Grayson Highlands State Park (マウス・オブ・ウィルソン)
Grayson Highlands State Park
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Bowmanator22
シャーロット, ノースカロライナ州4,918件の投稿
Amazing Hike
2021年5月 • 一人
Grayson Highlands is at the top of just about any ranking I could find of the best state parks in Virginia. Nestled between Mount Rogers, the state’s highest peak, and the North Carolina state line, the park is accessible only by the serpentine Highway 58. I must admit, there’s nothing I love more about driving than taking a curvy mountain road a little too fast.
Invigorated by the drive, even the $7 park entry fee couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as I arrived at the trailhead at Massie Gap. Hopping on a horse trail for a short stretch, I found myself on the spur trail that carried me up to the Appalachian Trail. This was my first hike of any notable length on the famed AT.
The section around Mount Rogers is incredibly popular for day hikers and through hikers. There are incredible views from the ridge, the balds, and the rocky knobs. On top of this, the herds of wild ponies draw many visitors young and old. Introduced to the area many years ago, the ponies add an extra level of intrigue to an already desirable hike. I passed an awful lot of people on the trail for a Wednesday. I couldn’t imagine the popularity on a weekend.
The trail itself is rocky and rugged, and you’ll have to concentrate with most every step to not turn ankles or trip over rocks. This is a hard thing to do, since I didn’t want to take my eyes of the beauty of the mountains on the horizon or the search for ponies on the nearby hillsides. As it turned out, the search was not a hard one today, and I must have seen fifty ponies (though I may have seen some twice since this was an out and back trip. The way I went was a five-mile trek to the point where the trail to Mount Rogers juts off. There is a faster way up, but true to form, I did not take it.
The half-mile spur to the summit is unremarkable as far as views are concerned. It is ironic that there’s no view atop the state’s highest peak. However, the forest setting almost takes you into another world. I’ve never seen a forest quite like it. There was something majestic about the moss-laden conifers. Standing on the highest spot I could find, I labeled it good enough and headed back down.
Passing the rocky tops and the ponies of Wilburn Ridge once more, I caught some more photos in slightly better light than I had the first time through. The whole day was a mixture of overcast to partly cloudy. The sun did its best, but the clouds won out most of the day. By the time I finally reached the parking lot, I had covered 10.9 miles in about 4.5 hours.
With some energy to spare, I crossed the parking lot to the trailhead to Big Pinnacle and Little Pinnacle, and eventually to the visitor center. Having picked up a snack and a souvenir at the gift shop, I headed back to the car, though not without enjoying the views atop the pinnacles. What a blessing to be at an overlook 5,089 feet above sea level on a gorgeous spring day, all alone!
Descending back to the car, I shut down the AllTrails navigation having covered 13.3 miles and having climbed over 2,400 feet. A bit tired, but grinning ear to ear over the visit to Grayson Highlands, I headed home to my wonderful family, deciding that one day, when the kids are older, we’ll try to come back and go searching for view and ponies together.
Invigorated by the drive, even the $7 park entry fee couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as I arrived at the trailhead at Massie Gap. Hopping on a horse trail for a short stretch, I found myself on the spur trail that carried me up to the Appalachian Trail. This was my first hike of any notable length on the famed AT.
The section around Mount Rogers is incredibly popular for day hikers and through hikers. There are incredible views from the ridge, the balds, and the rocky knobs. On top of this, the herds of wild ponies draw many visitors young and old. Introduced to the area many years ago, the ponies add an extra level of intrigue to an already desirable hike. I passed an awful lot of people on the trail for a Wednesday. I couldn’t imagine the popularity on a weekend.
The trail itself is rocky and rugged, and you’ll have to concentrate with most every step to not turn ankles or trip over rocks. This is a hard thing to do, since I didn’t want to take my eyes of the beauty of the mountains on the horizon or the search for ponies on the nearby hillsides. As it turned out, the search was not a hard one today, and I must have seen fifty ponies (though I may have seen some twice since this was an out and back trip. The way I went was a five-mile trek to the point where the trail to Mount Rogers juts off. There is a faster way up, but true to form, I did not take it.
The half-mile spur to the summit is unremarkable as far as views are concerned. It is ironic that there’s no view atop the state’s highest peak. However, the forest setting almost takes you into another world. I’ve never seen a forest quite like it. There was something majestic about the moss-laden conifers. Standing on the highest spot I could find, I labeled it good enough and headed back down.
Passing the rocky tops and the ponies of Wilburn Ridge once more, I caught some more photos in slightly better light than I had the first time through. The whole day was a mixture of overcast to partly cloudy. The sun did its best, but the clouds won out most of the day. By the time I finally reached the parking lot, I had covered 10.9 miles in about 4.5 hours.
