Hiking with Wild Ponies in Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia

The Grayson Highlands in Virginia are one of those magical places that feels like you are stepping into a movie set about hiking - but better, because there are wild ponies. Yes, wild ponies that walk right up to you as you hike the trails. 

Tucked into the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia near the North Carolina border, the Grayson Highlands are an outdoor playground with epic views, windswept meadows, and rocky, open trails.  The Highlands and Grayson Highlands State Park are the gateway to Mount Rogers (Virginia’s tallest peak) and some of the most scenic stretches of the Appalachian Trail in the southern Appalachians. The ponies though? They’re the real stars though, chilling in the highlands like they own the place, because they kind of do.  

For our first adventure together in the Park we utilized a combination of trails in both the Grayson Higlands State Park and the Mount Rogers National Forest lands including the Appalachian Trail, Rhododendron Trail, the Wilbur Ridge Trail and some of the Park's horse trails. It wasn’t really a hike to anywhere in particular, but over the 6 miles we covered most of the Park and made it about halfway to Mount Rogers. Along the way we saw dozens of ponies, which was really the main goal of the hike anyway.

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For More Information About This Hike

You can find out more about this hike:

• Grayson Highlands State Park Website

• Mount Rogers High Country Map

• Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Guidebook

• Shown on the AllTrails Website and App

Our Hiking Advice and Hiking Gear Recommendations

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• Best Sunglasses for Hiking

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Gear we used on this hike:

• Goodr Sunglasses

• REI Traverse 32 Pack

• REI Flash Air 50 Pack

• Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pockets

• Altra Lone Peak Hiking Shoes

• Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks

• Deliberate Life Design Hiking Sandals

• Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles

• REI Traverse Trekking Poles

• Eddie Bauer HYOH T-Shirt

• EMS Techwick Essentials Sleeveless Tee

• Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts

• Energizer LED Headlamps

• NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad

• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles

• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

• Garmin Forerunner 255 Smartwatch

• Garmin Instinct Smartwatch

• Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS

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Important Hiking Considerations:

• Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. 

• Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so always use caution and watch your footing.

• Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.