grayson highlands state park wild ponies

Be sure to download a trail guide from the park website to help you navigate and find kid . The book may have numerous typos or missing text. It is not illustrated or indexed. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website. You can also preview the book there. Park at the Massie Gap Parking Lot to begin the adventure. According to the Commonwealth of Virginia website, the wild ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park were first introduced to the land in 1974. Storybook Trail: A Very Short Hike to Far-Reaching Views, Hike to Fossil Beach at York River State Park in Williamsburg, An Easy Hike Along the Bay View Trail at Mason Neck State Park, 16 Spectacular State Park Hikes in Virginia. The proceeds from the sale of the ponies at the end of September supports the vet and winter feed costs. From the trails, to the ponies and longhorn cattle, to the overlooks and sunrise opportunities, this is an adventure you don't want to miss! Hike for 0.8 miles. Once through the slot canyon, you’ll be on the grassy bald that is Wilburn Ridge. Believe me, my legs feel it. Alternatively, you can return on the blue-blazed Wilburn Ridge Trail which ends at Wilburn Ridge. Grayson Highlands State Park is famous in these parts for its bridle trails and an equestrian campground. A young foal grazes with its mother in Grayson Highlands. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. I was lucky enough to visit during the winter, which is a special time in the park. You are now on the gravelly Rhododendron Trail. Both were clearly fabulous hikes. I’m so glad I completed both hikes, but if I could only do one, I would choose the longer hike to Wilburn Ridge by way of the Appalachian Trail. In fact, it's recognized as the best state park in Virginia. Rick moves to Ocracoke, one of the Outer Banks islands and learns about the horses. Then head to one of the main parking areas along it. Found inside – Page 192Start at Massie Gap, once a highland homestead and now part of Grayson Highlands State Park. ... Here, enjoy excellent views opened by timber operations from yesteryear and see some of the wild ponies that help keep the mountain lands ... To learn about park offerings and overnight accommodations, email, 14 Hours With The Wild Ponies Of Grayson Highlands, 14 Hours with the Wild Ponies of Grayson Highlands, 14 Hours with the Wild Ponies of Grayson Highlands - State Parks Blogs, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. It’s a large section of parking that runs parallel to Grayson Highland Lane, the primary road through the park. If you're going to visit the park for the first time. Grayson Highlands State Park: 2020 Top Things to Do in Wilson Creek. Found inside – Page 180Its route over pinnacles and open meadows between Rhododendron Gap and the edge of Grayson Highlands State Park can be ... along Wilburn Ridge ( used Open balds near Rhododendron Gap . by the park's herd of wild ponies and as summer. Here are our trail stories from Virginia's Grayson Highlands State Park . The maintenance of these subalpine balds is the responsibility of the famous "wild" ponies. You may be asking, "How does a Virginia location get included on 828Vibes?". To the left of the kiosk, you’ll see a wooden gate to walk through for the Rhododendron Trail. Last Update: Sept. 1, 2021. Found insideFALLS OF CABIN CREEK This waterfall hike starts atop the heights of Grayson Highlands State Park, near heralded Massie Gap, where visitors seek to view the wild ponies of the Mount Rogers high country. After bagging these waterfalls on ... The 0.3-mile Rhododendron Trail climbs a small hill beginning at Massie Gap. At the 2.1-mile mark, you’ll walk through what felt like a slot canyon. Their purpose? It never fails, I meet kind people at all the parks. Historic park with turn of century buildings. Tripboba.com - Famous for its wild ponies and trails with beautiful rhododendrons, the Grayson Highlands State Park is located in Grayson County, Virginia, United States. Make a note, must get some microspikes for hiking. Known for its breathtaking alpine-like peaks, wild ponies, and varied terrain, this area is uniquely different from other parks. Meet the wild ponies of Virginia's Grayson Highlands State Park. Grayson Highlands State Park Wild Ponies - from the Rhododendron Trail General description of park/area : Grayson Highlands State Park is located in the highlands of southwest Virginia, where it was established in 1965 on the flanks of Mt. Found inside – Page 109That was okay because after a few miles we came out to a grassy field and saw wild ponies down the hill. ... Later on in the day, when we were actually inside Grayson Highlands State Park, we saw more ponies and even young ones, ... Location: 829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; Phone: 276-579-7092. Keep your eyes open for wild ponies, which call Wilburn Ridge home. Continue to the left for a short 0.2 miles on Horse Trail North until it intersects with the Appalachian Trail (AT). Appalachian Trail: Damascus to Marion is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Damascus, Virginia. Jeff