Grayson Highlands State Park

Excellent camping sites. Clean bathhouse. Definitely need to make reservations. Park is remote. Don't run low on gas.

Sites yes, and a port a john

I would call them as there was a news release that the trails are closed due to increased bear activity. I don't know if that has changed yet.

I did not observe any cabins during my stay here, but some yurts will be completed within the campground soon. They were beginning construction during my last visit in early July, 2017. The little bunkhouses are the closest they have till the yurts are completed.

On a leash, yes

Call 800-933-7275 option 5 to buy a permit for the backpackers lot. You can also reserve a campsite and camp.

I would guess April and May. With the rain we've had recently, they probably are pretty good now.

When the campground is open on a campsite. Camping is closed until the first Friday in March when we open for primitive (no bathhouse with portajohns) and then full service starting May 1.

You probably could call the visitor center at the campground where you are going it Forest Ranger. When I was in Gatlinburg, we had to call that morning we were leaving to see if the Parkway was open. I would call now so you can have a plan B in case they closed the road.

Yes they have and it looks astounding

No.

Actually the park is open 365 days including Christmas unless we have a significant weather event in which case we post an alert on the web page.

Yes at the park office

I've seen them very close to the road on a flat trail before, but it really just depends where they are when you come to the park.

Last year they were in full bloom the first weekend in June

Havent been on all the trails but what I've seen a stroller wouldn't make it. I would suggest the creeper trail for strollers.

Park at Massie Gap and look for the Rhododendron Trail. They are usually somewhere around there.

Cabin Creek Trail

Seasonal may to october

National forest parking area at elk garden is easy to access. Shirt walk on AT to some good open pastures to view the skies

The park offers 96 campsites that include picnic tables and fire pits. These campsites are $20/night. There is one group camping site, which accommodates 35 people. RV camping, horse facilities, and a bunkhouse can also be reserved. Camp for free by hiking into the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and pitching a tent. Please see Grayson Highlands website for updated fees and regulations before planning your trip.

No unless there is a disability rating in which case they can apply for a free annual pass. https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/form/DCR199-036.pdf

No but equestrians have the first option. Non equestrians may only book within 30 days of arrival. Because of weather, full service camping opens there April 30. Currently, primitive camping (bathhouse closed / portajohns) is available in the equestrian area for all.

No.

We were told they are between the Massie Gap and Rhododendron Trails. But their were so many people that we opted not to go. Didn't want to be in a crowd. The park staff told us that since they are wild it can be a hit or miss thing. But those trails are were they are mostly seen.

This article may help explain the difference. https://climbthatrock.com/bouldering-vs-rock-climbing/ You can find pictures and more info here https://graysonhighlandsbouldering.com/.

If you plan to park overnight at Grayson Highlands State Park you need to reserve a parking space.

Hi Justine. It's possible but completely dependent on where they are. There's a parking area near the Massey Gap trailhead in the State Park where they have access to (there's a fence to prevent them getting to the road) but just depends if they're there. They were the last time I was there a month ago but I've also not seen them there. The only other place I know of is Scales Campground, but it's a dirt road to get there. Good luck!

Yes. We are requiring advance reservations because the demand for the sites have created parking challenges. Please call the park for more details.

Yes. There are lots!

No. We haven’t charged a pet fee for camping in years now.

Sorry, I don't have access to one. Call the park and they should be able to email it to you: 276-579-7092

It depends on bear activity. Last year we had a few trails closed for a time period but many trails were still open. We have a system where depending on activity we will post warnings and only if we have negative bear encounters will we close the trails. We will post on the park's web page if we have to close any trails.

Park in the backpackers lot near the Massie Gap parking area, and pay for the pass at the check in station at the main entrance off US 58.

It's $10 a day per car total. Last time I was there.

If no one is at the station (the first little building at the gate) the office is right past it on the left.

Ive only been in summer(early July) didnt have to hike at all to see the ponies. As soon as you drive into the park you will see them hanging around. Have fun

The trails they are using may be a little congested first thing on 5/4 and 5/5 but the racers spread out pretty quickly. Also, there are lots of trails in the park that won't be impacted at all. We definitely don't close them for this activity.

Ive only been in June but the ponies really are everywhere. We were able to sit next to them and pet them, one of the babies laid down in my lap and actually fell asleep! It was the craziest thing. Highly recommend

The park camping is closed you can hike the appalachian trail and camp along it.

Yes

According to Virginia state parks Grayson Highlands can only be hunted 11/5-6 and 11/19-20 so you should be good that weekend.

We were there for 5 nights with 3 dogs. No bears in the campground. Just a beautiful rime

Inside the park I don't believe so. They are out in the woods in the mountains. Not an RV park

A digital copy to show on your phone is fine.

We have a parking lot called Backpacker's Parking Lot. You can see the location here: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-graysonhighlands.pdf. You must pay the parking fee for each day you will leave your car (in advance). Normally there is a $5 per day parking fee for Virginia residents, $7 for non-residents but we offer a discount for overnight hikers. those fees are on the overnight hiker instructions I link to below. Be sure to read the details here: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands#recreation. It includes overnight backpacker registration instructions. We have this posted on our website as of 8/25/18: Due to heightened bear activity, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy recommends you avoid camping in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area from Elk Garden to Fox Creek, including all AT shelters.

Fishing rules and regulations are set by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) not the park itself. DGIF's website would be the best place to look into specifics. The park does have a brochure on fishing in the park and could help point you in the right direction to find all the rules/licensure.

Theres a waterfall though I havent actually done the trail to it yet, so not sure about getting the water anywhere.

Yes

There are wild horses or you can bring horses. Lots of camping too.

At one time it was when Rugby rescue squad has their fall fest. Sept 23 - 24 this year