Grayson Highlands State Park
(276) 579-7092
829 Grayson Highland Lane
Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
Latitude: 36.628322
Longitude: -81.496889
›› Google Map
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
Activities At This Destination: Hiking, Biking, Camping, Educational Activities, Fishing, Gifts and Shopping, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Picnicking, Winter Activities and Boating and Water Sports
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
Usage:
- 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
Usage:
- 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
Usage:
- 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
Usage:
- 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
Usage:
- 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
Usage:
- 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
Usage:
- 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 wildflowers in spring and early summer. Hiking this trail has many rewards. Beautiful views, spectacular sunsets, and the little-known herds of wild ponies that graze the upper ridges.
Blaze Color: Blue
Usage:
- Length: 0.5
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Natural, Rocky
Rock House Ridge Trail
Rock House Ridge Trail is a 1.4 mile, moderate difficulty loop that is accessible near the picnic area. At the trail head stands a large rock, the far side of which slants inward creating a shelter. Cherokee Indian artifacts were once found near this rock. During May and June you can find the pink lady's slipper orchid, or moccasin flower, growing in the woods near the 'rock house.' The trail winds through thickets of rhododendron along a narrow path, working uphill and downhill through hardwoods and mountain laurel and, for a short distance, alongside the Wilburn Branch Trail before returning to the trail head. This trail is closed from November 1 to May 1.
Blaze Color: Blue
Usage:
- Length: 1.4
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Rocks, Roots
Seed Orchard Trail
The Seed Orchard Trail is a 1.2 mile, moderate difficulty, extension of the network of mountain bike trails. The trail follows portions of Wilson's Creek and the Horse Trail. Please use caution when approaching or overtaking riders on horseback.
Blaze Color: Red
Usage:
- Length: 1.2
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Natural
Stampers Branch Trail
The Stampers Branch Trail is a 1.7 mile, difficult trail that connects the Visitor Center to the campground area. The trail passes through hardwood forest and canopies of huge rhododendron. Along the route there are several shelters and access to the main park road and the amphitheater. This trail is considerably steep in places and includes crossings of the Wilburn Branch and smaller creeks by way of boardwalks and natural fords.
Blaze Color: Yellow
Usage:
- Length: 1.7
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Rocks, Roots
Twin Pinnacles Trail
Twin Pinnacles Trail is a 1.4 mile, moderate difficulty loop, that is accessible from behind the Visitor Center and from the Big Pinnacle Trail. The trail connects the two highest points on Haw Orchard Mountain, Big Pinnacle and Little Pinnacle. At over 5,000 feet, these are the highest points inside the park and nearly 360 degree views are the hiker's reward. This area, like most of the park, is situated in a northern boreal forest with a variety of plant life.
Blaze Color: Red
Usage:
- Length: 1.4
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Rocks, Roots
Upchurch Road Trail
The Upchurch Road Trail is a 3.7 mile, moderate difficulty, extension of the network of mountain bike trails. The trail follows portions of Wilson's Creek and the Wilburn Branch Trail.
Usage:
- Length: 3.7
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Natural
Virginia Highlands Horse Trail
The Virginia Highlands Horse Trail is a 52 mile scenic trail designed for the enjoyment of horseback riders. The trail is mostly outside of park property but can be reached from the park using the Appalachian Trail or Horse Trail North. It offers stunning vistas of the region and connects to the Mount Rogers Recreational Area trail system. Longer rides are possible by combining the trails of both the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Stables and camping are available at the trail head.
Blaze Color: Orange
Usage:
- Length: 52
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Natural
Wilburn Branch Trail
The Wilburn Branch Trail is a 2.2 mile, single track mountain bike trail, that connects the Country Store and Amphitheater area to the Homestead area by way of the Wilburn Branch. The trail follows portions of Wilson Creek and crosses the Wilburn Branch as it mainly follows lower elevations through mixed forest. Portions of the trail near the trail heads are shared with hikers of the Rock House Ridge Trail and the Wilson Creek Trail.
