Good News Hikers

By VA Division of Travel and Tourism

Issue: September, 1989

For the first time, visitors to Grayson Highlands State Park and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in Southwest Virginia will be able to obtain a comprehensive full-color topographical map detailing all the trails in the area. The map was produced through a joint effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Historic Resources, Division of State Parks.

Trails in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Grayson Highlands State Park, Lewis Fork Wilderness Area, Little Wilson Creek Wilderness Area and the Crest Zone as well as the portion of the Appalachian Trail passing through these areas are included on the map. The back of the map features descriptions and difficulty ratings of the various trails. Also included are hiking and backpacking tips and information about each area on the map.

"By combining resources the two agencies were able to produce a comprehensive map of significant value to visitors to the Mount Rogers/Grayson Highlands area," said Ronald D. Sutton, commissioner of the Division of State Parks.

The 18" x 24" map (scale: 1:2400) was produced on a special water and wear-resistant material and is available for $2.00 at the visitors centers at Grayson Highlands State Park or Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and at the Jefferson National Forest office in Roanoke, Virginia. [The maps may also be ordered by mail by sending a check for $2.00 made out to Mount Rogers Interpretive Association; mailing address is M.R.N.R.A., Rt. 1, Box 303, Marion, VA 24354.]

For additional information on Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, contact the visitors center at 703-783-5196. For additional information on Grayson Highlands State Park, contact the visitors center at 703-579-7092. For information on any of Virginia's state parks, contact: Virginia State Parks, 203 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219, phone 804-786-1712.