Mount Rogers is a gorgeous hike on its own, but many people love this one because of the wildlife. The mountain is home to several herds of wild ponies, which can often be spotted grazing in the meadows and fields of the mountainside. Hikers should note that although the ponies are friendly and accustomed to people, they are still wild animals and should not be fed, no matter how tempting it may be. By taking the Rhododendron Trail to the Appalachian Trail, hikers can get to the summit on an 8-mile loop. The top of Mount Rogers doesn’t offer any real views, but the hike there has enough scenery to make up for that fact. There is a ton of natural life on Mount Rogers, from the wild blueberries that grow there during the summer to the fiery reds and oranges of the leaves during the autumn.
Mount Rogers Parking Area, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia