Grayson Highlands, Va Advice

Spending a couple of nights there (not camping) and looking for a little advice as it's my first visit on the 23rd and 24th. Not planning on any long hikes.

I'd check http://www.dcr.virgini​a.gov …lands#general_i​nformation.

I'm not sure but you might have nice leaf coloration going on. I typically pass through that area in February/March.

Also, let Google be your friend. Search grayson highlands va photography and you'll get some good hits.

Thanks John and yes the color should be grand. I've looked at a lot of photos as I planned this trip a few months back but was hoping for some first hand experience with the park and maybe a few secrets. Planning on sunrise/set and some night shots if I can find some foreground interest.

Check this link...https://www.travel-experience-live.com …on-highlands-photo-essay/

Beyond that or what the state supplies for info, you will only find a few places to eat, one of them being the Grayson Highlands General Store. Good food and bear options and also down the road is the the Log House kind of specializing in burgers. If you drive toward Marion or stay in Marion there is the Fox Creek General Store. These aren't gourmet food, but for what they are (burgers, fries, sandwiches) you will be well satisfied.

I know you said you weren't doing any long hikes, but give the section of the Appalachian Trail that is in the park a try. You will be able to meet some people and they may be able to steer you to something special.

Bring some gloves as you may likely get some morning temps around 45 to 50 deg.

Thanks again John. I booked the two nights at the general store about 6 weeks ago.

I'm planning on being there in mid October for a day trip. I am planning on taking a hike, so this may not work for you. I asked a friend for advice and he said that I should park in Massie's Gap, take the blue blazed trail up to the AT, head south on AT toward Mt Rogers for amazing views and possibly see the feral ponies. It is a semi alpine zone so watch the weather. Search for the weather at Whitetop, VA or Mouth of Wilson, VA, not Marion, VA.

I went there yesterday Oct 15. There wasn't a lot of fall color. Sugarlands Overlook near the entrance was nice. We saw the ponies near the junction of the Rhododendron Trail and the Horse Trail (about .5 miles from the Overnight Backpackers lot).

Thanks, I called this morning and they said the leaves are pretty much gone because of the last storm. Paid for two nights at the general store so I'll be leaving Richmond bright and ugly this coming Monday.
Thanks for the reply's!

Might try a day trip to lower altitudes for color. Stone mtn might not be too far.

Or track down the horses for some photographic interest.

Depending on how adventurous you are, maybe seeking out some less savory parts of Appalachia. Head down in the holler and you never know what you'll come across.

Small towns might not have much going on, but are mostly friendly, especially if you buy something. Ask around and folks will usually be glad to strike up a conversation

Do some planning, and keep your eyes open, you have a great time regardless.

Thanks!

There is a parking lot on the south side that has a loop trail that goes off to the west and loops around the back side of the mtn for quite a few miles.

But if you go to the NE out of the lot I'm pretty sure you are more or less in a bald. To me it isn't even a hike, can't be more than a mile out and back to the top of the mtn, but might give some good views of the ESE.

It's been a long damn time since I've been there and while I know it is in the park, I'm not sure it is Mt Rodgers proper.

My trip started off quite well and after about 65 miles from home this appeared in my rear view mirror.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/YGSq​Ty

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/YGWu​yS

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/ZJVg​Lh

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/ZKfF​DE

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/ZKdB​sC

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/YH4Q​YW

Very nice series.

John from PA wrote in post #18489138
Very nice series.

Thank you!