This past weekend I was in Abingdon, Virginia. I had completed the Creeper Trail the day before and was curious about what else was nearby. In an internet search of walking trails, I discovered Grayson Highlands State Park. This park is full of hiking trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail. I was intrigued. I did further research into the park and found out some really neat information. In 1974 ponies were brought to the park to help graze the balds. These areas are difficult to mow, and ponies were the perfect answer. Today there are 10-15 herds of wild ponies of various sizes.
A visit to the park can result in pony sightings!! THAT little message had me! Early Saturday morning I drove through Damascus and then took a windy mountain road up the mountain. I chose to take a different route than the one the shuttles take to the Whitetop Station for the beginning of the Creeper Trail. My road was curvier, narrower, and sometimes dirt; I loved it! When I finally arrived at Grayson Highlands State Park, which is very near Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest peak, the park was shrouded in a thick fog. I was not deterred. I decided to hike some forest trails while I waited for the fog to clear. I walked the Twin Pinnacles Trail which is not too strenuous and is a little less than 1.5 miles. It would have had some amazing views if it weren't for the heavy fog which was not dissipating at all. When I completed the trail, I visited the visitor center. There I learned that chances of seeing any of the ponies were very slim due to the fog which was expected to stay around all day.
I decided to make it like a treasure hunt. I headed over to Massie Gap, where I would find the trailhead for the Rhododendron Trail. This trail crosses the Appalachian Trail, and I had read that this was the most likely area for seeing ponies. I headed out on the trail, passing many disappointed people heading back in. Whenever I started to feel discouraged, I reminded myself that the experience itself was fun; I was on new ground, in a place I'd never been in. (I know, you're right; I really wanted to see a pony.)
About the time I gave myself a 15 minute time limit before turning around and heading back, I heard a noise over to my left. Looking through the still dense fog, I saw it -- a pony! I was so excited! The rule is that people are not to get closer to the ponies than 150 feet, so I crept closer, but not too close. I got some great pictures, especially when that gorgeous pony lifted up his head and looked at me, before calmly continuing to graze.
I felt like I had indeed found a treasure, and not just with the pony sighting. I have found a new place to visit. There are so many more trails there that I want to walk on. There's even a waterfall. And there are many more ponies yet to see. I can't wait to return but will probably wait until spring. Hooray, a trip to look forward to. Below are a few other shots I took on my hike. I've also included a link to the park site so you can learn a little more about it. Isn't it such an interesting world?
Grayson Highlands State Park
Beautiful. ❤️
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