The Mythical Unicorn of the Park Universe

Ever have one of those places on your bucket list that you constantly wonder, “Why haven’t I been there yet?” I am not talking about trips to far-off locales with unique names. I mean the epic places just a few hours’ drive away!

You’ve heard stories from friends and strangers alike. You’ve seen tons of pictures and done the research. You know exactly what you want to do when you get there, but you’ve just never been. Grayson Highlands State Park in Southwestern Virginia has been that place for us for what seems like forever!

When we were both in college studying Outdoor Education at Appalachian State University, we lived an hour away from Grayson Highlands. It is a real thing, and it’s an awesome degree to have! We had classes that actually took place there, yet neither of us had ever been.

Seriously people, it was like our mythical unicorn of the park universe! But we finally made it! It only took a hurricane and some complete spontaneity to get us here, but it happened. Let me tell you this right now—it was everything we imagined and so much more! This is one heck of a unicorn.

Hunting for the Grayson Highlands Wild Ponies

We only had a short time here. I know, I know—it is an epic unicorn of a park and we only had a short time. It is a very long story as to why, and it includes a natural disaster. But I can promise you we will be back!

The thing is, when you’re short on time, it is important to get your priorities straight. At the very tip-top of my list for Grayson Highlands was seeing the wild ponies. Herds of tiny little rugged mountain ponies wander the balds. They graze on grasses and generally exist in a state of awesomeness.

The stories of how the ponies first came to Grayson Highlands are a little murky. However, they officially started to pop up around the 1940s as a landscape management plan! You know that joke about getting goats to mow your yard? It is exactly like that, only with some very hungry ponies.

Today, the ponies are managed by the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association. They are rounded up annually for health checks, vaccinations, and herd size management. Too many ponies means not enough grass in the yard! When the herds get too large, young stallions are sometimes sold at auction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These sweet, sweet faces though…

Pony Etiquette: Let the Wild Stay Wild

These hearty mountain residents are so used to human company that they hardly even pick up their heads when you hear them approach. Some ponies are so brazen as to think you might be willing to share that granola bar in your pocket with them!

Listen up—don’t do it! Do not feed or pet the ponies. It is actually illegal. They are cute and they look cuddly, but they are wild. Not to mention, they are ponies! Coming from a person raised around horses, I can personally attest that ponies are the honey badgers of the equine world. They bite, they kick, and they don’t care.

Let the wild stay wild. Take lots and lots of pictures, stay clear of their backsides, and leave only footprints behind when you leave.

The face you make the you find a pony on top of a mountain!

More to Explore: Trails and Epic Views

The best spot in the park for pony spotting is on Wilburn Ridge, just off of the Rhododendron Trail. This trail is super easy to get to. As you enter the park, follow the road up and continue past the first right-hand turn. The trailhead will be just up the road on your right through an open field. You will know you’re in the right spot when you see signs for Massie Gap and a whole lot of cars!

Despite the awesomeness of the ponies, make sure you make time to enjoy everything else the park has to offer. This park literally has something for everyone. Whether you’re a hardcore hiker (the Appalachian Trail cuts right through here), into the day hiking scene, or looking just to get away with the family for a weekend.

We only had time for one other quick hike while we were there. We walked the Wilson Creek Trail, and the trailhead is within walking distance from the campground. Just like everything else in Grayson Highlands, it was amazing!

Wilson Creek Trail 

Let me paint this picture for you- gorgeous wide-open views of the Appalachian Mountains (including Mount Rogers- VA’s highest peak), wild ponies wandering across rumbling mountain balds, and rushing creeks alive with falling waters- welcome to Grayson Highlands! If you haven’t been yet, you really need to go!

Grayson Highlands is just 1 of 37 parks within the Virginia State Park system- recently voted some of the best state parks in the USA- sounds like we need to visit more parks in Virginia soon! Access info about all these amazing places online here.

Grayson Highlands State Park- Just The Basics:

Location:  829 Grayson Highland Lane

Mouth Of Wilson, VA 34363

Latitude, 36.628322. Longitude, -81.496889.

Cost:   Entrance Fees $5 (In State) $7 (Out Of State)

Camping Fees- Vary dependent on site requirements. Make reservations here.

 Things To Do:  Hiking,  Horsebackriding, Camping,  Backcountry Camping, Wildlife Viewing, Fishing, Interpretive Programs