A view of the significantly expanded parking area at the Elk Garden Trailhead from the Appalachian Trail.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
VDOT's Volney Area Headquarters crew and other agency staff and representatives of the USDA Forest Service, Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy celebrated the expanded parking at the Elk Garden Trailhead.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Mount Rogers Recreation Area District Ranger Ed Wright said his agency had wanted this project accomplished for at least a decade.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
James Schwartz, who oversees VDOT’s Wytheville Residency, talked about other projects that will be completed in Wythe and Grayson counties using federal funds.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
On beautiful days when people would set off to hike Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest mountain, or ride on the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, vehicles would often line the side of Whitetop Road near the Elk Garden trailhead, heightening risks for drivers and hikers.
VDOT's Volney Area Headquarters crew and other agency staff and representatives of the USDA Forest Service, Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy celebrated the expanded parking at the Elk Garden Trailhead.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
James Schwartz, who oversees VDOT’s Wytheville Residency, talked about other projects that will be completed in Wythe and Grayson counties using federal funds.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger