The Jefferson National Forest area of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests extends from the James River southwest for 218 miles in Virginia. Elevations in the 690,000-acre forest range from 600 feet on the James River in the northeast corner of the forest to 5,729 feet atop Mount Rogers, the state's highest point.
The forest is mainly Appalachian mixed hardwoods interspersed with conifers. Wildflowers and autumn leaves create a profusion of color in spring and fall. Camping and picnicking are permitted forest-wide unless otherwise indicated.
The Jefferson offers 950 miles of hiking and riding trails, including 300 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the 68-mile Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, designed for horseback riders and wagon trains.