New River Birders,
 
Michelle, Chazzy and I spend yesterday searching for a route up Beartown Tazewell Mountain that would keep us on public property along the way.  Beartown is known by several names that include Beartown Tazewell, Beartown Balsam, and just Beartown Mountain.  Based on prominence, I rank it as the 4th highest mountain in Virginia at 4,710 feet.  We found a way to the top but it took us five hours to get up there..  We probably hiked about 9 miles - most of it off-trail.  It was a great day of hiking and as an added treat we got to see a Black Bear at the summit of this aptly named mountain.  High altitude bird species included Black-throated Blue Warblers (great looks), Veery, Common Raven, Juncos, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.  For those interested, here are some pics and a trip write-up:
http://www.pbase.com/aquilaet/beartown4
 
Ed and Michelle Talbott
Grundy, Virginia
 
P.S. - Yes, there is no such thing as a true list of "highest mountains" in Virginia or any other state for that matter.  After Mt. Rogers you must decide on a definition of peak, summit, and mountain and then define the prominence you are going to use to determine your list.  Everyone's list will be different and none will be either right or wrong.  For a definition of prominence and other terms that someone would use to determine their own state "highest mountains" list see:
http://www.peakbagger.com/help.aspx