Image source: dcr.virginia.gov
Experience an unforgettable sensory feast with glamping at Grayson Highlands State Park. Discover enchanting trails, delightful wildlife, and immerse in unique traditions. More than glamping, it’s an adventure!
Address: 829 Grayson Highland Ln, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363, USA
Google Maps Page: https://maps.google.com/?cid=12347359489341406790
Website: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands
Accommodation Options
Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a unique accommodation experience. Visitors can choose from camping, yurts, a bunkhouse, and a camping lodge. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are required for overnight stays and can be made online or by phone. The park offers access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, as well as a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. Horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers are also available. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful camping experience or an adventurous hike, Grayson Highlands State Park has something for everyone.
The Glamping Experience at Grayson Highlands State Park
Caressed by the soft breeze of an invigorating hike, you are enveloped by a rich, nostalgic canvas of Grayson Highlands State Park’s magnificent landscapes. The verdant expanse stretches out beneath an azure vault, whispering the secrets of enchanting trails and mesmerizing sceneries. As you soak in the serene ambiance, a melodious festival livens up the highlands with infectious vitality. The air is suffused with the enticing aroma of barbecue chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Enthralling homemade crafts shine like small jewels, brightly displaying mastery and dedication, and the tantalizing taste of hobo pies, molasses, apple butter, and cider lends you a glimpse into the rich traditions of the park.
Nested virtually in the middle of nowhere, the journey meanders through endless curving roads, unfurling a new facet of experiences at each curve. Your heart throbs as the wild ponies come into view, their innocent eyes reflecting the clear sky above. The touching sight of a young pony doing zoomies floods your soul with an overwhelming sense of tranquility. You surrender an hour to silent admiration, sitting and absorbing the primal connection between the young, frolicking equine and its mesmerizing habitat.
Meanwhile, the melodious bird song guides you to trails weaving through the highland. Walking along these paths, you witness the charms of wildlife scattered across the park; the fleeting deer, the bashful bunnies, and the ever-present, amiable ponies. A surprising coolness caresses your skin, even in the middle of summer, stimulating an urgent need to light a fire.
The grandeur of high country hiking engulfs you in early September. The conditions mirror a perfect day: cool and sunny. Traversing the earthly trails allows for leisurely encounters with the park’s enchanting flora and fauna. You can quench your pet’s thirst with fresh creek water as they trail behind on a leash. The park’s biggest stars, however, are the wild ponies; so delightful and serene that they carry an air of enchantment around them, making your trip an unforgettable bucket-list journey.
The terrain invites camping adventurers, promising stunning views beneath the heavenly dome, scattered with millions of twinkling stars. It is backcountry camping here, but with the trails not too bumpy, bringing along a wagon with sturdy tires is an excellent idea. Remember to keep this idyllic scenery unscathed and peaceful, this is an experience that beckons you, promising delightful ventures and unique encounters in Grayson Highlands State Park. It’s not just glamping; it’s a sensory feast.
Activities at Grayson Highlands State Park
Pack your hiking boots for a visit to Grayson Highlands State Park, where breathtaking landscapes and invigorating trails await you. Whether you go on a solo trek or a family adventure, the park offers a range of hiking trails that are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including trails with two waterfalls and a part of the Appalachian Trail. Wildlife lovers will revel in a chance to view the wild ponies that call the park home. These sweet, hardy creatures are a unique feature of the Highlands, and spotting them playfully prancing around is a delightful sight indeed.
Grayson Highlands State Park is also a hiking gateway to the Appalachian Trail. Hiking the high country will deliver sweeping views of alpine-like peaks, a true reward for the effort. Traverse the Rhododendron Trail at the Massie GapWilburn Ridge area and spot deer and bunnies amidst the wild ponies. For those looking for a laid-back experience, the park offers trails that profit flat, rocky landscapes with no steep inclines, perfect for those who prefer a less strenuous hike.
But, there’s more to the park than hiking trails. The park also hosts the annual Highlands Festival, offering a brilliant opportunity to enjoy live music all day long and browse through homemade crafts offered by numerous vendors. Here, you can also relish hobo pies, a unique culinary delight.
Dedicated to preserving its natural beauty, the park encourages backpack camping only. So, don’t forget to pack your camping gear to enjoy a cozy fire under the stars. Visitors often marvel at the surprisingly cool temperatures here in the middle of summer, making it an ideal location for some respite from city life.
Take note before heading out that parking can be challenging and lot reservations are required. The park hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with various facilities open at specific times, ensuring you have ample time to soak in all the experiences Grayson Highlands State Park has to offer.
What is the area around Grayson Highlands State Park like (Mouth of Wilson)?
Mouth of Wilson is located in the Grayson County of Virginia and spans over a modest area with great scenic beauty. This Appalachian region is characterized by mountainous terrains with elevations that range from the lush valleys to the breathtaking peaks. It being a part of the Appalachian Mountain chain, the landscape is luxuriantly covered in forests of hardwoods and evergreens, with a variety of flora and fauna to be discovered.
The New River, which is deemed as a National Scenic River and one of the oldest rivers in the world, provides wonderful opportunities for rafting, kayaking, fishing, and canoeing. It also adds to the serene beauty of the region.
Grayson Highlands State Park is a major natural tourist attraction near Mouth of Wilson, spanning over 4500 acres and is known for its sweeping views, highland meadows, and wild ponies that freely roam the park. The park provides ample opportunities for hiking, camping, picnicking, and horseback riding. It’s also home to Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, and several portions of the Appalachian Trail pass through this park.
A short distance away is the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, often referred to as ‘America’s Favorite Drive’, considered a paradise for road trippers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Overall, Mouth of Wilson serves as a wonderful retreat for those seeking tranquility or outdoor activities amidst nature. Please note that the weather can be chilly due to the region’s elevation, so it’s advisable to carry warm clothing while visiting.
What Wildlife might you see at Grayson Highlands State Park?
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is home to a variety of wildlife. Here, you might expect to see a diverse range of animals such as white-tailed deer, black bears, bobcats, raccoons, foxes, opossums, and a variety of squirrels.
The region also boasts a rich avi-fauna, with birdwatchers often sighting species like wild turkeys, owls, hawks, woodpeckers, as well as an array of songbirds like the scarlet tanager, warblers, and eastern bluebirds.
Reptiles like the eastern box turtle and amphibians like salamanders are also common. As for aquatic wildlife, you can expect to see rainbow and brown trout in the creek waters.
You might also be fortunate to catch sight of the elusive eastern cottontail rabbit or spot signs of the busy beavers near the creeks.
As always, remember the rules of any national or state parks: Keep your distance, don’t feed wild animals, and leave no trace to keep the wildlife wild and safe.
The wildlife is aplenty in this location, offering bountiful opportunities for nature enthusiasts and photographers to catch a glimpse of these vibrant, often elusive, species in a beautiful natural setting.
When is the best time to visit Grayson Highlands State Park?
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia features a humid subtropical climate, with each season offering a distinct experience.
Spring (March to May): With temperatures ranging from 45-75‚°F, spring is a delightful time to visit, with flowering trees and lush green landscapes. Rain can still be abundant, yet the comfortable temperature makes it pleasant for outdoor activities.
Summer (June to August): Summers can get quite hot, reaching up to 85‚°F during peak summertime. This season is characterized by humid days with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. If you enjoy warm weather, this could be the perfect time for hiking or spending time by the river.
Autumn (September to November): Fall brings colorful foliage to the region, making it a popular season to visit. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 45-75‚°F. It’s a wonderful time to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the spectacular fall colors.
Winter (December to February): Typical winter temperatures range from 20-50‚°F. Mouth of Wilson sees about an average of 12 inches of snow per year. The colder weather makes it a great place for winter sports lovers. Grayson Highland State Park offers winter activities like cross-country skiing and winter hiking.
As for the best time to visit, that really depends on what you’re looking to experience. For outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or picnicking in the serene nature, then the months between late spring till early fall (April to October) would be ideal as the weather is mild and nature is in her prime. However, if you enjoy the winter season and activities associated with it such as winter hiking or cross-country skiing, then the winter months of December to February would serve you best.
Keep in mind that this is a general weather outlook, and specific weather conditions can vary year by year.
Before you travel!
While we strive to provide accurate and comprehensive details about various glamping locations across the USA, it’s important to note that we haven’t personally visited each and every site mentioned in this website. As such, there might be occasional discrepancies or outdated information in our descriptions. Before finalizing any travel plans or making decisions based on our content, we strongly recommend reaching out to the specific glamping location to verify any details or gather additional information. Your adventure deserves thorough planning, and a quick check can ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate details!
