Connect with the natural areas of Grayson Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway & all the trails in between.
Hiking Highlands
Day Hikes are available everywhere, from the western highlands of Grayson County to the eastern Blue Ridge Plateau.
Grayson Highlands State Park offers a variety of options in one location. Everything from a challenging hike to Mt. Rogers (highest point in Virginia) to a casual stroll in the highland meadows.
Trails of the Jefferson National Forest are available along the western edge of Grayson County. Common trailheads include Comers Rock Recreation Area (Hwy 21) and the access points to the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area at Highway 603 and Highway 600.
The Blue Ridge Music Center Trails take you to the top of Fisher Peak. The High Meadow Trail is 1.3 miles and the Fisher Peak Loop is 2.2 miles.
Grayson County Recreation Park and the Matthews State Forest are hiking locations central to Grayson and near the country seat of Independence.
The New River Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail are both rails to trails corridors. They provide wide surfaces and easy grades. Perfect for hiking or biking.
Trails for Children
For small children we recommend the Kids in Park program. With trails at Grayson Highlands State Park and the Blue Ridge Music Center, this program provides nature education & exploration. www.kidsinpark.com
Backpacking
The Appalachian Trail, a 2, 181-mile long public footpath traversing the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, the rail is managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous