Grayson Highlands State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers are available. The park provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: The park is on U.S. 58 midway between Independence and Damascus and is reached from I-81 at Exit 45 in Marion; turn south on Route 16 and travel 24 miles to US 58 in the community of Volney. Turn right onto US 58. Travel eight miles to the park's entrance. Latitude, 36.628322. Longitude, -81.496889.

From I-77, take Hillsville Exit 14 to U.S. 58. Travel west on U.S. 58, 40 miles to Volney. Turn left to stay on U.S. 58 and go eight miles to the park entrance.

Its address is 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; Latitude, 36.628322. Longitude, -81.496889.

Drive Time: Northern Va., 6.5 hours; Richmond, 5.5 hours; Tidewater, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7.5 hours; Roanoke, 2.5 hours; Winston-Salem, 1.5 hours; Charlotte, 1.5 hours; Raleigh, 4 hours

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Trails, Horse Stables, Birdwatching, Fishing

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Grills

Playground Size: Medium

Playground Shade: Some

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Visitor Center, Nature Center, Historic Site, Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Amphitheater, Bath House

Trash Cans: Yes

Camping: Tent, RV, Groups, Primitive

Camping Amenities: Running Water, Fires Allowed, Fire Rings, Firewood Available, RV Hookups

TRAILS:

Trail Description: Hiking, bicycle trails (mountain bikes only), horse trails, self-guided trails.

Trail Activities: TRACK Trail, Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, Difficult

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: Over 10 miles

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Panoramic Views

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

Open Space Activities: Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Natural Water Feature: Creek/Stream