Hike Through High Mountain Meadows On This Unforgettable East Coast Trail
By Beth|Published January 08, 2020
×
Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
Located in the Virginia Highlands awaits a spectacular hike that can only be described as magical. Grayson Highlands State Park is often considered to be the crown jewel of Virginia’s portion of the Appalachian Trail, and you’ll see why as soon as you embark on this iconic trek. Of course, you don’t need to hike the entire A.T. to appreciate the magical scenery that awaits you in this state park.
Grayson Highlands State Park can be found in Grayson County, the southwestern portion of Virginia. The landscape is characterized by high-elevation meadows, alpine peaks, forests filled with rhododendron, and majestic wild ponies. The state park is also located near Virginia's two highest peaks: Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, both of which measure over 5,000 feet in elevation.
There are plenty of hiking and biking trails within the boundaries of Grayson Highlands State Park, including access to the famous Appalachian Trail. Many hikers and outdoor adventurers opt to hike a portion of the A.T. by starting their journey in Grayson Highlands. With so many dramatic views and excellent camping spots, it's not difficult to see why this area is so beloved. If you do visit, be sure to let the wild ponies roam and avoid interacting or feeding them!
Grayson Highlands State Park is located at 829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363. Have you experienced this incredible state park before? We’d love to hear all about your visit! For more information, you can visit the official Virginia State Parks website by clicking here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.