Be forewarned, a visit to this chart-topping Virginia State Park might actually take your breath away. The scenery is so stunning that you may find yourself speechless. 

This place is definitely bucket-list worthy, so if you have not been you really need to go. I am talking about the beautiful Grayson Highlands State Park.

Located in the highest part of Virginia, a visit in the off season takes planning as hiking in the high country where the weather can be unpredictable and pose some dangers, but for me, I will plan in the off season to visit in the peak season. I use that term lightly, as in the peak season Grayson Highlands State Park still offers solitude and respite from the busy world.

Knock your socks off views

Rhododendron Trail leads you up to Wilburn Ridge to see the wild ponies. That road over there leads you to the Visitor Center and, if you can imagine, even more incredible views at Grayson Highlands State Park.

Backpackers explore Grayson Highlands State Park

The park is a gateway to the state’s highest peak, Mount Rogers, as well as the Appalachian Trail. Many overnight visitors and day hikers visit this area each year. So we ask that you "leave no trace."

Horseback riders also enjoy the trails

Many riders bring their own horses to experience some of the most spectacular scenery around.

These colts are full-time residents 

Herds of Virginia Highlands Ponies have roamed free and wild along the grassy balds and spruce forests of Wilburn Ridge for more than forty years. Their thick manes blow in the wind as they graze alongside the trails. It is not difficult to find them or spend time watching them as they interact with one another.

The ponies are friendly, and if given ample space and undisturbed, you can enjoy an encounter with them at a close distance.

Happy healthy herds of wild ponies

To keep them this way, Wilburn Ridge Pony Association hosts an annual pony auction on the Saturday following the 4th full week in September. The auction is part of the Grayson Highlands Fall Fest, and all auctioned ponies pass a veterinary examination and testing. The proceeds from the purchases goes toward sustaining the local pony herd.

The pony auction is well attended each fall

Other Fascinations

Blueberry picking is popular all summer long at the park

Pick all you want and expect whole bush ripening near end of August

Special Events and Festivals

Annual Albert Hash Memorial Festival is a crowd pleaser

The stage overflows with pickin' and grinnin'

Foot loose and fancy free at this fun festival 

Everyone loves the "Dancing Ranger" at Grayson Highlands State Park

It is hard to deny that events at Grayson Highlands State Park are just old fashioned, foot stomping fun. These are the days when the visitors pour into the park, but most of them still hang out in the event venue areas like the picnic area and the amphitheater, and that leaves the balds, the trails, and the wild ponies for those who wish to hike and see them. Except the wild blueberries, everybody loves to pick those.

• Wayne Henderson Festival, third Saturday in June
• Grayson Highlands Gospel Music Festival, second Sunday in July
• Albert Hash Memorial Festival, Saturday of Labor Day weekend
• Grayson Highlands Fall Festival, last full weekend in September

I don't have enough space here to share all I want to about this magnificent Virginia State Park. There are waterfalls, rocky fly fishing streams, a boulder field, and scenic views that go on for miles and miles. The best way to explain it to you is to say "You need to see it for yourself" as photos don't even do it justice. 

Plan your visit to the Most Magical Place in Virginia on Earth

You can check the events database to help pinpoint a good time for your trip here. Full Service camping opens May 1st through October 31st, click here for online availability or call 800-933-PARKS to reserve your campsite. Learn more about the park itself, directions, and more right here.

Love is in the Fresh Air at Virginia State Parks