Grayson Highlands Backpacking Trip

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure because backpacking in Grayson Highlands is pure magic! Nestled in the rolling mountains of southwestern Virginia, this spectacular gem is famous for its jaw-dropping panoramic views, open balds, and—you guessed it—wild ponies! Yes, actual wild ponies roam the grassy meadows and rocky ridgelines, often strolling right past your campsite like they own the place (because they kind of do).

Grayson Highlands is the gateway to Mount Rogers, Virginia’s tallest peak, and it's crisscrossed by scenic high-elevation trails, including a stretch of the iconic Appalachian Trail. Expect to hike through a dreamy mix of rhododendron tunnels, mossy spruce forests, and wide-open alpine meadows that feel more like the Scottish Highlands than the Mid-Atlantic.

This area is a bucket list destination for a reason, whether you're chasing sunrises on Wilburn Ridge, scrambling over boulders, or spotting long-range views stretching into Tennessee and North Carolina. A three-day, two-night trip here means you’ll have time to soak it all in: the wild beauty, the cool mountain air, and the thrill of backcountry freedom.

Miles: 22.0 (roundtrip)

Rating: Level 12 (View Hiking Rating Scale)

$40 members; $50 non-members

Register for this event on our website here.

All trip details including equipment list, meetup spot, and driving directions will be provided by email the week prior to the trip.

NOTE: No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.

There is limited space for this event.

Register early on our website to reserve your spot! If you're not ready to register for this event but would like more information, please email:
backpack@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org.

Find out about WWO Member benefits here:
https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/membership-fees/.