MASSIE GAP TRAIL / GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK & WHITETOP MOUNTAIN

Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

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Details

Distance

8.5 miles

Elevation Gain

1300 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Mary Moss

This out and back hike is one of the best in the Eastern United States and one of the premier hikes in Virginia, which is saying a lot for the home of Shenandoah National Park.

My life long friend, Etta and I chose this adventure without realizing how long and strenuous it was actually going to be!

We started out with good spirits and high hopes! Somewhere along the way we got lost... we ended up on a "horse trail" and never reached any summits with views... nor did we ever see any wild Pony's (which was the main reason we chose this hike). We were tire and disappointed for sure! By the end of this hike we literally thought we were lost and weren't going to make it back to our car!! I was almost in tears!!

We finally made it back to our car and decided to drive up to the top of Whitetop Mountain to see some beautiful views, and man did we ever! Well worth the drive up the mountain and definitely made the trip worthwhile!!

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Features

Photography

Hiking

Forest

River

Scenic

Wildflowers

Waterfalls

MASSIE GAP TRAIL / GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK & WHITETOP MOUNTAIN Reviews

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Starting at the Massie Gap Parking Area follow the paved road down towards the woods. You will see a gravel dirt path off the side of the road to your right that heads back towards the woods. A couple steps down the trail you will see a metal pole with "Cabin Creek Trail" written on it. Follow the beaten path back into the woods and go straight across the horse trail and through a wooden fence....

Photograph Wild Horses at Grayson Highlands State Park

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 M...