Grayson Highlands State Park: Difference between revisions
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Latest revision as of 17:47, 22 October 2026
Location
Mouth of Wilson, Grayson County
Park hours
Daily, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; confirm before visiting
Signature trails
Rhododendron Trail, Twin Pinnacles Trail, Appalachian Trail
Park address
829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Grayson Highlands State Park makes a striking base for exploring Virginia’s high country. Trails wind through woodland and across exposed highland terrain to overlooks, streams and waterfalls; the park also connects visitors to the Appalachian Trail and Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. The park’s elevations range from about 3,700 feet at its entrance to more than 5,000 feet at its high points.[1]
A walk from Massie Gap toward Wilburn Ridge is one of the best-known ways to experience the open highlands. Wild ponies may be seen in the area, but they are not tame: keep your distance, and never feed, touch or approach them. The park says human food is harmful to ponies, which may bite or kick when threatened.[2][3]
Plan a trip to Grayson Highlands State Park
Why visit Grayson Highlands?
The park’s appeal is the contrast between wooded trails and broad, high-elevation openings with long mountain views. It’s also a practical starting point for longer walks beyond the park: the Appalachian Trail passes through the area, and park trails connect to routes in the surrounding national forest. Choose a short loop for a relaxed outing, or use the park as a jumping-off point for a more demanding day on the highlands’ connected trails.[4]
Start here
For an introduction to the highland landscape, begin near Massie Gap and follow the Rhododendron Trail toward Wilburn Ridge. The park’s trail guide describes this route as access to the Appalachian Trail and highland scenery; conditions, route details and trail connections can change, so check the current park map before setting out.[5]
The park lists 18 hiking trails, from 0.3 miles to just over 3 miles, alongside trails for biking and horseback riding. Its posted trail guide and map are the best sources for current routes and permitted uses. On shared-use trails, hikers yield to horses, and bikers yield to both horses and hikers.[6][7]
What to see and do
Rhododendron Trail
Follow this popular hiking route from the Massie Gap area toward the highlands and Wilburn Ridge. Check the current trail map for route details and connections.
Twin Pinnacles Trail
A 1.6-mile trail listed by the park, with access to the Twin Pinnacles area and elevated views.
Cabin Creek Trail
This 1.7-mile loop leads through wooded terrain and past Cabin Creek. The park identifies it as a hiking trail.
Appalachian Trail
The park provides access to a section of the Appalachian Trail. Plan your distance and turnaround point using the current map and trail conditions.
Horseback riding
Horse trails connect through the park and into the surrounding forest. The park has horse-trailer parking and overnight stables; it does not provide horses for rides.
The trail names, mileages and uses above are drawn from the park’s current online trail listing; consult the official trail guide for route planning and updates.[8]
History and significance
Grayson Highlands is part of a high-country landscape near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain. The park’s connection to the Appalachian Trail and the surrounding national forest makes it a gateway to a much broader network of mountain routes. DCR says ponies were introduced to the park in 1974 to help prevent reforestation of the highland balds; the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association manages the herd.[9]
Planning a visit
The park is at 829 Grayson Highland Lane in Mouth of Wilson. DCR lists daily park hours as 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; office, visitor-center and store hours differ and may vary. Check the official park page or contact the park at 276-579-7092 for current hours, alerts, fees and access information before traveling. DCR notes that Virginia State Parks charge a parking fee year-round.[10][11]
Bring water, suitable footwear and layers for changing mountain weather. Stay on designated routes, leave plants and wildlife undisturbed, and give ponies plenty of space. On multi-use trails, follow posted right-of-way guidance; hikers yield to horses, while bikers yield to horses and hikers.[12]
Nearby attractions
Southwest Virginia
Explore the wider mountain region around Grayson Highlands.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Discover the mountain landscape that frames Virginia’s high country.
Virginia State Parks
Find more parks and outdoor destinations across the Commonwealth.
References
- ↑ Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Grayson Highlands State Park Trail Guide, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Grayson Highlands State Park Trail Guide, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Grayson Highlands State Park Trail Guide, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Grayson Highlands State Park Trail Guide, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Grayson Highlands State Park Trail Guide, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.