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.

Read Our Blogs

 

Food, Fiddlin' and Flatfootin'

The last full weekend of September each year is the Grayson Highland State Park's Fall Festival. This year it is on September 27 – 28, 2014.

Welcome to Grayson Highlands State Park
Welcome to Grayson Highlands

My family loves the Fall Festival at Grayson Highlands State Park, so here are our five favorite reasons you shouldn't miss this fun festival:

#1 The Views

When I first started this job, one of the scariest things for me was the fear of taking the beauty for granted. You know how it is when you see something day in and day out, I did not want to lose the amazement I felt when I saw the parks. You simply cannot beat the beauty of Grayson Highlands in the fall. Blankets of orange, red and yellow cover the trees for as far as the eye can see. I often find myself lost in awe as I look over the valleys from atop the mountain. As I take in and release a deep breath of crisp autumn air, I can feel everything in me relax. It just seems to put things into perspective for me.

Blankets of orange and red as far as the eye can see
The blanket of orange and red stretches as far as the eye can see

#2 The Ponies

You can see the pictures or read blogs and stories but somehow the ponies seem to deserve more.  The ancestors of these ponies have roamed the beaches of Chincoteague, VA for centuries.  In 1975, the US Forest Service decided to move a small number of ponies to the Mt. Roger’s National Recreational Area to help maintain the view shed of the balds. Just like on the beaches of Chincoteague, these ponies are allowed to roam free. Beginning at Massie Gap within Grayson Highlands and heading up the trail toward the Appalachian Trail, is the prime location to experience these ponies in their natural state. Although the ponies have tamed over the years, the park officials still discourage feeding and petting these animals. Each year, the ponies are rounded up for health checks. The excess colts are sold at auction during the Fall Festival. The Wilburn Ridge Pony Association sponsors a pony auction at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27.

The pony auction is at 2 p.m. on the Sat of the Grayson Highlands Fall Festival
The pony auction is a 2 p.m. on the Saturday of the Grayson Highlands Fall Festival

#3 The Dancing

When I was a little girl, my absolute favorite part of the festival was the open dance floor. Anyone and everyone who felt the beat moving them could hit the dance floor. And let me just say, a lot of people must have felt the beat because the floor was always full. Kids and adults alike made the most of the authentic mountain music played throughout the day. The dancing provides a cardio workout and the laughter lifts the spirits. This is a win win for the event.

Dancing is a favorite pass time of attendeesFlatfootin' is a favorite of the crowd
 

#4 The BBQ Chicken

This is a family favorite and after one taste you will be hooked too. There is nothing like the taste and smell of this chicken pit barbecued to perfection throughout the day. The chicken is served with beans, apples and a roll. This is the annual fundraiser for the Rugby Fire and Rescue Squad and a long standing festival tradition. There is a strong feeling of satisfaction is knowing you are giving back to help the people of the area. 

Visitors enjoy the food at the Grayson Highlands Fall Festival
Good food is a cornerstone of any good event

#5 The Music

Old time and traditional Appalachian music entertainment will be on stage all weekend. If you have never experienced authentic Old Time and Bluegrass music, you are in for a treat. You can teach technique but you can’t teach heart. The musicians performing at this event are full of heart for the music. Most have stood by their brand of music while mainstream America, listened to other styles.  Now, the genre is getting the attention is has deserved for years.  You won’t be able to find a stronger collection of artists than at the Grayson Highlands Festival.

Wayne C Henderson performs at Grayson Highlands State Park
Wayne C Henderson performs at Grayson Highlands State Park

Musical line up for the festival:

Saturday

10:00 Changing Lanes

11:00 Wayne C. Henderson & Friends

12:00  Flat Ridge Opry

1:00 Jessie Finley & the Dry Fork Ramblers

2:00 True Grass

3:00 Steve Kilby & Fox Creek Ramblers

4:00 Buck Mtn. Band

Sunday (Gospel Music)

10:00 The Moretz Family

11:00 The Old Time Way

12:00 Heaven Bound

1:00 The Blevins Family

2:00 Heritage

3:00 Richie Henderson

4:00 Nathan Wagner

For more information about Grayson Highlands State Park or the Grayson Highlands Fall Festival, please contact the park office at (276) 579-7092 or email. There are no cabins at this state park, so we recommend those wishing to lodge overnight at nearby Hungry Mother State Park.

PARKS
CATEGORIES
SHARE THIS PAGE

If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

By Park