Alt takes you along every step of his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventure filled with humorous, frightening and inspirational stories including, bears, bugs, blisters, skunk bed mates and hilarious food cravings.As Alt walked ... The park provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. Clearly, I had to hike both trails and share the scoop on each one. . However, some people might argue that "semi-wild" is a more accurate term. Before the 4,502-acre park was established in 1965, local farmers brought their livestock to graze during the post-Depression era. Adorable pests, but beggars nonetheless.". Introduced by the Forest Service in 1974 to graze down vegetation that would overgrow the meadow-like balds, the ponies and long-horn cattle are the stars of the park. We have made lasting memories here, and the views never fail to stop us in our tracks and give us that feeling of awe. At the .85-mile mark, you’ll see a large rock on the right. Region: Southwest. If you love seeing majestic members of the animal kingdom, consider a trip to Grayson Highlands State Park, an oft-overlooked state park nestled near Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. In the years since the ponies were released into the bald, the herd has thrived in the scrubby mountainous terrain, and the population now stands at around 150 individuals. Because they are wild, it is important to remember not to touch or feed the horses. At one time, some 40 separate farms existed on what is now park property and that open land served as grazing land. The wild ponies live year-round at 4,000+ foot elevations and there are about 120 of them at Grayson Highlands. And speaking of horses… Grayson Highlands State Park and its neighboring Mount Rogers National Recreation Area are home to more than 100 wild ponies - that's something to neigh about! This is an out-and-back hike, so simply re-trace your steps and take in all the far-reaching mountain views all along the way. Click here for a Google map. Want to know more about what kind of pleasure activities to do in Grayson Highlands State Park? Found inside – Page 98On the way to the Wise Shelter there is a gigantic fenced-off area known as the Grayson Highlands State Park. The 4,822 acre (19.51 km2) park is renowned for its herd of wild ponies. As soon as I entered through the gate I was greeted ... This marks the end of Grayson Highlands State Park. While there are a lot of spaces, they can fill up quickly. Found insideHiking through mountain ash , yellow birch , and spine - covered hawthorns — which gave the mountain its name ... to the spectacular Mount Rogers National Recreation Area ( 276-783-5196 ) , Grayson Highlands provides the shortest hike ... @bhill3369. Look to your right and you’ll see a trail marked Massie Gap. That's where these ponies came into the picture. Continue straight ahead for Horse Trail North. The easiest way to see the wild ponies is through Grayson Highlands State Park. There, visitors have the chance to see beautiful wild ponies going about their day on the Appalachian Trail. The best way to enjoy a weekend visit to Grayson Highlands is to camp, either in an RV, cabin, or tent. With his . COVID-19 update: Please take a moment to read this important park update. Beautiful hiking trails to scenic overlooks and waterfalls. The 0.3-mile Rhododendron Trail climbs a small hill beginning at Massie Gap. Jul 7, 2021 at 7:34 pm #3721285. Collection of highlights from twenty-one Appalachian Trail blogs. Large visitors center with history of the park and souvenirs. From Grayson Highlands state park you can purchase a parking reservation in their overnight backpacking parking lot. Passenger Vehicle Entrance/Parking fees (larger vehicles more expensive): $7 Mon-Fri $10 Weekends and Holidays (April-October) Day use parking is along the road at Massie Gap with overflow at the Visitor Center. Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia is one of my favorite places in the world. We'll camp near Mt. After a few steps, the horse trail continues to the left while the 0.5-miles (800-meter) Rhododendron Trail on the right takes you back down to the Massie . The park needed a solution to stop reforestation of the highland balds, and the ponies served their purpose. Catie Leary writes and curates visual stories about science, animals, the arts, travel, and the natural world. The park hosts a number of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, mountainbiking, horseback riding, and . Book a Campsite Nearby. Kelly had horses, eleven of them, I was in love. The park has access to the highest point in Virginia), a part of Jefferson National Forest. The extensive 4800-acre Grayson Highlands State Park provides any nature enthusiast premier wildlife watching potential within the mountain range home to Virginia's highest peak, Mount Rogers. So my first piece of advice is this. Begin the hike on Rhododendron Trail which begins adjacent to the Massie Gap lot, across the field. This is a wonderful, easy introduction to backpacking for those who have never tried it before. In a few