Pat Jennings Visitor Center

Facility · Virginia ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Jefferson National Forest (NF) · Open Access

3,233 ft
Elevation

The Pat Jennings Visitor Center serves as the headquarters and gateway to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.  Located only 6 miles from I-81, the visitor center is in a peaceful mountain setting and adjacent to the Appalachian Trail.  The center is a great place to learn more about the area and pick up maps, natures guides, and memorabilia.  Clean restrooms, picnic tables, and the Two Ponds Nature Trail make this an ideal stop for visitors. 

Getting there

From I-81:  Take Exit 45 at Marion, Virginia onto State Route 16 South.  Follow State Route 16 South for 6 miles to the Pat Jennings Visitor Center on the right at the top of the mountain (address is:  3714 Highway 16, Marion, VA  24354).

36.81139, -81.42055 · 36°48'41.0"N 81°25'14.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in3.53.54.34.24.14.64.84.23.22.62.93.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Pat Jennings Visitor Center

Can you reserve a site at Pat Jennings Visitor Center?
No. Pat Jennings Visitor Center is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Pat Jennings Visitor Center

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.