(276) 579-7092
829 Grayson Highland LaneMouth of Wilson, VA 24363
Latitude: 36.628322
Longitude: -81.496889
Grayson Highlands is Virginias third largest state park with nearly 5,000 acres of land and is located in Grayson County near Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Its elevation is higher than in any other state park in Virginia and offers spectacular views from its many trails and from overlooks along the road such as the famous Sugarlands overlook. On a clear day one can see for 70 miles and in the fall the red leaves of the sugar maples create a beautiful sight. The park offers around 15 miles of trails for hiking plus access to the over 2000 mile long Appalachian trail that runs from Georgia to Maine. The park also offers access to the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, a beautiful trail that takes horse lovers over 50 miles through the national recreation area. This hikers paradise offers access to Mount Rogers, Virginias highest peak. The park also offers camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, and horse stables.
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Hiking
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Appalachian Spur Trail
Appalachian Spur Trail is an approximately 1 mile, moderate difficulty, hiking trail that starts at the backpackers parking lot. The trail passes through the woods to a grassy bald area before intersecting with the Appalachian Trail. If you continue on the AT just over a mile to the north you will come to the Wise Shelter.
Blaze Color: Blue
- Length: 0.82
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Roots, Rocks
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a National Scenic Trail that consists of a footpath of more than 2,150 miles stretching from Mount Katahdin, Maine to Springer Mountain, Georgia. Approximately one quarter of the trail lies in Virginia with portions passing through Grayson Highlands State Park and Sky Meadows State Park. For information on hiking the trail, contact the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at appalaciantrail.org, or look for a trail club in your area.
Blaze Color: White
- Length: 2150
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Mixed
Big Pinnacle Trail
The Big Pinnacle Trail is a .4 mile, difficult trail that connects the western end of the Twin Pinnacles loop to the Massie Gap parking area. As the trail climbs Haw Orchard Mountain, hikers will find areas rich with mountain laurel, rhododendron, azaleas and other native plants. This trail is extremely steep and rocky and hikers should be cautious as it gets very slippery when wet.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 0.4
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth, Roots, Rocks
Cabin Creek Trail
The Cabin Creek Trail is a 1.8 mile, Difficult, hiking loop that takes hikers from the grassy open areas of Massie Gap through wooded areas as they hike along Cabin Creek up towards the falls on Whitetop Mountain. One of the park’s lesser used trails, the Cabin Creek Trail offers hillsides of Rhododendron and shady glades punctuated by the tumbling creek and quiet pools. While the pools of native brook trout are tempting, fishing the creek is prohibited inside the park. The trail is easy to hike most of the way, however the roughly 100 yard hike to the falls is very steep, rocky and slippery and earns the trail a moderate rating.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 1.8
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Grass, Earth, Rocks
Horse Trail East
The Horse Trail East is a 3.2 mile scenic trail designed for the enjoyment of horseback riders. It offers stunning vistas of the region and connects to the Mount Rogers Recreational Area trail system. Stables and camping are available.
Blaze Color: Orange
- Length: 3.2
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Horse Trail North
The Horse Trail North is a 0.9 mile scenic trail designed for the enjoyment of horseback riders. It offers stunning vistas of the region and connects to the Mount Rogers Recreational Area trail system. Stables and camping are available.
Blaze Color: Orange
- Length: 0.9
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Listening Rock Trail
Listening Rock Trail is a 1.4 mile, moderate hiking loop that is accessible near the Visitor Center by the Buzzard Rock Overlook. Buzzard Rock derives its name from the turkey vultures that roosted here. English settlers were reminded of the buzzard hawks of their homeland, hence the name. The narrow trail runs downhill through the woods over fairly rocky terrain. About one half mile from Buzzard Rock Overlook is Listening Rock. Listening Rock is so named because the areas farmers would come here to locate grazing cattle by listening for their bells. This trail is closed from November 1 to May 1.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 1.4
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth, Roots, Rocks
Rhododendron Trail
The Rhododendron Trail is a wide, half mile long, difficult trail, that connects to the Horse Trail in two places. The trail climbs Wilburn Ridge via a broad switchback through Catawba Rhododendron groves and beautiful fields of wild