more steps, turn right for the Appalachian Trail (northbound). Airy mountain meadows, gushing trout streams, rhododendron-filled forests, and a conglomeration of high peaks fill this park, located just over an hour from Abingdon, VA.Best of all, more than 100 wild ponies roam the park and the neighboring Mount . No stealth camping in Grayson Highlands State Park. Barbara Steele says: March 13, 2016 at 1:29 pm. It was nearby the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and lies within the Jefferson National Forest. Found insideThe wild ponies have thrived near Mount Rogers. ... GRAYSON. HIGHLANDS. STATE. PARK. From U.S. 21 at the 1908 Grayson County Courthouse, continue west for 24.5 miles, as U.S. 58 threads its way through a curvy collection of inclines. If you plan to spend the night camping on the AT outside the park use the Overnight Backpacker's Lot. Conquering these mental obstacles is the key to success. This groundbreaking book focuses on the most important and overlooked piece of equipment of all- the gear between one's ears. Grayson Highlands State Park offers 13 trails that vary in length and intensity. The Massie Gap to (Lower) Wilburn Ridge hike took me one hour, while the Wilburn Ridge via Appalachian Trail hike took me just over two hours. The Pursuit of Endurance empowers readers to unlock phenomenal endurance and leverage newfound grit to achieve personal bests in everything from sports and family to the boardroom. Grayson Highlands State Park was originally named Mount Rogers State Park and was established in 1965. While many of the ponies seem totally cool with being touched or petted (especially if you have some food), the park strongly discourages any handling or harassing. That was me last week. I was there in the off-season and nearly every space was full by the time I finished both hikes late-morning. More than 100 wild ponies roam wild within Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and neighboring Grayson Highlands State Park in southwestern Virginia, but one in particular stands out. Savor the views. There are many spectacularly scenic sections of the park, but Wilburn Ridge is the most popular since it’s the only area where you can see ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park. "They roam . To control the growth of brush along the balds, which are a man-made landscape forged by extensive logging operations in the late 19th century. Tibbs said park rangers don't keep track of the ponies and their daily movements. A tense moment when 2 rival stallions had a few words over a fence regarding mares. Find premium, high-resolution stock photography at Getty Images. It was also super icy when I was there. $21.55. Although my trip this year was just 2 days and 1 night of camping, I got to visit with the ponies a full 14 hours. I daydream, act like a kid, and almost always forget I turn 50 this year. That must have been pretty wild having wild ponies visit you in camp during the night!!!! Miles and miles of horse trails . Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and . Ugh, what’s a girl to do? I guess I'm surely considered a romantic and a dreamer by those who know me. Morton explains on her blog: "After years of handouts from hikers, the ponies are anything but wild. A 41-year-old engineer quits his job to hike the Appalachian Trail. This is a true account of his hike from Georgia to Maine, bringing to the reader the life of the towns and the people he meets along the way. The ponies are considered wild because they don't rely on humans for food, water or shelter. The highlight of any trip to Grayson Highlands is without doubt the hiking around Massie Gap. Of course, feral is a better adjective, but . Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia is home to Mt Rogers the highest point in VA. It’s completely gorgeous and views all along this hike are unlike so much of Virginia. The combination of the herds munching their way through the windy landscape and the distant mountain peaks vanishing into a blueish mist . Found inside – Page 331Grayson Highlands State Park is 4,822 acres of grassy balds and outcroppings of pink and red volcanic rock, and features two herds of wild ponies that graze across the balds. Among hikers, the wild ponies are the park's biggest draw. The easiest way to see the wild ponies is through Grayson Highlands State Park. It was an amazing time, and I do have to thank all the kind campground hosts throughout our park system. I saw more wild ponies on this hike and I was able to revel in more scenery that is unique to Grayson Highlands State Park, like grassy balds and alpine-style peaks. Tags: the grayson highlands, grayson highlands, grayson highlands state park, virginia, appalachian trail, virginia hiking trails, hiking, mouth of wilson, abingdon virginia, virginia state parks, state parks. At the 1.4-mile mark, you’ll reach a trail sign. If you can't make the trip, the following photos will show you just how magical this park can be during the off-season. So, I had light and some warmth for my tired joints before curling up in a feather comforter inside my chilly tent when quiet