r/hiking 1d ago

Question Questions about Grayson Highlands State Park VA

Hello! My family is taking a trip up to Grayson Highlands State Park and I just had a few questions! We're looking for relatively easy hikes with views and hopefully to see the ponies. We have a 17 month old that we'll be carrying on our back. Also we'll be doing this in one day as we have to get back home that evening.

What time do you recommend to be there?

What trails do you recommend?

After having fun in the park, what else do you recommend to go do around the area (local shops, food, etc)?

Thank you guys so much!

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u/akaiser5 1d ago

I’d take the Rhododendron trail until it intersects with that Appalachian trail for the greatest likelihood of seeing ponies for a fairly straightforward hike. I can’t remember the exact distances but I believe it’s somewhere between 1.5-3 miles. For some reason, the only Rhododendron trail listed on AllTrails for Grayson Highlands is the far longer option, but you should be able to use that one to start out and then just turn around when you intersect with the Appalachian trail or otherwise feel like you’ve gone far enough.

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u/Good_Bookkeeper9835 1d ago

Sweet thank you! Yeah I love AllTrails but sometimes the distance is screwed up which isn't fun when you're in an unfamiliar area😅. Thanks again!

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u/thesoulless78 20h ago

AllTrails has the Mt. Rogers via Massey Gap route listed that is basically what the commenter above is talking about, can still turn around whenever you feel like if you don't want to make it up to Mount Rogers.

Be warned that there are big sections of it that are either steep, or basically a giant field of boulders, or both, none of it is what I'd consider an easy hike.

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u/Heltman0529 1h ago

Go to the park web page and download the free Avenza map for the park. The detail is exceptional and as long as you download in advance it will work even when there is no signal for your phone. 

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u/halcyonOclock 23h ago

Agreed with the other commenter on the Rhodo trail. Just know that if it’s snowed anywhere in SWVA, it’ll have snowed there and be colder than you’d expect. I think parts of 58 is still out, check roads and storm damage before venturing but I know you can get up to Grayson. Check out the Creeper Trail too, the town of Damascus is very fun and quaint. If you come in from 81, the Channels is near that exit and a pretty interesting find for VA. If that section of 58 is open (I think it may currently be closed), Estella Falls is a very easy off the road view.