Broad mountain meadows and forests of spruce, fir and northern hardwood provide settings for seven developed campgrounds, which are open April through October.
A network of trails includes a 60-mile segment of the Appalachian Trail and others suitable for cross-country skiing. Three primitive horse camps adjoin the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. The 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail is popular with bicyclists. Most prefer to take the shuttle to Whitetop Station, the mountain’s highest point, and ride the 17 miles back down to Damascus. The area also offers good trout fishing and deer and turkey hunting.
The visitor center is open Mon.-Fri. 8-4:30, Sat.-Sun. 9-4, May 1-late Oct.; Mon.-Fri. 8-4:30, rest of year. Phone (276) 783-5196 or (800) 628-7202.