For your convenience CREEPER TRAIL CAMPGROUND is now taking advanced reservations. Whitetop Mountain is accessible 2 different ways. Beartree is closed during the winter months, but is a very nice national forest campground.Whitetop Mountain is also within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Rodgers. The Creeper Trail Campground (creepertrailcampground.com) provides RV and tent campsites next to the trailhead in the small mountain community of Whitetop. At Hicks White Top Campground, you're a 15- minute walk from Bristol Motor Speedway. Park here and take the AT south. The highlands of Southwestern Virginia are home to the two highest peaks in Virginia (Mt. The easy trail has a mild downhill grade all the way to Damascus and is well maintained. To me, there does not seem to be enough prominence between Buzzard Rock and the ridgeline leading down from Whitetop. $25 starting/night 3.0. View Whitetop Mountain Image Gallery - 24 Images. The town of Damascus, Virginia is located a near Whitetop Laurel Creek offers different locations to dine and purchase needed items. I agree. Whitetop Mountain is the State of Virginia’s second highest peak at 5525′, along with having the highest maintained road in the state. Whitetop Mountain is the second highest independent mountain in the U.S. state of Virginia, after nearby Mount Rogers. The campground … Take a left onto Whitetop Gap Rd following signs to the Whitetop Station. The Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is one of the most scenic Rail-to-Trails on the East coast. Creeper Trail Campground, Virginia - Camping & Campgrounds. The Wilderness Society has designated the area as a “Mountain Treasure”. The views from these meadows, just below the summit ridge, are among the finest in the Southern Appalchians. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. --Albert Einstein, Images Rogers at 5728' and Whitetop mountain at 5518'). You can make this a very short and easy day-hike by taking this road all the way to the top of the mountain, but I decided to climb it on foot instead… starting at highway US600 at Elk Garden and heading south on the Appalachian Trail. … A hiking trail starts at Elk Garden on Virginia 600. The road is also named County Road 600 and County Road 762. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Whitetop Mountain is the second highest mountain in Virginia and offers the highest public road in the state which leads to a summit of 5525 feet. There's space for about five or six cars and plenty of room to pitch a tent (though no facilities or water). Take a left onto Whitetop Gap Rd following signs to the Whitetop Station. Pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway, go through Sparta, and take 221 North toward Independence. Grayson Highlands Campground Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. It towers above the slopes that plummet down toward Damascus, and is connected by a wide ridgeline to another of Virginia's few 5,000 foot peaks, Buzzard Rock.This peak is also home to the highest auto road in the state, a well groomed gravel track that leads from SR 600 to very near the absolute summit. 339 likes. Hicks Whitetop Campground. Sometimes the winter weather in this area can be very severe with heavy snowfall. It towers above the slopes that plummet down toward Damascus, and is connected by a wide ridgeline to another of Virginia's few 5,000 foot peaks, Buzzard Rock.This peak is also home to the highest auto road in the state, a well groomed gravel track that leads from SR 600 to very near the absolute summit. The 200,000-acre Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is part of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, the only national forest in Virginia.The recreation area was established in 1966 by the Congress for the “conservation of scenic, scientific, historic, and other … H IKING/ B IKING/ H ORSEBACK R IDING. The campground has roughly 12 sites with electric and water hookups, as well as 17 primitive tent sites, and 3 group sites. The very top of the peak is clothed in a very healthy spruce-fir forest that, like the one on Mount Rogers, was spared the depradations of the wooly aphid that, along with the weakening effects of acid rain, denuded the highest peaks of the Southern Appalchians in North Carolina during the 1980s. Camping in the White Mountains. (276) 388-3983. The Creeper Trail Campground is only a 15 minute drive to ElK Garden Trailhead where hikers can trek to the highest peak in Virginia, Mt. All Rights Reserved. Buzzard Rock is considered a separate peak from Whitetop Mountain. Subtract at least ten degrees for the highest ridges. 3) Follow Whitetop Road/CR-600 for approximately 16.3 miles, until arriving at the Elk Garden parking area. At such times, the auto road to the summit can be gated. Camping Enjoy NASCAR races while staying at our campground. Campgrounds in Whitetop: Reviews, Prices, Book Online- including Pole Position Campground. 1. The high peaks of North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia are all visible from the vantage point of Buzzard's Rock.For now, though, I leave it merely as a footnote on the Whitetop Mountain post. It's a bit of a pull up the slope with a total elevation gain of about 3,000 feet. From I-77, take 21 north. It is also the third highest named peak in Virginia, after Mount Rogers and its subsidiary peak, Pine Mountain.It is located at the juncture of Grayson, Smyth, and Washington Counties, and is also within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area of the Jefferson National Forest. I have no idea why these two peaks and their ridges were spared.Whitetop Mountain, like the nearby Grayson Highlands, also has prime examples of high country meadows we commonly refer to as "balds" in this part of the country. … Campsites in 24292 (Whitetop, VA). The trailhead will be on the east side of Whitetop Road/CR-600.