A day at Grayson Highlands State Park

Climb 1,000 feet over 2.5 miles of boulder-ridden trail? Wild horses couldn't drag me out for a hike like that! Wild ponies? Well, that's another matter entirely!

As soon as we settled in at Mt. Rogers, people began giving Leonard and me advice on “must see” places in the region. Near the top of everyone's list was Grayson Highlands State Park.

GHSP is renown for two things. One is the magnificent vistas and rock formations similar to those found in parts of the western United States. Hiking at the park brought back many good memories of my days exploring southern Arizona (and a life I secretly long to return to someday).

Wild ponies were introduced to Grayson Highlands

State Park to prevent reforestation of the park's balds.

Another reason visitors go to this particular park is that herds of free-roaming ponies make it their home.

The ponies were introduced to the park in 1974 to prevent reforestation of the highland balds. Annual roundups and subsequent sales of the animals help to assure the health and long-term stability of the herds.

Because so many people seek out the ponies, these wild animals have become quite accustomed to being around humans (though they are known to kick and bite when threatened). The ponies calmly go about their business as onlookers approach to snap photos and marvel at the gentle equines.



Sprocket just didn't know what to make of his would-be friend's

advances. Is there anything sadder than unrequited affection?

Not even Sprocket's presence seemed to bother them. In fact, one curious young filly expressed a keen interest in getting to know her distant canine cousin. She tried several times to stand next to Sprocket who, not knowing quite what to make of this unexpected advance, wanted nothing to do with her. The incident served as a great source of amusement.

Leonard shepherds Sprocket along after the dog's somewhat

hostile encounter with this calf.

Not so amusing was a later encounter we had with a calf who was grazing among a herd of longhorn cattle that spend their summer in the meadows of Grayson Highlands. As soon as he spotted our dog, the young bull seemed determined to make it clear to Sprocket just who was boss in these parts. Sprocket got the message right away, and so did Leonard and I. We speedily moved on, leaving that calf behind to rejoin his kin.

I managed to capture a few decent photos of the day and have posted those below. Enjoy!

So many trails, so little time.

Wild raspberries abound in the Virginia highlands.

Wild blueberries draw locals and tourists to the area this time of year.

A herd of longhorn cattle enjoys a sunny mid-summer day.

Hikers take a break on the rocks.



Just one of many unforgettable scenes from our Virginia wanderings.