Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

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Starr Anderson

PR & Marketing Specialist for the Western region Virginia State Parks.

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Grayson Highlands State Park: A unique mountain ecosystem

By Starr AndersonPosted October 09, 2025

Grayson Highlands is the highest state park in Virginia, with elevations topping 5,089 feet. This altitude creates an environment more like what you’d find hundreds of miles north in New England than what’s typical of the southern Appalachians.

The view from Little Pinnacle, the highest peak in Grayson Highlands State Park

Saving the eastern hellbender and how to see one at a Virginia State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted July 14, 2025

The eastern hellbender is North America's largest salamander. Unfortunately, the future of the this aquatic giant is uncertain due to habitat loss from damming, sedimentation from logging and mining, agricultural runoff, pollution and flooding.