----- There is camping all along the AT. Whitetop Mountain is the third highest peak in the state of Virginia. The road winds through a variety of habitat, including eastern and northern hardwood forests, open meadows, mountain balds, birch-and-spruce forests, and northern red spruce forest. Visiting America's abundant and diverse state parks for a camping trip is a great way to make the most of summertime. There's a visitor center, campgrounds, and … However, when standing on Whitetop and looking down on Buzzard Rock, it appears that one is merely looking at a lower ridgeline emanating from the body of Whitetop Mountain. Hikes in this area boast beautiful views, and encounters with Grayson Highland wild ponies. ... Campgrounds and picnic shelters are temporarily unavailable for reservation on . Visitors can ride directly from the campground either 17 miles to Damascus, or the full length of the 34 mile trail, and then take a shuttle back to the campground. There is a camp store, and one bath house with 2 hot showers for men and 2 for women. There are several shuttle services, most in Damascus, and one in Whitetop. The summit provides panoramic views of three states on clear days and is known for the unique flora and fauna. Pass Grayson Highlands State Park. One of the rangers at Grayson Highlands was telling me that there is some evidence of limted glaciation on the peaks there between Grayson Higlands and Whitetop. (24), Climber's Log Entries One can take this road and drive all the way to the very top of the peak.If you'd rather hike, continue on 58 toward Damascus. You will reach a 4-way intersection where the Creeper Trail crosses the road. (4 ). From the West: Take exit 19 off of I-81, take 58-S through Damascus and continuing towards Whitetop, turn right on 726 for 1.6 miles, You will reach a 4-way intersection where the Creeper Trail crosses the road. This 17-mile section of the trail runs from Damascus, VA to Whitetop Station. Your browser does not support JavaScript! The campground is a converted Christmas tree farm with tent and RV sites situated among the frasier fir trees. Coming up from Damascus, VA will challenge even the most seasoned backpackers. The campground is a converted Christmas tree farm with tent and RV sites situated among the frasier fir trees. Reservations can be made on this website only. Both peaks are within a 15 minute drive from the campground. Coming down the AT from Mt. Camping is also allowed in the national forest sections of Whitetop Laurel Creek. Mile Summary and Highlights: 0.0 - Follow open forest road into Pond Mountain Game Land 2.7 - Trail split for Pond Mountain and Stone Mountain 4.0 - Pond Mountain summit (4,960 feet) and 360° views 5.7 - Forested summit trail to Stone Mountain 6.1 - Stone Mountain summit (4,980 feet) beside abandoned cabin 6.8 - Tri-state corner of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia (4,628 feet) It seems to be a full mile from the summit of Whitetop, and there is about 500 feet of prominence separating them. A short video slideshow of a visit to the natural bald high up on Whitetop Mountain in Grayson County, Virginia. From these peaks, one can stand and view such notable summits as Grandfather Mountain, and see the slopes of the Ski Beech resort far off in the distance. It features full or partial hookup campsites that are big rig friendly. Take a left onto Whitetop Gap Rd following signs to the Whitetop Station. From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers. (18), Comments So they were obviously alpine at one point. Continue 1 mile past Whitetop Station and the campground will be on your right. Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail & Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Whitetop Mountain/Forest Road 89 Trailhead. "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." Rogers at 5728' and Whitetop mountain at 5518'). American Land and Leisure. Elk Garden Trailhead, SR600 crossing. Use caution if the weather become icy or snowy. I've heard that, too. Even in August, when the huckleberries bloom along the Appalachian Trail, it seems like Christmas at Whitetop Mountain.Near the tri-state corner of Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina, this mile-high peak in southwest Virginia rises in three counties – … W hitetop Mountain is the second-highest mountain in Virginia. 2) Take exit 35 at Chilhowie, and then turn south onto Whitetop Road. Both peaks are within a 15 minute drive from the campground. Spend a day at one of the local festivals and relax at the cabin at night. Campgrounds & Recreational Vehicle Parks. If you have additional questions please contact the park directly at (276)-388-3426. Further information on shuttles can be found at. We do not offer shuttle services at the moment. At 5520 feet, Whitetop Mountain is the second highest summit in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the highest point that can be accessed by vehicle. Soon thereafter, take 600 on the right. Bike rental is available. The views here, on a clear day, are nothing less than perfect. The summit provides panoramic views of three states. Whitetop Mountain is the third highest peak in the state of Virginia. A slight dip is all that defines it from the ridge.It has been said that Buzzard Rock offers one of the finest grandstands in all of Southern Appalachia for viewing some of the varioius ranges that make up the highlands. Hike: Drive up State Road 60 to reach the top of Whitetop Mountain. Find the best campgrounds & rv parks near Whitetop, Virginia. ...take the AT northbound (east from the road), not southbound as stated above. Please input the date in MM dash DD dash YYYY format. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. You can choose a family-friendly or rv-friendly campground near your favorite attraction, a backcountry tent site or a White Mountain National Forest Campground site. Whitetop Station is a visitor center that shares the story of the local train history and mountain community through displays of historic photos and memorabilia. The trail meanders along the beautiful Laurel River which is also an acclaimed trout fishing stream. Enjoy this cabin with a terrific view of Whitetop Mountain. Whitetop Mountain (conservation area) is a wildland in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests of western Virginia that has been recognized by the Wilderness Society as a special place worthy of protection from logging and road construction. Please review the park details and information. There are no facilities offered on the stocked portions of Whitetop Laurel Creek and limited roadside parking available on route 58. From the North: From I-81 take exit 35, take 107-S (Whitetop Rd), turn right on 603 (Konnarock Rd), turn left on 58-S for 5.8 miles, turn right on 726 for 1.6 miles, You will reach a 4-way intersection where the Creeper Trail crosses the road. With natural beauty and plenty… Read More >>> There is a central sewer dump station. It crosses over 30 tressels and meanders along mountain streams. The very top of the peak is clothed in a very healthy spruce-fi… The highest navigable road in Virginia leads to its summit. The trail is a steady climb the entire way, gaining 1600 feet in elevation. Access 2 trusted reviews, 0 photos & 0 tips from fellow RVers. At the very top of the mountain, the Appalachian Trail crosses. Also note that you can spare yourself 1.3 miles each way and a couple hundred feet of gain/loss by parking at the junction of the AT and Beech Mountain Road (county route 601; smooth gravel; turn east off US-58 north of where it meets the AT). This area is located inside the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Campgrounds in Whitetop: Reviews, Prices, Book Online- including Pole Position Campground. In a couple of miles you will see a well marked forest service road on the left that leads up to the summit. There are developed campgrounds at Grayson Highlands State Park, and at Beartree (national forest campground), closer to Damascus. Informed RVers have rated 20 campgrounds near Whitetop, Virginia. While Buzzard Rock is widely listed as one of only five 5K foot peaks in the state of Virginia, and has its own listing on most topographic maps, I personally don't see it as a separate peak. 2248 Whitetop Gap Road, Whitetop, VA, 24292 Creeper Trail Campground is located near Whitetop, Virginia. On the right, see a sign marking an Appalachian Trail crossing. The highlands of Southwestern Virginia are home to the two highest peaks in Virginia (Mt. Please use a JavaScript enabled browser in order to access the full functionality of this site. Shadrack Campground 35 miles away from Whitetop. At an elevation of over 3500 feet, the campground is a great get-away from the summer heat, with temperatures typically 10 degree cooler than lower elevations. Buzzard Rock and Whitetop are right behind it. Page content has changed. Take 58 North toward Damascus. Best Camping in White Mountains on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 92 camping in White Mountains, New Hampshire, United States. The Creeper Trail Campgroud is located only 200 feet from the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail which is one of the most scenic Rail-to-Trails on the East Coast. Indeed, I think that on a technicality, it fits the bill. Whitetop Mountain. Use landmarks to navigate fresh content. However, the grade is gentle and never exceeds 5%. | GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK: Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. All year. The trail leads 3.8 miles to Buzzard Rock, and a side trail of a half mile will take you the rest of the way to the summit of Whitetop. In case you didn’t already know, White Mountain National Forest is one seriously epic corner of the good ol’ US of A. Basin Campground is a great base camp to explore the nearby wilderness, which includes snow-capped mountains, loads of trees,and hiking trails and fishing a’plenty. Check the weather for either Independence or Damascus. ... Blue Bear Mountain Campground 20.6 miles away from Whitetop. Compare campsites at campgrounds in or near 24292 in Virginia. At that point are toilet facilities and also a signboard showing the route the App Trail takes both to the east and to the west. Rogers, just a simple jaunt. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. Whitetop. Visit Mount Rogers at Grayson Highlands State Park or relax in the cabin. (28), Additions & Corrections Continue 1 mile past Whitetop Station and the campground will be on your right. The campground is a former christmas tree farm with tent and RV sites. 7. Continue 1 mile past Whitetop Station and the campground will be on your right. Sunset on Whitetop Mountain is something rather incredible. An interesting fact about the Whitetop Mountain bald area is that it is thought to be a last remnant of alpine vegetation in the area, as unlike the Grayson Highlands/Wilburn Ridge area and Elk Garden, it has been bald throughout recorded history (The Native Americans called it "The Bald Mountain"). About a mile in, you'll reach a pasture from which Beech Mountain will be clearly visible. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a mild downhill from Whitetop to Damascus of well-maintained flat trail crossing over 30 trail tressels. If hiking from up the AT, just use common sense in bad weather. Creeper Trail Campground, Whitetop: See traveler reviews, 3 candid photos, and great deals for Creeper Trail Campground, ranked #1 of 1 specialty lodging in Whitetop and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Enjoy the sunroom or gas log fireplace after a day of outdoor recreation. Website. First off, if you've hiked any of the Appalachian Trail in the Highlands area, you should be familiar with Whitetop. Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia A peak elevation of 5,520 feet atop one of Virginia’s highest peaks makes this summit bid a family-friendly trek to views of the rolling forests of Appalachia. Space for about five or six cars and plenty of room to pitch tent... 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