Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains, here you’ll enjoy scenic views of alpine-like peaks of more than 5,000 feet. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with stables and parking for trailers are available.
The park has long been a gateway to the state’s highest peak, Mount Rogers, as well as the Appalachian Trail and the Grayson Highlands. As the popularity of outdoor recreation has grown, so has the number of visitors to the highlands. As many as 6,000 overnight visitors and many day hikers visit the area a year. This increased usage has raised concern for protecting the fragile highlands. Please use care when hiking at Grayson Highlands. Stay on the marked trails and be sure to leave no trace.
Weather at the park can be harsh, so those planning to access the backcountry trails from the park should be aware of the most up-to-date weather forecast for their visit. Limit group sizes to no more than 10 in the high country and wilderness areas.
The high elevation that provides stunning views, can also cause drastic drops in temperatures and wind gusts. The hiking options are some of the best in the state, but if you are not properly prepared a simple hike can become treacherous. Do not feed and pet the wild ponies at the park. This can harm them and remember they are wild. Please stay 50 feet away from the ponies at all times.
From Interstate 81, take exit 45 in Marion, then Route 16 to Volney and west on U.S. 58.
