Virginia is home to a substantial portion of the Appalachian Mountain system, which dominates the western half of the state. This system extends for nearly 2,000 miles along the eastern side of North America. The state’s mountainous terrain is defined by two major sub-ranges: the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains, which run in a general southwest-to-northeast orientation. These ranges create a distinct geographical division between the coastal plain and the interior lowlands.
Virginia’s Primary Mountain Ranges
The Blue Ridge Mountains form the easternmost front of the Appalachian chain in Virginia, rising from the Piedmont region. This range is characterized by ancient, highly resistant bedrock, composed largely of Mesoproterozoic igneous and metamorphic rocks like granite and gneiss. The Blue Ridge is geologically older and more rounded due to hundreds of millions of years of erosion. This gives it a distinct, hazy blue appearance caused by isoprene, a hydrocarbon emitted by the dense forest vegetation that scatters blue light in the atmosphere.
West of the Blue Ridge lies the Great Appalachian Valley, which separates it from the Allegheny Mountains. The Alleghenies are part of the Ridge-and-Valley province, defined by long, parallel ridges and valleys formed from folded and faulted sedimentary rock layers. These mountains are geologically younger than the Blue Ridge, consisting mainly of Paleozoic-age sandstones and limestones. The Alleghenies present a more rugged, linear landscape of sharp ridges and steep escarpments, contrasting with the broader structure of the Blue Ridge.
Iconic Mountain Features and Destinations
The Blue Ridge Mountains host major natural destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually to experience the high-elevation environment. Shenandoah National Park is a primary feature, encompassing a significant section of the northern Blue Ridge and preserving nearly 200,000 acres of forested mountains. The park is traversed by Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic byway that runs along the crest of the mountains, offering 75 overlooks with expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Piedmont.
The southern terminus of Skyline Drive connects directly to the northern starting point of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Rockfish Gap. This 469-mile scenic road continues south along the spine of the Blue Ridge through Virginia and North Carolina. Both scenic routes offer access to numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking and camping within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
The Appalachian Trail (AT) also runs through Virginia, following the mountain ridges for approximately 550 miles, which is the longest stretch in any state. The AT often parallels Skyline Drive within Shenandoah National Park. This extensive trail network allows hikers to experience the diverse ecosystems of the mountains, from lower-elevation oak-hickory forests to higher-altitude spruce-fir zones.
The Highest Peaks and Elevations
The highest point in Virginia is Mount Rogers, located in the southwestern part of the state near the border with North Carolina. Mount Rogers reaches an elevation of 5,729 feet (1,746 meters), making it the state’s loftiest summit. The mountain is situated within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, which is part of the Jefferson National Forest.
This peak is notable for hosting one of the few remaining high-altitude Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forests, a unique ecosystem typically found above 5,500 feet. The summit itself is not accessible by road, requiring a hike, often from the nearby Grayson Highlands State Park. The second-highest peak in Virginia is Whitetop Mountain, which stands at 5,525 feet, located southwest of Mount Rogers.