The Challenge
Did you know there is an area right here in Southwest Virginia that sits head-and-shoulders above the rest? Grayson County and Smyth County have five summits exceeding 5,000 feet and we are challenging you to take The Hike! The Five over 5000 Challenge will be an adventure full of breath taking views, wild ponies and the bragging rights of hiking all five summits over 5000 feet. Complete the Challenge by hiking all five peaks and taking a picture at each summit to prove it! There are no time constraints on the Challenge, complete The Hike in a weekend, over the course of a month, or a year! Challengers who complete the Five over 5000 Challenge will receive stickers and a pin from the Chamber of Commerce office and will be added to our Wall of Fame.
Mount Rogers | 5729'
At 5729 feet Mount Rogers is the highest natural point in Virginia The peak is the 19th highest state point in the United States and the 4th highest state point east of the Mississippi River.
Coordinates
36°39′35″N 81°32′40″W
Whitetop Mtn | 5525'
At 5,525 feet, Whitetop Mountain is the 2nd highest independent mountain in Virginia. Located at the juncture of Grayson, Smyth and Washington Counties, it lies within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area of the Jefferson National Forest.
Coordinates
36°38′19″N 81°36′19″W
Pine Mtn/ Wilburn Ridge | 5525'
Located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area of the Jefferson National Forest, is the 3rd highest mountain in Virginia at an elevation of 5,525 feet. Its peak is east of Mount Rogers and has excellent views of the surrounding region and Mount Rogers.
Coordinates
36°65′71″N 81°52′12″W
Buzzard Rock | 5095'
At an elevation of 5,095 feet Buzzard Rock, located in Smyth County in the Whitetop Mountain area,
is the 4th tallest mountain in the state, and just a quick hike from Whitetop Mountains highest peak.
Coordinates
38°94′15″N 78°30′20″W
Haw Orchard Mtn | 5007'
Located in Grayson County, Haw Orchard Mountain, with an elevation of 5,007 feet, is the 5th highest peak in Virginia. One of the lesser peaks of the Grayson Highlands that make up the area near Mount Rogers, the mountain is south of Pine Mountain and southeast of Mount Rogers.
Coordinates
36°62′96″ N 81°51′96″W
Fall colors and Virginia’s highest peaks make hiking the Five over 5000 Challenge in Southwest Virginia a bucket list adventure! Click here to read more.
Mary Beth Sheets
Jerry Sheets
Susan Guthrie
Andrew Livingston
Kile Kirk
Lynne Stroud
Steve Stroud
Mark Archibald
Sally Archibald
Hayley Gorham
Max Gorham
Cian Gorham (Dog)