Blaze Color: Lilac
Usage:
- Length: 2.2
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Natural
Wilson Creek Trail
Wilson Creek Trail is a 1.78 mile, difficult loop trail that takes users from the Trout Dale campground area through shady hardwoods and along Wilson Creek. The trail passes through thickets of rhododendron and alongside the rushing waters of Wilson Creek, finally rewarding hikers with views of the 25 foot waterfall. The trail is narrow in places and has some steep uphill and downhill sections. Wilson Creek is a special regulation wild trout stream, regulated by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Blaze Color: Red
Usage:
- Length: 1.78
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth, Rocks, Roots
Camping Area
Camping The parks campgrounds are accessible from a side road off of the main park road that runs between the picnic area and the stable area. There are campsites available that have both electricity and water and other primitive sites that do not have them. Bathhouses, dump stations, a small amphitheater, and a country store are all located within the campgrounds. All campsites have picnic tables and fire pits and a group camp area is located here close to the amphitheater.
- Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (276) 579-7092
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:36° 37.9766 -81° 30.2599
Picnic Area
The parks picnic area is accessible from the first right turn off of the main park road. It offers several picnic tables and outdoor grills, a small playground and two picnic shelters that have electricity. Located nearby is the homestead area, which features several restored cabins, barns, and other buildings that teach visitors about the life of settlers. There is also the Wayne C. Henderson stage. It is used for music and festivals.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (276) 579-7092
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:36° 37.7733 -81° 29.5416
Hunting Areas
The park offers 1400 acres of huntable land between the stable area and campground access roads. This area is open to hunting whenever game is in season. Hunters must have a valid Virginia Hunting License and must follow all hunting regulations and gun safety precautions. The park also holds a lottery hunt in early November to help control the deer population. The hunt has one day of youth hunt and 2 days of firearms. Contact the park for information about signing up for the lottery.
- Season/Hours: Game Season/Call Park (276) 579-7092
- Fee: Virginia State Hunting License.
- Location:N/A
Fishing Areas
Nearly 10 miles of wild trout stream lie within Grayson Highlands State Park. The cool mountain streams offer those fishing breathtaking scenery while angling for native brook and wild rainbow trout. All park streams are designated "Special Regulation Wildlife Trout Streams" thus require the use of a single hook and artificial lures, and all trout less than nine inches long must be released unharmed. All required state fishing licenses and creel limits apply to fishing within the park. A National Forest Permit is required when fishing on national forest property.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (276) 579-7092
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:N/A
Visitor Center
Visitor center is a 4 mile drive from the park office and contact station and stands at an elevation of 4,953 feet. Inside visitors can learn about the geological history that formed these high mountains as well as about the local wildlife and about the lives of early settlers. Here visitors may also buy souvenirs, crafts, and maps of the area. A small theater here shows videos about both about this park and about the systems 70th anniversary. Many trails can be accessed from here and a some picnic tables and a beautiful, ADA accessible overlook is located nearby. Open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. Open on weekends only from May 1 through Memorial Day and from Labor Day through October 18.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (276) 579-7092
- Fee: N/A
- Location:36° 37.4950 -81° 30.0349
Country Store
The country store is located near the campground and sells camping necessities and a few souvenirs. Open Memorial Day through August 18 on Thursdays 11 A.M.-7 P.M., Fridays and Saturdays, 9 A.M..-10 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Open August 19 through October 31 on Fridays and Saturdays from 1-10 p.m.
- Season/Hours: See Summary/See Summary
- Fee: N/A
- Location:36° 38.3833 -81° 29.2549
Amphitheater
Amphitheater is located near the country store and can accommodate over 50 people. It is used for park programming and welcoming campfires. The park is also constructing a separate entertainment venue at the homestead area. This stage will be used for the parks many festivals.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (276) 579-7092
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:36° 38.3833 -81° 29.2549
Picnic Shelters
Picnic facilities include drinking water, grills and restrooms. Two picnic shelters are available by reservation on a first-come, first-served basis by calling the Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Full Day
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:36° 37.6633 -81° 28.7666
Bridle Campground
A separate campground for horse owners is located farther down the road from the camping area. It offers a stable with 67 stalls as well as electric and water hookups for horse trailers, a dump station, and a bathhouse. This area also serves as access for the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. Park provides sawdust for stalls. Must have valid Coggins papers for each horse. You'll need to bring your own hay bag and water bucket.
- Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (276) 579-7092
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:36° 37.9999 -81° 30.5533
Cabin Creek Falls
Cabin Creek Falls is a 25-foot waterfall that cascades in two streams that appear almost tropical. Ascending the trail along this waterfall brings you to another smaller fall. Cabin Creek originates between Cabin Ridge and Wilburn Ridge. Some of the cleanest and clearest waters in Virginia flow in this stream and over the waterfalls, cascading into dark pools at the bottom of the falls where native brook trout can still be found. The waterfalls are flanked by Big-toothed Aspens, a rare nothern tree in Virginia, large Yellow Birch, Fraser Fir, and abundant Rosebay Rhododendron making up the understory.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Dawn Until Dusk
- Fee: N/A
- Location:36° 38.0239 -81° 31.1294
Homestead Area
The land where the picnic and historic cabin areas are today was once the homestead of William Marshall Jones and his family. The homesite sat adjacent to the creek, just across the old stone bridge. William Jones and his wife, Eunnace Phipps, reared nine children on this land in the late 1800's. In 1939 one of their sons bought the land and raised his own family there. After the family moved to Mill Creek the land was sold to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Today the area is used for picnicking and is the site of both the Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival in June and the Annual Fall Harvest each September.
- Season/Hours: Nov 1 through May 1/Dawn Until Dusk
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:36° 37.7011 -81° 28.7855
Big Wilson Creek
Along the northeastern boundary of the park, this creek offers 3.5 miles of fishable waters. From its headwaters to 1/4 mile below it confluence with Little Wilson Creek, the stream is designated a "Special Regulation Wild Trout Stream." A sign marks the area. Below this point, the creek is designated a "Stocked Trout Stream" and requires a trout license in addition to the state fishing license. You can reach the creek via the Appalachian Trail at Massie Gap or by taking the Big Wilson Creek Trail from the main campground.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Dawn until dusk
- Fee: Virginia Freshwater Fishing License required. US Forest Service trout stamp. Trout stamp not required within park boundary.
- Location:N/A
Visitor Center
Visitor center is a 4 mile drive from the park office and contact station and stands at an elevation of 4,953 feet. Inside visitors can learn about the geological history that formed these high mountains as well as about the local wildlife and about the lives of early settlers. Here visitors may also buy souvenirs, crafts, and maps of the area. A small theater here shows videos about both about this park and about the systems 70th anniversary. Many trails can be accessed from here and a some picnic tables and a beautiful, ADA accessible overlook is located nearby. Open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. Open on weekends only from May 1 through Memorial Day and from Labor Day through October 18.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (276) 579-7092
- Fee: N/A
- Location:36° 37.4950 -81° 30.0349
Guided Tours On The New River
Guided Canoe Trips are offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day (river level dependent) to groups of six or more. Maximum 14 participants). The trip is on the New River, participants paddle through a land that time has forgotten and features cliff sides, shaded pastures, lush woodlands, and clear water. The trip is 6 miles long and about six hours. Participants need to bring lunch, water and close toed shoes. Call 276-579-7092 for more information.
- Season/Hours: Memorial Day - Labor Day/Call 276-579-7092
- Fee: Call 276-579-7092
- Location:N/A
Wilburn Branch
Near the central area of the park, this creek provides 1.8 miles of fishable waters and is designated a "Special Regulation Wild Trout Stream". It can be accessed via the Stamper's Branch or Upchurch Road Trail.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Dawn until dusk
- Fee: Virginia Freshwater Fishing License required. US Forest Service trout stamp. Trout stamp not required within park boundary.
- Location:N/A
Mill Creek
Mill Creek has 1.1 miles of fishable waters and is the park's southeastern corner. It is a "Special Regulation Wild Trout Stream". You can get there by taking Highway 58 East from the park's entrance, then turning left on SR 742 (Mill Creek Road). Access to the park's portion of the creek is on the left near a grove of white pines, about half a mile down Mill Creek Road.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Dawn until dusk
- Fee: Virginia Freshwater Fishing License required. US Forest Service trout stamp. Trout stamp not required within park boundary.
