The Can’t-Miss Virginia Hike for Every Nature Lover’s Bucket List

Whenever I am on a hike, I am always on the lookout for wildlife. It can be an exciting sight to see a deer bouncing through the woods but it can also be slightly terrifying if you come across a bear…But did you know that there are wild ponies in Virginia? To make it even more spectacular these wild beasts can be found high in the mountains while enjoying a hike. Grayson Highlands State Park is arguably one of the prettiest parks in the state and the beauty alone will draw in the crowd, but seeing a wild pony, well that makes it extra special. 

Grayson Highlands State Park is about as wild as it gets sitting in the western mountains of Virginia. The park sits around 5,000 feet above sea level and if you have ever hiked that high, then you know you will not only experience some spectacular views but also some very unpredictable weather. To me, that level of unknown makes this park even more exciting.

There are plenty of trails throughout the park but the one that is the most popular is the famous Appalachian Trail. A section of the behemoth hike makes its way through this state park and is an exciting experience all on its own. 

You are very likely to see wild ponies along the trail and grazing in the hills on top of the mountain. This feels so rare and foreign that it makes the sight even more magical. We have all seen ponies meandering around on a farm, but it's not every day you get to see them wild and on top of a mountain!

If you are feeling ambitious, then take the Wilburn Ridge, Pine Mountain, and Mount Rogers Trail which will take you on a long 8.4-mile out-and-back hike that consists of over 1500 feet in elevation gain. You will most certainly work up a sweat but the payoff is hiking among breathtaking beauty. 

The trail intertwines with the mighty Appalachian Trail so you will be on the famous hike that spans from Georgia to Maine. There is something humbling and also empowering about being on this epic trail even if you don’t plan on hiking the entirety of the AT. 

Seeing wild ponies in Virginia is enough to make this trail a bucket list hike. No doubt once you are up among the clouds you will also soak in the immaculate scenery and fall in love with the western mountains. There is a lot to love about this trail from the challenge to the rare wildlife. Because of the series of paths you can take on the mountain, I would recommend getting the AllTrails+ app, that way you can download the map and make sure you don’t end up all the way up in New England. 

Another must-see natural wonder in Virginia is Breaks Interstate Park; make sure you don’t miss that one.