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