HIGHLIGHTS: This section of the Appalachian Trail runs from the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area to Catawba, Virginia (which is not far from Roanoke). The Trail crosses I-81 here near Atkins, crosses I-77 near Bland and leaves Southwestern Virginia at Pearisburg where the Shumate Bridge spans the New River. In Central Virginia, the Appalachian Trail continues over Dragon’s Tooth, a spectacular rock outcropping with great views of the surrounding valley, then passes near the small town of Catawba, VA which is known in thru-hiker circles for the Home Place Restaurant, a family-style eatery with excellent food.
