Photograph Wild Horses at Grayson Highlands State Park

Mouth of Wilson, VA
4.6
5 Reviews
Photograph Wild Horses at Grayson Highlands State Park
View all photos

Details

Distance
1.8 miles
Elevation Gain
306 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Groups
Wildflowers
Dog Friendly
Romantic
Family Friendly
Forest
See all 11 tags
Download
Directions
Check-in
Track

About this place

Added by Merritt McKinney

Grayson Highlands State Park hosts a band of wild horses within an easy mile from the Massy Gap parking lot. Bring a zoom lens with your camera to capture these incredible creatures in their natural habitat!

The wild horses gather on top of the bald at the end of Horse Trail North located in Grayson Highlands State Park. Because they are wild, it is important to remember not to touch or feed the horses. The horses are accustomed to hikers and will allow you in their near proximity, but bring a zoom lens and keep a reasonable distance from the horses while photographing and observing. 

Park in the Massy Gap Parking Lot and set off towards the wooden gate. Follow Horse Trail North for a half mile until it forks with Rhododendron Trail. Continue left along Horse Trail North for less than a half mile until you encounter an open field and the wild horses. The trail is wide and well-maintained allowing for hikers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy.

For photography, I'd advise bringing a 75mm or longer in order to keep a reasonable distance from the horses. I personally used a 75mm and a 55-200mm.  

Show more
Suggest an edit

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
Photos
Check-ins
Mary C Graham
5/24/2022
Easy and fun
This is a very fun destination. The hike can be as long or short as you prefer. There is no guarantee of seeing horses, ...
Show more
Report
Stephen Catalano
8/9/2020
Fun little outing!
This is a great family-friendly activity. Been a few times and each is just as enjoyable as the last. I'll echo the author, bring ...
Show more
Report
Kelsey Martin
4/1/2020
awesome hike
This hike was one of my favorites. Every where you looked you had a view, the wild ponies were so friendly.
Report
Samantha Testerman
2/23/2018
Grayson Highlands State Park
I have family that live close and this was always a favorite memory of mine growing up and coming here to see the horses ...
Show more
Report
Kelley Le
11/3/2017
Pretty fun.
These wild guys are easy-going. One of them walked up to me while I was on the trail. Some do get a bit nervous ...
Show more
Report