Welcome to Grayson Highlands State Park where the wild ponies roam free, and the trails take you to breathtaking summit views or blissful waterfalls. Reminiscent of rural England, Grayson Highlands State Park serves as a hub for almost two dozen trails for all sorts of adventures.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Hiking, Biking, Horse-Riding, Fishing, Bouldering

Hikers have access to nearly three miles of the famed 2150 mile Appalachian Trail that winds through the park's northern border as well as a vast network of trails; equestrians' pursuits are met by dedicated trails and connection spurs to the 52-mile Virginia Highland's Horse Trail; mountain bikers can ride miles of orchard and logging trails from either of the two park campgrounds; and anglers can choose from ten miles of sparkling mountain streams swimming with native brook and wild rainbow trout. If that's not enough, Grayson Highlands State Park is considered one of the best bouldering sites in Virginia and has four main boulder fields plus three smaller ones.

Grayson Highlands State Park

• Hours: 8am - 10pm
• Entrance Fees: $7/car except on weekends from April through October: $10/car (camping reservation includes this fee)
• Backpacker parking: $8/night. Must have reservation for the backpacker overnight parking lot; no overnight parking at the Massie Gap parking lot.

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Grayson Highlands State Park Massie Gap Parking Lot

If you find yourself camping at either Hickory Ridge or Chestnut Hollow Campground, then you won't find a better jumping off point for your Grayson Highlands State Park adventure than near the Massie Gap parking lot. Named for a family that occupied the land back in the day, Massie Gap (and its parking area) gives you access to a number of great trails and may be the only place you need to go to begin a day or two in the outback and experience the best that Grayson Highlands has to offer. TIP: restrooms located near Massie Gap parking lot

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Grayson Highlands State Park Hikes

If you are new to hiking, or you are a hiker and want to get your spouse or kids excited about the pursuit, then know there is nothing like a carrot to dangle out in front to inspire your crew - and each of these Grayson Highlands State Park hikes is a big juicy one indeed.

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Hiking Rhododendron Trail - Boulders and Wild Ponies

At only one-third of a mile and not much elevation gain, the Rhododendron Trail may be the perfect introduction to a life of exploration. If by chance the Grayson Highlands wild ponies are gathered in the meadow near the trailhead, then you might be inspired to call it a day --- but you'd be missing out on a great hike and some other iconic opportunities.

After a steep climb, the trail levels off to a comfortable grade. Keep an eye east for some huge boulders that are great for a mid-hike scramble that are just challenging enough to make you glad you came, but not so much that you are inclined to turn back. Continue on the Horse Trail North or take a turn on the famous Appalachian Trail (AT) which runs parallel. In most cases you are bound to run into the wild ponies that have occupied the area since 1975.

If you a feeling especially adventurous (and prepared) this is a good jumping off point for a few days on the Appalachian Trail.  A full day's hike (9 plus miles round trip) will get you from Massie Gap to Thomas Knob Shelter and the top of Mount Rogers with a good taste of the storied AT trail.

Things to Know:

• Be prepared for wild temperature swings and sudden precipitation in Grayson Highlands State Park.
• Do not feed the wild ponies.
• Thomas Knob Shelter has a water source 150 yards behind it.
• Leashed dogs allowed on the trail.

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Cabin Creek Trail - Grayson Highlands Waterfall Hike

If you've come looking for water and a little more of a challenge, then hike the Cabin Creek Trail, a 2-mile loop, just west of Grayson Highlands State Park's Massie Gap hub. An enchanting green tunnel of rhododendron greets you through first stretch giving way to a rolling trail over fern embanked slopes and the streams run with stocked brown and wild rainbow trout.

The payoff at mid-way point are the tiered waterfalls which offer a lot of opportunity for bouldering, cooling off, or some fun water play.

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Big Pinnacle and Little Pinnacle Trail - Magnificent Grayson Highlands Summit Overlooks

Two options present themselves as jumping off points to make the twin summits of Big and Little Pinnacle, but one is the clear winner in our never to be humble opinions. One trailhead has you leaving from the Grayson Highlands State Park visitor center at the top of Massie Gap and, on the surface, looks to be the best option. But trust us when we say that starting at the top and working the first leg down will give you a false sense of ease when you make the turn for home.