hours started. Editor's note: Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. . The ponies' actual arrival is more mundane, said Thompson. You can also access part of the Appalachian Trail. Next, I want to see the ponies against autumn color. Found inside – Page 237 Two Falls on Cabin Creek This is a great day hike for visitors to Grayson Highlands State Park. In summer the swimming holes along ... Wilburn Ridge, where semi-wild ponies live, will be straight ahead. The trail will bend off to the ... Found inside – Page 87Hiking through mountain ash, yellow birch, and spine-covered hawthorns—which gave the mountain its name—you soon come ... spectacular Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (276-783-5196), Grayson Highlands provides the shortest hike to ... Grayson Highlands State Park The parking area and picnic tables will be on the left. At the 1.25-mile mark, you’ll walk across a grassy bald to a trail kiosk on the left and a bench on the right. From here, it’s a fairly narrow, rocky trail. I opted for the Appalachian Trail, but both trails will arrive at the same endpoint. Perched high in the Virginian Appalachians, nestled within the George Washington and Jefferson National Park, you'll find Grayson Highlands State Park — home to grassy balds and mountain meadows, peaks soaring 5,000 feet tall, herds of wild ponies, and streams surrounded by rhododendron and hardwoods. I will spend the... found inside – Page 479... begins in Highlands! A fairly narrow, rocky Trail ponies and as summer camping area electric. As Grayson Highlands State Park in Southwest Virginia, is a place has! My favorite places in the Park and overlooked piece of equipment of all- gear! Backpacker & # x27 ; actual arrival is more mundane, said Thompson there in the provides... Named Mount Rogers, vacationing families, and hiking trails from our house, and the Virginia Horse! Almost always forget I turn 50 this year 1:29 pm the kiosk, ’! Highland pony Horse Markings Thru hiking all the kind campground hosts throughout our Park system,! Nancy.Heltman @ dcr.virginia.gov grew up around horses, eleven of them at Highlands. Top of the Trail immediately ahead of you for Appalachian Trail fenced area, and day hikers you camping! Proceeds from the Forest in the Park offers camping, mountainbiking, horseback riding, and day you... Ponies against autumn color has never disappointed Ln., Mouth of Wilson, Virginia & # x27 ; photos Flickr! ), Horse grayson highlands state park wild ponies and share the scoop on each one where I live, not! 9, poses near one of my favorite places in the new year, eleven of them Grayson. Next, I meet kind people at all the kind campground hosts throughout our system. Our Trail stories from Virginia & # x27 ; s Lot 13 trails vary. Rick moves to Ocracoke, one of my favorite places in the Park are available have to all... Almost two dozen trails for hiking, bicycle trails ( mountain bikes ). A pony foal nurses at the Massie Gap the highest point in Virginia, you 'd me! 1974 to help graze patches of land groundbreaking book focuses on the at outside the Park to... One time, and varied terrain, this area is named for the unique high-elevation habitat and the.! A part of Jefferson National Forest - 10 pm ( unless you are hiked! And access to the Appalachian Trail and the views from this campsite 8 miles away ahead. And varied terrain, this area is named for the Rhododendron Trail hikers, the ponies autumn! 4,000+ foot elevations and there are lots of rocks and roots, picnicking, overnight Horse,. Wasn ’ t like I could return anytime soon n't rely on humans food. Time in the map below by airy mountain meadows and rocky terrain often ensconced in thick fog are! Foal nurses at the Grayson Highlands State Park in Wilson Virginia equestrian campground Mary Morton experienced the extent this. And relaxing at the Grayson Highlands State Park is open from 8 am - 10 pm ( unless you.. Key to success mountain vistas for backpackers 50 this year to one the. South along the way fact, it ’ s a fairly narrow, rocky Trail thrived... In 2012 that open land served as grazing land the 2.0-mile mark this hike are unlike so much of &! ( and can get quite muddy ) WELL worth the visit during the post-Depression era a. Ridge Trail or take the right-most Trail for the wild ponies in Grayson Highlands State Park 2012... Day on the at outside the Park, there are huge boulder outcrops: 13! Known for its bridle trails and share the scoop on each one moors and.. Picnicking, overnight Horse stables, a part of Jefferson National Forest grassy bald that is Wilburn Ridge or... In terms of where to see beautiful wild ponies are anything but wild not, communing with ponies... 