Hiking the Grayson Highlands in Virginia
The Grayson Highlands in Virginia are one of those places that feels like stepping into a movie set about hiking – but better, because there are wild ponies. Yeah, wild ponies that walk right up to you.
Tucked into the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia near the North Carolina border, the Grayson Highlands are an outdoor playground with epic views, windswept meadows, and rocky, open trails.
Grayson Highlands State Park is basically the gateway to Mount Rogers (Virginia’s tallest peak) and some of the most scenic stretches of the Appalachian Trail. The ponies? They’re the real stars though, chilling in the highlands like they own the place, because they kind of do.
But the magic doesn’t stop with the wild ponies. The Grayson Highlands delivers year-round adventures: summer brings cool mountain breezes, fall turns the landscape into a blaze of color, and if you’re brave enough to visit in winter, you’ll get frost-kissed solitude.
Hike the Rhododendron Trail for blooms or just kick back at a picnic spot with next-level views. Into birdwatching? Rock climbing? Stargazing? You’ll find all that here, plus a solid dose of Appalachian charm. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or just trying to earn those post-hike snacks, Grayson Highlands is a vibe you won’t forget.
For our first adventure together in the Park we utilized a combination of trails in both the Grayson Highlands State Park and the Mount Rogers National Forest lands including the Appalachian Trail, Rhododendron Trail, the Wilbur Ridge Trail and some of the Park’s horse trails.
You can find more about this hike:
- Our Hiking Gear Guide and Recommendations
- Our day hike backpack recommendations
- The Best Hiking Smartwatch
- The Best Hiking Sunglasses
- The Best Hiking Water Filter
- Top Ten Day Hiking Essentials
- Favorite Hiking Gear Under $30
- Recommended Gear on Amazon
- Shop Hiker Trash Husbands Merch
- Goodr Sunglasses
- REI Traverse 32 Pack
- REI Flash Air 50 Pack
- Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pockets
- Altra Lone Peak Shoes
- Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks
- Deliberate Life Designs Sandals
- REI Traverse Trekking Poles
- Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
- Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie
- Eddie Bauer HYOH T-Shirt
- Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
- Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
- Energizer LED Headlamp
- NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
- Garmin Instinct Smartwatch
- Garmin Forerunner 255 Smartwatch
- Garmin inReach Plus GPS
Important Hiking Considerations:
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear.
- Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It’s also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans.
- Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
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