Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Home > Blog > Flatfooting along at Grayson Highlands State Park

Flatfooting along at Grayson Highlands State Park

By Amy AtwoodPosted August 25, 2015

Mountain music is often associated with Southwest Virginia as the music is one of the well-known features of this area. There is one thing that brings the music to life and once you experience it, you will never be the same, flatfoot dancing. Grayson Highlands State Park is offering you the opportunity to join in the mountain culture this September with flatfoot dancing and more family fun.

Everyone is invited to give flatfoot dancing a try at Grayson Highlands State Park

Flatfoot dancing is often mistaken for clogging. Although the music is the same, actually the two styles of dancing are not. Clogging is a high stepping structured dance that is often performed in teams. Flatfoot dancing is a more casual style of dance where the feet seemingly glide across the floor to the rhythm of the sounds of fiddles and banjos. The history of flatfoot dancing goes back generations.

Often times, children learn traditions by simply watching their parents or grandparents. I have heard my father retell stories of an uncle who was known around the area for his flatfootin’ skill. Spectators would marvel at how easily he would glide across the floor. His young nephew soon realized the secret. A handful of salt scattered on the floor makes the feet glide much smoother.

Grayson Highlands State Park offers several chances for you to practice this old-time skill this September:

On September 5, 2015 the park will host the Albert Hash Memorial Festival. Albert L. Hash was a beloved fiddler and luthier from Grayson County, Virginia (home of Grayson Highlands State Park). The festival will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the picnic area of the park. The admission fee is $10 per person with children 12 and under free, more about the festival here.

A collection of Hash's fiddles will be on display. Along with performances and instrument-making displays, there will be plenty of food, local crafts, concessions, a farmers' market, cake walks and lots of dancing.

The second opportunity comes the next day September 6, 2015 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. when award winning guitar maker and musician Wayne C Henderson and Friends gather at the campfire amphitheater.

This is a chance to spend some time with Henderson, a world renowned guitar-maker and musician, sharing memories and music with a small crowd.

Lastly, Virginia's traditional mountain culture comes alive during a two-day Harvest festival. The air fills with bluegrass and old-time music as well as the sweet aroma of barbecued chicken and sorghum molasses. Enjoy the crafts fair and numerous demonstrations of pioneer living.

The two-day Annual Fall Harvest Festival will be held the last full weekend of September, which is September 26-27, 2015 to be exact. The festival celebrates the heritage of the area including bluegrass and old time music, a dance floor, crafts and barbecue chicken. There will be an $8 fee for each car and runs from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

With fall on the horizon and cooler temperatures beginning to change the mountain leaves of Southwest Virginia, you cannot miss these opportunities to join in the traditional festivities.