- Location:N/A
Quebec Branch
In the park's northern region, this creek has 1.1 miles of fishable waters, all of which is designated a "Special Regulation Wild Trout Stream". This waterway sometimes has low water. Access it from the Appalachian Trail at Massie Gap or by taking Wilson Creek Trail at the main campground to the Seed Orchard Road Trail.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Dawn until dusk
- Fee: Virginia Freshwater Fishing License required. US Forest Service trout stamp. Trout stamp not required within park boundary.
- Location:N/A
Cabin Creek
Cabin Creek in the park's western area has 2.1 miles of fishable water. Wild rainbow and native brook trout inhabit the waters here; it's not stocked. Take the Cabin Creek Trail at Massis Gap to get there.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Dawn Until Dusk
- Fee: Virginia Freshwater Fishing License required. US Forest Service trout stamp. Trout stamp not required within park boundary.
- Location:N/A
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 Winter Activities!Stephanie Allen
Staunton River State Park is excited to announce that it will be keeping four cabins open year round starting this winter. |
 Are You a Lark or an Owl?Nancy Heltman
Regardless of whether you are a lark or owl, False Cape State Park has a kayak program right up your alley during the month of October. |
 Virginia Association for Parks Web Site RennovationJohnny Finch
Johhny Finch, President, Virginia Association for Parks (VAFP) announces rennovation of VAFP website, its new companion virginiaoutdoors.net and dates and location for the 2010 Spring Conference. |
 The Treasure Chest of the CommonwealthVSP
Explore what the Virginia State Parks have to offer. |
 Civilian Conservation CorpsVSP
A look back at how jobs were created through the building of America's State Park System. |
 National Public Lands Day Saturday, Sept 26th, 2009Luanne Lochner
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. |
 Fall at Virginia BeachNancy Heltman
Virginia Beach is a great destination year round and First Landing State Park makes an excellent base for visiting that resort city and the surrounding cities. |
 How the West Was Won Part IITom Cervanak
Although the smallest Virginia State Park, the Southwest Virginia Museum State Park is packed with facinating historical treasures worth taking the time to explore. |
 Apple Day at Douthat State ParkJaimie Lomasney
Apple Day, a Celebration of Appalachian Heritage at Douthat State Park is just around the corner on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
 Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton elected President of the National Association of State Park DirectorsJim Meisner
Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton was elected president of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) at the NASPD annual meeting this week. |
 National Association of State Park Directors Honor Individuals for Enhancing ParksVirginiaOutdoors
National Association of State Park Directors Honor Individuals for Enhancing Parks |
 The Adventures of Virgil S PossumVirgil S Possum
Virgil S. Possum explores the Virginia State Parks and tells tales of his adventures. |
 Trail QuestPaula Hill
Virginia State Parks soon to launch a great new program “Trail Quest – Explore Virginia State Parks One Step at a Time”. |
 Chasing Wild Ponies at Grayson Highlands SPLuanne Lochner
Being an avid horse person my entire life, during a family vacation to Virginia, a highlight of our trip was to Grayson Highlands State Park. |
 Information Stations in VA State ParksImperial Multimedia
In August of 2007, the Virginia State Parks successfully completed the launch of the nation’s first and most ambitious electronic interpretive information program specifically designed for visitors to a State Park system.
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 Virginia State Parks Camping Made EasyVirginia State Parks
Virginia State Parks Camping Tips |
 Director Designate Jon Jarvis Testifies At Confirmation HearingNPS Digest
Director designate Jon Jarvis testified at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources yesterday morning. The text of his opening statement follows. |
 The Monarch ButterflyMichael Salotti
Butterfly found in Virginia State Parks |
 State Parks Offer Moonlight Canoe ToursKevin Wallenfang
Several state parks offer moonlight canoe tours throughout the summer, offering a fun evening of nature and the stars. |
 Roots in BranchesLorraine Eaton
Canoist Lillie Gilbert takes an active roll in sharing knowledge about the coast backwaters of Virginia that she works to protect. |
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Wilderness Road State Park
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