character ==
Congress designated the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in 1966 to provide for public outdoor recreation while conserving the area’s scenic, scientific, historic and other values. The area’s management reflects that dual purpose: visitors find developed recreation sites alongside backcountry and wilderness landscapes. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r08/gwj/publication/JNF%20FEIS.pdf
|title=Jefferson National Forest Final Environmental Impact Statement
|website=U.S. Forest Service
|publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

The open highland landscape is part of what makes the area distinctive, but these are also sensitive natural communities. Forest Service planning material describes high-elevation balds, spruce and fir forests, and rare plant and animal communities among the region’s conservation values. Staying on established trails and following current land-manager guidance helps protect the places visitors come to see. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r08/gwj/publication/JNF%20FEIS.pdf
|title=Jefferson National Forest Final Environmental Impact Statement
|website=U.S. Forest Service
|publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

== Planning a trip ==
Choose your starting point and route before you go. Grayson Highlands State Park offers its own trail system and access to trails in the surrounding Jefferson National Forest; routes beyond the park boundary can require additional navigation and preparation. For longer hikes, carry a suitable map, water, food and layers, and share your plans with someone who is not on the trip. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/gh-backpacker-info
|title=Grayson Highlands State Park Backpacker Information
|website=Virginia State Parks
|publisher=Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/visiting-grayson-highlands-its-not-just-a-walk-in-the-park
|title=Visiting Grayson Highlands: It’s Not Just a Walk in the Park
|website=Virginia State Parks
|publisher=Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

Conditions can change quickly at elevation. Before departure, confirm park hours and fees, trail status, road access, campground availability and any Forest Service alerts with the relevant land manager. Do not rely on older maps or trip reports as confirmation that a road, trail or facility is open.

If you see ponies, keep your distance and never feed or pet them. Keep dogs leashed and under control, and stay on marked routes to limit disturbance to wildlife and fragile high-country vegetation. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/documents/data/trail-guide-graysonhighlands.pdf
|title=Grayson Highlands State Park Trail Guide
|website=Virginia State Parks
|publisher=Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

== Explore nearby ==
<div class="vw-place-explore-grid">
{{Nearby card
|title=Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
|link=Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
|text=Explore the larger Forest Service recreation area of trails, scenic high country and backcountry.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Appalachian Trail in Virginia
|link=Appalachian Trail in Virginia
|text=Learn about Virginia’s long stretch of the Appalachian Trail and its mountain-hiking options.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Damascus, Virginia
|link=Damascus, Virginia
|text=Visit a Southwest Virginia trail town near the recreation area and the Virginia Creeper Trail.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Independence, Virginia
|link=Independence, Virginia
|text=Explore the Grayson County town and plan a visit to the surrounding highlands.
}}
</div>

<div class="vw-amazon-flow">
'''Travel books and maps:''' [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Grayson%20Highlands%20and%20Mount%20Rogers%20Virginia%20travel%20guide%20map&tag=virginiawiki-20 Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon]
<div class="vw-affiliate-disclosure">As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.</div>
</div>

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/destinations Mount Rogers National Recreation Area — U.S. Forest Service]
* [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands Grayson Highlands State Park — Virginia State Parks]
* [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/gh-backpacker-info Backpacker information — Virginia State Parks]
</div>

[[Category:Virginia travel guides]]
[[Category:Outdoor recreation in Virginia]]

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