With some energy to spare, I crossed the parking lot to the trailhead to Big Pinnacle and Little Pinnacle, and eventually to the visitor center. Having picked up a snack and a souvenir at the gift shop, I headed back to the car, though not without enjoying the views atop the pinnacles. What a blessing to be at an overlook 5,089 feet above sea level on a gorgeous spring day, all alone!
Descending back to the car, I shut down the AllTrails navigation having covered 13.3 miles and having climbed over 2,400 feet. A bit tired, but grinning ear to ear over the visit to Grayson Highlands, I headed home to my wonderful family, deciding that one day, when the kids are older, we’ll try to come back and go searching for view and ponies together.
投稿日：2021年7月2日
この口コミはトリップアドバイザーのメンバーの主観的な意見です。TripAdvisor LLCのものではありません。
emptynester40
ドレーパー, バージニア州174件の投稿
The views are incredible.
2021年6月
A beautiful state park, with lots to offer. We enjoyed the scenery, walking a bit to see the wild ponies (They're really quite tame and friendly, but for safety sake - do not pet or feed them), seeing the visitor center, and talking to friendly people who were also visiting the park that day.
投稿日：2021年6月18日
この口コミはトリップアドバイザーのメンバーの主観的な意見です。TripAdvisor LLCのものではありません。
Kevin W
82件の投稿
Rugged and surreal
2021年6月 • ファミリー
It took a lot of driving along The Crooked Road to reach this amazing park high in the sky. We spent a good chunk of the day exploring the rugged terrain amd clamboring up rocky outcropping to take in the sweeping views into NC and TN. Clouds obscured Mount Rogers to the north, but the rest of the landscape was breathtaking. Twin Pinnacles Trail tops out with fantastic views. The Rhododendron Trail comnect with the Appalachian Trail, which crosses the northern edge of the park. Time things right and you might even meet a through hiker or two.
投稿日：2021年6月3日
この口コミはトリップアドバイザーのメンバーの主観的な意見です。TripAdvisor LLCのものではありません。
SGI_Beachman
キャントン, ジョージア570件の投稿
Wild Ponies! Need I say more
2020年9月 • 友達
Came up for a race and had so much fun running the trails and seeing the abundance of wildlife and views. The ponies are wild but many will walk right up to you. The abundance of trails including the AT make it a huge attraction. It was busy but never felt crowded.
投稿日：2020年9月21日
この口コミはトリップアドバイザーのメンバーの主観的な意見です。TripAdvisor LLCのものではありません。
WeTravel12050
ウォーレス, サウスカロライナ州213件の投稿
Best state park ever!
2020年9月
Saw the wild horses and hiked the trails....one of a kind experiences in life. We were in site 22 plenty of room for our 28 ft. gray wolf. Hike to Little Pinnacle (behind visitors center) to see a great view! Hike into the gate at Massey Gap parking field and follow the trail that is where we saw the horses....also a water fall at Cabin Creek trail....take your time and enjoy the views...
投稿日：2020年9月13日
この口コミはトリップアドバイザーのメンバーの主観的な意見です。TripAdvisor LLCのものではありません。
We are so glad you enjoyed your camping trip and exploration of Grayson Highlands State Park! Thank you for sharing your experiences with possible visitors in this review.
投稿日：2020年9月15日
この回答はTripAdvisor LLCのものではなく、施設管理者の主観的な意見です。
Mike O
ロアノーク, バージニア州1,151件の投稿
Favorite Backpacking in Virginia
2020年9月
This is our favorite place to backpack in Virginia. We live in Roanoke, about two hours away, and backpack here often. The primary reason for our enjoyment here is the ability to get above "tree line" and have open vistas; something that is usually only possible at higher elevations out west. On a recent backpacking trip we parked at the Grindstone Camp Ground on Rt. 603 in their overnight lot ($5.00 per night), walked two miles along the little trafficked road to the Appalachian Trail head, then ascended into the park. From there we crisscrossed the high country on several available trails, spent a couple of nights in our tent in scenic spots, and descended on the Mt. Rogers Trail back to the car at the camp ground.
投稿日：2020年9月6日
この口コミはトリップアドバイザーのメンバーの主観的な意見です。TripAdvisor LLCのものではありません。
Tim R
ニューナン, ジョージア63件の投稿
I Love This Place!
2020年9月
I’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to New Jersey, and Grayson Highlands may be my favorite section. It is so beautiful. I just hiked through it again, and this time, my 82-year-old father parked near the top and hiked 1/2 mile up to meet me when I passed through. He said the hike was easy and accessible to anyone. Beautiful views, wild ponies, rock formations - this place is incredible. If you’re ever anywhere near southern Virginia, you should stop by.
投稿日：2020年9月5日
この口コミはトリップアドバイザーのメンバーの主観的な意見です。TripAdvisor LLCのものではありません。
Thank you for your great review of Grayson Highlands State Park. We often get questions about access so your father’s comment will help many potential visitors.
