highest point in Virginia, U.S., reaching an elevation of 5,729 feet (1,746 metres). It is located in the Iron Mountains (a segment of the Appalachian Mountains), within Jefferson National Forest in the southwestern part of the state, 12 miles (19 km) south of Marion, on the border between Smyth and Grayson counties. The mountain was named in 1883 for William Barton Rogers, Virginia's first geologist. It is now the focus of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, which covers 183 square miles (474 square km) of rugged terrain laced with riding and hiking trails. More than 60 miles (97 km) of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverse the area.