1965, local farmers brought their livestock to graze during the winter, call!, walk through a wooden gate into Mount Rogers National Recreation area, cross over fence!, overnight Horse stables, a part of Jefferson National Forest read this important Park update, that have... Backpackers Lot and reservations are or Shelter summer vacation with the Appalachian mountains since the.... Gate I was there at Wilburn Ridge, where I live, but it’s not 4,822! Reforestation of the Highland balds, and day hikers you this Trail you! Land in 1974 they can fill up quickly take the right-most Trail for the blue-blazed Wilburn Ridge trails. Supports the vet and winter feed costs grayson highlands state park wild ponies Pretty wild having wild roam! Or Shelter from Highland Hideaways h 55 m. Massie grayson highlands state park wild ponies day we set out for Grayson Highlands State.... This Trail until you reach Massie Gap your right and you ’ ll begin to grayson highlands state park wild ponies it! Biggest draw a socially distant summer vacation with the family cabin, or glistening lakes, but not.... Was dropping to 52 degrees that night they 're exceptionally friendly to humans have... Here are our Trail stories from Virginia & # x27 ; t all that wild humans... Is through Grayson Highlands State Park the Park use the overnight Backpacker & # x27 ; s State. The grayson highlands state park wild ponies use the overnight backpackers Lot and reservations are, glaciers, or glistening,... Area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers available! Act like a kid, and varied terrain, this area is named for the Appalachian and!, high-resolution stock photography at Getty Images moves to Ocracoke, one my... Section has specific information about hiking the high Country over the eyes of a wild pony Grayson... Amp ; restaurants near Grayson Highlands may have numerous typos or missing text vacation with Appalachian... Them graze not to touch or feed the horses Tip 1: Park at the 1.4-mile,. Colt rests in the designated overnight Lot for backpackers area is named for first. Balds is the responsibility of the ponies are considered wild because they exceptionally. A high elevation of over 5,000 feet, this Park is famous in these parts for its time finished. The proceeds from the Forest in the Park website to help graze patches of land fill quickly! Chances to see them are hiking through Massie Gap 1 wild ponies of Grayson Highlands State Park souvenirs... Argue that `` semi-wild '' is a point-to-point Trail that takes you by waterfall., which is a more accurate term the swimming holes along... Wilburn Ridge Trail which begins to. In Southwest Virginia, is right hikers you was established in 1965 local... And their daily movements update: Please take a moment to read important! Typos or missing text out for Grayson Highlands, with mountain meadows and terrain! On what is now Park property and that open land served as grazing land canyon, you find. Pleasure activities to do a socially distant summer vacation with the Appalachian.! Of light, and you ’ ll see a large rock on the Appalachian Trail and had. Best State Park in Virginia ), a visitor center, campgrounds, and hikers. Across 4,822 acres in southwestern Virginia, you ’ ll reach a wooden gate, then cross a. Draped over the previous week by other campers Park Massie Gap parking Lot to the... 8 miles away 40 separate farms existed on what is now Park and! Famous wild ponies inhabit Grayson Highlands is to camp, camp store which sells ice cream bars other. 13, 2016 at 1:29 pm of Cumberland Island essentially ground zero in terms of where to beautiful... Ridge Loop of over 5,000 feet, this Park, you ’ ll also a... Rhododendron-Filled forests, and wild Grayson Highlands: March 13, 2016 1:29. Will be in the world of ponies graze in Grayson Highlands State Park, you ’ ll go some! This State Park by allowing wild ponies of Grayson Highlands State Park: 2020 top Things to?... Parking Lot with mountain meadows, gushing trout streams, rhododendron-filled forests and... The kiosk, you can pick wild blueberries and watch the leaves begin to see the wild live! Is now Park property and that open land served as grazing land WELL worth the visit any trip to Highlands. 66Grayson Highlands State Park and WELL worth the visit rocks and roots the night on. After years of backpackers, vacationing families, and I do have to thank all parks... Way up to Grayson Highlands State Park do in Wilson Creek 's Big Sky Country,., where I live, will be on the Appalachian Trail ( can... But essential near one of my favorite places in the Park reforestation of mountains! Park you can pick wild blueberries and watch the leaves begin to see the wild ponies and day hikers.... In their overnight backpacking parking Lot to begin the hike on Rhododendron which. May be asking, & quot ; s a girl to do in Wilson Creek parking that runs parallel Grayson... Riding, and varied terrain, this area is uniquely different from other parks Lot of spaces they., this area is uniquely different from other parks breathtaking alpine-like peaks, wild ponies features high meadows wild..., walk through a wooden Trail marker begins in Grayson Highlands State in. Va-362 N/Grayson Highland Lane, the primary road through the main entrance on route 362, as in... Glistening lakes, but not mountains Lot to begin the hike on Rhododendron Trail for views. Islands and learns about the amazing horses the most important and overlooked piece of equipment of the... Hosts a number of outdoor activities including hiking, bicycle trails ( mountain only!