投稿日：2020年9月6日
この回答はTripAdvisor LLCのものではなく、施設管理者の主観的な意見です。
D. Aaronson
アッシュビル, ノースカロライナ州656件の投稿
Lots to do
2020年8月
Tremendous amount to do here. There is a vast network of hiking trails that is interconnected with the Applachian Trail and the Mt Rogers NRA trails, likewise for horse trails and bike trails. There is excellent bouldering, with several areas very close to the road/parking. The Hickory Ridge campground isn't particularly spacious but worth staying at because Grayson is so remote.
投稿日：2020年8月25日
この口コミはトリップアドバイザーのメンバーの主観的な意見です。TripAdvisor LLCのものではありません。
We are so glad you enjoyed Grayson Highlands State Park. Thank you for taking the time to write a review.
投稿日：2020年8月27日
この回答はTripAdvisor LLCのものではなく、施設管理者の主観的な意見です。
Lisa P
6件の投稿
Excellent first time experience
2020年7月
This was such a FABULOUS experience and welcome break from the 95+ temps at home! We have been campers our entire lives, frequenting State Parks most often, and have instilled the love in our kids, who still love to travel with us at 23, 20, and 15! Grayson Highlands State Park is 5.5 hours from our house, and WELL worth the visit! 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! We camped from Sunday to Sunday in our travel trailer on site #22 and had an EXCELLENT Camp Host in Larry (7/19-7/26). It is well worth the effort to get up early for the trail excursions and a sunrise, especially during the week when it's not so busy. We will DEFINITELY be back!
投稿日：2020年7月27日
この口コミはトリップアドバイザーのメンバーの主観的な意見です。TripAdvisor LLCのものではありません。
Ingrid
ウィルミントン, ノースカロライナ州15件の投稿
Incredible views of Virginia
2020年7月
Incredible, beautiful views! Grayson is one of my favorite state parks. The trails are well marked, along with notations on difficulty. While some are rated difficult, they're more moderate for folks who do trail hiking.
投稿日：2020年7月20日
この口コミはトリップアドバイザーのメンバーの主観的な意見です。TripAdvisor LLCのものではありません。
Amanda T
ウェスターヴィル, オハイオ州
We are coming to camp for 3 nights in a few weeks from out of state. We have a Ford transit van (it’s tall) and will be pulling a pop up camper trailer. I’m wondering, how are the mountain roads? Think we’ll have problems on any twisty turny passes? Has me nervous, but my husband is an excellent driver.
Adrienne B
2件の投稿
Are the tent and cabin sites usually booked a year in advance? It looks like there is no availability all summer, but also having a hard time understanding the booking site on my phone.
WeTravel12050
ウォーレス, サウスカロライナ州213件の投稿
We had trouble with the website too and ended up calling directly to the park to get clarification. Hope that helps you. We only booked a few months advance and were fine. Good luck it is worth the visit
Melinda
フレデリックスバーグ, バージニア州8件の投稿
I am reading that the hike is 2 miles to see the ponies. Is that in and out? Also, moderate meaning? It seems everyone's definition is different. I really want to see the ponies, but I have some lower back issues. Is the incline extreme? Are there other areas to possibly see them that may be easier to access? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
CampbellCamper
ジョーンズボロー, テネシー州
What trails would be best to take children (5-10 y/o) that would not be too difficult to hike, but would still allow fun outlooks or good spots to see the ponies?
Nancy H
サンドストン, バージニア州10件の投稿
Most of the park trails are moderate or difficult but you shouldn't have to hike much to see the ponies. Generally you can see them near the Massie Gap parking lot and the Rhododendron Trail is short and moderate and a good spot to see them. The best advice is to check with staff when you get to the park because they will normally know where they are hanging out. The ponies may appear tame but are wild and can hurt unsuspecting visitors to think they are domesticated so watch from a distance.
Cehcah2
3件の投稿
Hi! Are there any lakes or swimming holes nearby?
Lisa G
アーリントン, バージニア州22件の投稿
If you take the waterfall hiking trail, there is a pretty deep pool at the base of the falls.
Also, there is a big state park/lake about half an hour drive from the area of Grayson Highlands. It is called “Hungry Mother State Park.”
Victoria C
シャーロット, ノースカロライナ州5件の投稿
Hello! When is the best time of the year to see the ponies? I'd hate to miss them. Thanks in advance!
Nancy H
サンドストン, バージニア州10件の投稿
The ponies are there all year round and usually it would be hard to miss them. However, because of the weather conditions, I recommend June-September.
What is cell phone service like with AT&T at Grayson Highlands
mnottingham
Kingsport271件の投稿
Verizon service was spotty.
americanvball06
マナッサス, バージニア州
1. Does it cost $$ to enter the park? 2. What times are the park open on week days?
mnottingham
Kingsport271件の投稿
We paid $7 for parking on 3/29/19.