Start from the upper Massie Gap parking area and find the not-so-well-marked Big Pinnacle trailhead located across from Massie Gap. A rather steep climb greets you on the first leg taking you to Big Pinnacle, about half-mile from the lot and rewards your effort with stunning 180-degree views of Mount Rogers and the Grayson Highlands north. We made this our second hike of the day, after a warm up on the Cabin Creek trail and a picnic lunch at the Visitor Center. This late Sunday afternoon trek gave us the whole leg to ourselves and a private viewing of Big Pinnacle.

After the short descent from the top the trail breaks east which takes you another half-mile up to Little Pinnacle (5,089 feet) and eventually the visitor center. You know you are getting close to the second stop at Little Pinnacle when the towering oak and pine forest dramatically give way to lower growth as you begin heading above the tree line.

Grayson Highlands Little Pinnacle is equally beautiful and on a clear day gives you unobstructed views west southwest on past Virginia into eastern Tennessee. Take a nice long rest here and enjoy the beautiful views knowing that the path home is mostly down hill. You can make this a loop, but we opted for the shorter out-and-back.

Grayson Highlands State Park Visitor Center

While the visitors center has the customary gift shop full of all sorts of local artisan crafts, the building also houses a fascinating array of Virginia highlands pioneer history and introductions to the area flora and fauna. Questions are eagerly answered by the knowledgeable and courteous center staff and the southeast view of the valley as taken in from the comfy oak rockers should not be wasted. It also turns out that the center is a good jumping off point for the Little and Big Pinnacle hike but do take our word that the trek is better started from the Massie Gap parking area, as you'll tackle the hardest uphill climb first.

Grayson Highlands State Park Visitor Center Things to Know: 

• Hours: 9am-6pm (mid-May through mid-October);
• Trailhead Access: Little & Big Pinnacle Loop; Listening Rock Trail; Stamper's Branch Trail
• Amenities: Gift shop, museum, outdoor picnic tables, flush toilets

Grayson Highlands State Park Hickory Ridge Campground

All the wonders of Grayson Highlands State Park are made accessible with 63 campsites available for tent and RV at the Hickory Ridge Campground. The campsites, generally well-shaded, are mostly dirt and gravel with some sites significantly more level than others. If you've reserved the non-site specific loop, then early arrival allows for best choices. Weekends are generally filled to capacity.

Grayson Highlands State Park Hickory Ridge Campground

• Reservation: $25/night or $35/night (water & electric hook-ups)
• Amenities: Dirt & gravel, mostly shaded campsites; hot showers, flush toilets
• Country Store: ice, firewood, basic camping supplies, gift shop items

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If glamping is more your style, Grayson Highlands State Park included four beautiful yurts in the Hickory Ridge Campground. Think cross between a mid-eastern bedouin-style tent and a rustic cabin. All have wrap-around decks and are reasonably close to the campground facilities (depending on which yurt, between 300-800 feet from the bath house).

Grayson Highlands State Park Yurts

• Reservation: $75/night with 2-night minimum
• Capacity: Sleeps 3 but accommodates 4; queen bed and twin trundle
• Must provide linens or sleeping bags
• No pets, cooking, or smoking allowed in the yurts.
• No heat, AC, electricity, or water at the site

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Sugarland Overlook at Grayson Highlands State Park

If you are looking at a long trek to your next location or back to the home front, pack it out a little on the early side as Grayson Highlands State Park has a parting gift in store for you. As you leave the park on Route 362, the conveniently east facing Sugarland Overlook is tailor made for a magnificent sunrise. A clear day will get you a view of Patrick Springs nearly 70 miles east.

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Check out our camping & hiking blogpost on the nearby Julian Price Campground off the Blue Ridge Parkway National Park.

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Have you been to Grayson Highlands State Park? Share your favorite hike in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you!