Are you looking for a great weekend getaway? Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life by exploring Virginia’s best kept secret of the Blue Ridge. The rolling hills and majestic mountains of Southwest Virginia’s Grayson County are waiting for you to discover them.
A weekend away in Grayson County offers the chance to slow down and unplug amid the stunning backdrop of Virginia’s highest peaks. Tucked in the heart of Southwest Virginia along the border with North Carolina and Tennessee, Grayson is home to Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and multiple state and national forests. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails including a section of the Appalachian Trail crisscross the highland bluffs and dense red spruce forests that blanket Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, the two tallest mountains in the state.
These protected areas offer a wealth of winter weather outdoor recreation from hiking to bird watching, seasonal hunting and trout fishing. Cabins and lodges hidden in the hollers and along the ridgelines of Western Grayson County abound, ready to offer a cozy escape to guests looking to unwind by the fireplace on a chilly winter weekend.
Grayson Highlands State Park is open to hiking and horseback riding year-round, weather permitting. The famous wild ponies roam the highland balds of Wilburn’s Ridge, always ready for a photo shoot with park visitors. Grayson Highlands is Virginia’s second most visited State Park, offering stunning panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as hiking trails suitable for all skillsets. Visitors to the park can take a leisurely drive up to Whitetop for a bite to eat at the Railroad Market & Café to put their pin on the map in Virginia’s highest zip code. Four-wheel drive enthusiasts can even ride to the very top of Whitetop Mountain on the state’s highest public road to catch one of the best views of the Blue Ridge.
Head down the mountain through Grayson County on the Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail towards the charming mill town of Fries. Perched beside the ancient New River, Fries offers a picture-perfect glimpse of Grayson’s rich Appalachian heritage. Here you’ll find dozens of vacation rentals for your weekend getaway from quaint romantic cottages for two to modern lofts fit for the whole family reunion. Dine at the Fries Dam Steakhouse with a picturesque view of the New River Dam as the backdrop before heading over to the Historic Fries Theatre to catch an old-time concert or join in the weekly Thursday Night Jam by the Dam. Don’t forget the most important meal of the day at Windy River Café before starting your next adventure with the sunrise over the river.
The New River Trail State Park reaches its terminus in Fries, offering cyclists, hikers, runners and horseback riders nearly 50 miles of pristine, easy-going track to explore. Though portions of the trail have been closed for repair, much of the New River Trail remains open to recreation. Take a leisurely ride beside the second-oldest river in the world as you wind your way with the New on this popular rail trail.
Grayson County, Virginia offers a world away from the rush of everyday schedules, but it’s just an easy drive away from many Southeastern cities. Take a break from the hustle and bustle to experience one of Appalachia’s true hidden gems.
Visit www.graysoncountyva.com for more information.
