Elk Garden Trailhead access project completed, VDOT says (copy)
Those interested in finding, photographing and enjoying all the autumn colors that far Southwest Virginia has to offer have a new spot to do so, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
According to a news release, VDOT, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and USDA Forest Service recently gathered at the Elk Garden trailhead to celebrate the recent expansion of the parking area located at the Smyth-Grayson County line along Whitetop Road.
Officials from area agencies prepare for the ribbon cutting of the expansion of the Elk Garden Trailhead, which includes about three times more parking space.
The expansion provides over three times the available parking, plus improved access points along the parking area to protect rare plants around the perimeter.
The project also provides larger parking spaces for horse trailers at the popular location for folks on foot headed toward Mt. Rogers Summit or on horseback on the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.
Perched between Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Elk Garden is a beloved access point to the Appalachian Trail as it traverses past ponies and rare ecosystems on the two highest peaks in Virginia.
Wild ponies are a common scene near the Elk Garden Trailhead.
This project is an example of the Appalachian Trail's cooperative management system at work, said Jerry Kyle, High Country Regional Manager for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. It required cooperation between VDOT, the USDA Forest Service, Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
"The new Elk Garden and Fox Creek parking lots have improved both highway safety and public access to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Southwest Virginia," Kyle said. "These new improvements also protect sensitive species, and the A.T. experience for the long term."
Federal Land Access Program funds were obtained for the project, and VDOT’s Volney Area Headquarters performed the work. Additionally, the crew recently improved access to the Lewis Fork Trailhead, a horseback riding trail off Route 603 in Grayson County.
“Expanding access points like Elk Garden makes it easier for hikers, horseback riders and families to get out and enjoy the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. These improvements don’t happen alone — they’re the result of strong partnerships committed to serving the public,” said Area Ranger Ed Wright.
“When we work together to enhance recreation infrastructure, we not only help people experience their national forest, we also support the local communities whose economies benefit from increased visitation.”
The release states three additional federal land access projects will be completed next summer:
- Route 603 (Grayson County) Appalachian Trail Access at Fox Creek: A second entrance will be constructed, and the current parking area will be expanded into a horseshoe-shaped parking area. Work will be performed by VDOT’s Volney Area Headquarters.
- Route 603 (Grayson County) Scales Access: Parking for multiple horse trailers and car parking will be constructed in a currently open hay field. Work will be completed by VDOT’s Volney Area Headquarters.
- Route 643 (Wythe County) Collins Cove: Construction of a day parking facility at Collins Cove Horse Camping area, providing parking for fishing along Cripple Creek. Work will be completed by VDOT’s Wytheville Area Headquarters.
The five federal land access projects carry a price tag of about $625,000.
