A Lot to Do
Visit the high peaks of Grayson Highlands, float the scenic New River or bike the The New River Trail. Countless outdoor recreation opportunities await you. Whether you cast the "perfect fishing lure" or try a Zipline tour, Southwest Virginia is the perfect location for your adventure getaway. The VA Tourism websiteis also a great resource for planning your vacation needs.
Grayson Highlands
Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers are available. The park provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.
New river trail
New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback. The park's Foster Falls area offers guided horseback trips; canoe and bike rentals; boat launches; gift shops; and a horse arena. Fishing is popular, and primitive campsites dot the trail. There are access points to the trail at Allisonia, Chestnut Yard, Cliffview, Dannelly Park (near Galax), Draper, Dora Junction (near Pulaski), Foster Falls, Fries, Galax, Gambetta, Hiwassee and Ivanhoe. Horse trailer parking is available at Allisonia, Austinville, Cliffview, Dora Junction, Draper, Fries, Ivanhoe and the Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex.
Two tunnels: 135 feet and 193 feet long
Three major bridges: Hiwassee - 951 feet; Ivanhoe - 670 feet; Fries Junction - 1,089 feet
Nearly 30 smaller bridges and trestles
A historic shot tower used more than 200 years ago to make ammunition
Potable water is available only at Galax, Cliffview Campground (Dannelly Park) and Foster Falls as well as at the horse trailer lots at Ivanhoe, Draper and Dora Junction.
Grayson County Video
In the Blue Ridge Highlands of Virginia, Grayson County is the perfect vacation getaway! Located in the middle of the Appalachian mountain chain, this vacation spot is close to metropolitan areas on the east coast. Ideal weather, combined with the highest mountains in Virginia (Mt. Rogers at 5,729' and Whitetop Mountain at 5,520'), the New River, and countless attraction venues from outdoor recreation to traditional music, make Grayson County a popular destination spot to beat the heat and relax with family and friends!