Virginia’s Beautiful Grayson Highlands State Park
The Magic of Grayson Highlands Ponies
Family life in the Highlands—wildish, free-roaming, and never far from a good patch of grass.
Feeling stressed? Have you been staring at your computer screen too long? Is your strained checking account causing anxiety as the bills pile up? You need to plan a trip to Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia.
Among the rolling mountains of southwest Virginia, just 20 minutes north of the North Carolina–Virginia line, lies a magical place. Grayson Highlands State Park, in Grayson County, covers about 4,500 acres and includes elevations above 5,000 feet, giving it an alpine feel.
Rhododendron-filled forests, airy mountain meadows, open grassy balds, and rocky outcroppings provide unique panoramic views. As expansive trails open to mountain vistas, the genuine magic of Grayson Highlands is revealed — 1,500 acres of protected highland bald home to herds of wild ponies.
The Wild Ponies of Grayson Highlands
“Wildish” may be a better description. These are wild animals that have become very accustomed to human presence.
You may not pet the ponies, and unfortunately, people break this rule regularly. Visitors are frequently seen petting them and, worse, feeding them. Feeding the ponies can cause serious health problems, so please heed the signs — tempting as it is.
Conditioned by humans, it is not uncommon for the ponies to approach you in a shakedown to see if you will give them food. As you can see from this photo series, while attempting to keep my distance, I kept having to back up as this eager pony pursued me for offerings. After a few minutes, it left me alone to indulge in my photography.
A special note for those who have never been around ponies: don’t approach them from the rear. They are known to kick quite hard, so be mindful.
From the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation:
The ponies were introduced to the park in 1974 to prevent reforestation of the highland balds. The Wilburn Ridge Pony Association manages the herd. During fall roundups, held in conjunction with Grayson Highlands’ annual Fall Festival, association members check the ponies for health concerns before the auction.
Visitors should not approach, feed, or pet the ponies. They bite and kick when they feel threatened, and human food is harmful to them.
Size, Behavior, and Unexpected Moments
These ponies are adorable. While not officially “miniature ponies,” they are small-statured and stand about 10–12 hands (farm lingo for roughly 3.5–4 feet tall).
While accustomed to humans, they are still wild and do all the things wild ponies do.
On one visit during mating season, there was intense seasonal behavior among the ponies. The scene was loud, fast-moving, and emotionally charged — chasing, biting, and posturing. It was wild and raw, very different from the calm grazing most people expect.
Moments like this remind you that Grayson Highlands is not a petting zoo. It is a living landscape where wild animals follow their own rhythms.
On the other end of the spectrum, one of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had was with a foal (a young pony).
It was midday on a pleasant July 4th, and I sat down to take a break from my photo expedition. While the foal’s dam (mother) grazed nearby, the foal approached me. Stopping about 10–15 feet away, it stared — then bucked and skipped about 20 feet before stopping and looking back at me.
Then it did it again.
The message was clear: this foal wanted to play.
I stood up, and we hopped, skipped, and frolicked back and forth for a few minutes, staying about 10 feet apart. Eventually, the foal lay down and decided it was time for a nap.
It was truly a special moment.
How to Find the Ponies
It’s not that difficult — I have encountered them on every trip.
The lower parking lot has the advantage of being close to the restrooms.
Step 1: Park at Massie Gap
You have two options:
The large roadside parking area along Grayson Highland Lane
The lower parking lot near the restrooms
Check Google Maps before you go so you understand the layout.
Step 2: Head to the Trail Kiosk
Walk through the open field toward the wooden trail kiosk.
From the roadside parking, you’ll walk downhill.
From the lower lot, walk toward the open grassy area.
You’ll see wooden fencing and a gate — this is where the trail begins. Make sure the gate closes behind you. We can’t have any ponies getting loose.
The areas along the white arrows are where I always find ponies.
Step 3: Take the Rhododendron Trail
You’re now on the Rhododendron Trail, a somewhat steep gravel path.
The excitement of finally arriving after my 3.5-hour drive from Chapel Hill usually powers me up the incline. Once it levels out, take your time and enjoy the surroundings.
Watch your step — you’ll begin to notice pony “landmines,” also known as pony poop. Whether you call them pony apples, pony figs, or pony donuts, fresh manure is a good sign ponies are nearby.
Step 4: Reach Wilburn Ridge
When the trail levels out and the mountains open around you, you’ve reached Wilburn Ridge, the best place to see the ponies.
Continue northeast along the ridge.
In three of my four visits, ponies were grazing openly on the balds.
On one visit, they were scattered among rock outcroppings and tucked into vegetation just off the trail.
Don’t hesitate to ask fellow hikers if they’ve spotted them.
Photography Gear: Keep It Simple
Photographers, let’s talk gear.
My advice: keep it simple.
Bring:
One camera
One lens
Optional tripod (if shooting video)
Best lens choices:
24–70mm f/4
24–120mm f/4
50mm f/1.8
35mm f/1.8
Early in my photography journey, I overpacked. On my first trip here, I carried multiple lenses and used only one. I regretted every extra pound on the hike back.
Using one lens improves composition and forces creativity. And trust me — the ponies will let you get close enough for portraits with a 50mm prime.
Time Has a Way of Disappearing
When surrounded by ponies and endless views, time stops announcing itself.
On every visit, I’ve planned to explore waterfalls and scenic overlooks beyond Massie Gap.
On every visit, I never make it out of Massie Gap.
Somewhere between pony sightings, the afternoon disappears.
Birding at Grayson Highlands
If birding is your passion — and you can resist the ponies — this park is a premier location.
Prime birding areas include:
Trails around Massie Gap
The Rhododendron Trail
Species you may see:
Red crossbill
Black-capped chickadee
Ovenbird
Wood thrush
Blackburnian warbler
Black-throated blue warbler
Black-throated green warbler
Spring and fall migrations are especially active.
Other Tips for Your Visit
Entry Fee
$7 weekdays
$10 weekends (April–October)
Cash only (self-pay envelope system)
Display the receipt stub on the dashboard
Failure to pay may result in a $25 ticket
Arrive Early
Parking fills quickly.
~70 spaces along Grayson Highland Lane
~30 spaces in the lower lot near the restrooms
Dress for Rapid Weather Changes
High elevations mean sudden changes.
I’ve experienced:
A 20-degree temperature drop in 30 minutes
Fog reducing visibility to 20–30 feet
Bring:
Layers
Rain jacket
Hat
Sunscreen
Wilburn Ridge is fully exposed with no shade.
Pack Essentials
Water
Snacks
Extra socks
Map (download or screenshot)
Flashlight or headlamp
Small first aid kit
Cell reception can be spotty.
Fuel and Food Nearby
These parks are always “out in the sticks,” as we say here in the South — but you have options.
Grayson Highlands General Store & Inn
10 minutes away on US-58
Café
Sandwiches and burgers
Scratch-baked goods
Ice cream
I always stop here after leaving the park.
The Corner Market & Café
At US-58 / VA-16
Great fuel stop
Convenient if coming from Chapel Hill
Both are easy and convenient.
More Than a Photographer’s Paradise
While I experience Grayson Highlands through the lens of a camera — chasing shifting light upon the balds and waiting patiently for the wild ponies to wander into frame — the park offers far more than photographic inspiration. Day-trippers, backpackers, campers, families, and outdoor adventurers alike will appreciate the scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, camping and horseback facilities, and easy access to the Appalachian Trail.
For current details on parking, camping reservations, and seasonal amenities, visit the official Grayson Highlands State Park website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands
