Hiking Grayson Highlands State Park - Appalachian Trail to Wilburn Ridge

Get ready for some awesome views and wild ponies! We'll be hiking at Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia, just north of the NC/VA border. Most of our hike will be on a very popular section of the Appalachian trail. We'll cover 4.4 miles and will most likely meet the famous wild ponies along the way. Bring a packed lunch because we plan to take a break at the top for lunch.

This trail is rated hard on Alltrails. However, beginners in reasonable shape should be fine. Here is the link for a description and reviews:

Wilburn Ridge via Appalachian Trail, Virginia - 2,266 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

What to wear

• Footwear: Closed toe shoes with good traction. Hiking shoes, trail runners, or hiking boots are best, but athletic shoes can work.
• Clothing: Synthetic (non-cotton) clothing is best. Smartwool socks are great for hiking. You may want to bring a hat.
• For a great guide on what to wear for different conditions, check this out at REI: How to Dress in Layers: Tips for Staying Warm | REI Expert Advice

What to bring

• Water
• Packed Lunch
• Rain jacket, if necessary.
• Small backpack
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Phone (for pictures)
• Fleece (If it happens to be cool)

Tips: Make sure to get there early enough for a restroom stop. There is a restroom near the parking area but there won't be any on the trail. We'll be heading out on time but, if you're running late, you may be able to catch us on the trail. We'll be stopping periodically along the way. Don't count on cell service. I recommend downloading offline maps on Google Maps or Apple Maps for easy navigation back home.