The family got out for a day hike in Grayson Highlands State Park. I have seen pictures and heard about this park but never visited. The Appalachian Trail runs through the park and there are quite a few people there for such a remote location.
What struck me first was how green it was. The area has seen a lot of rain lately and the vegetation is definitely flourishing. There are hiking trails that intersect all over the place. Some are for hikers and others are for horses only.
The trails are very well maintained and there were several crags for kids to climb on. My kids were in heaven scrambling all over the rocks.
The elevation from the top of the rocks lent itself to some spectacular views.
In the distance you could see what most day hike visitors come here for, can you find them?
There are wild horses that roam this park. They are smaller than the wild stallions that roam the western plains. These horses have a shaggier coat, long manes, and tails.
The horses have obviously built up a tolerance to people with so many visitors at the park. They are still beautiful creatures and fun to see.
Even though there are signs everywhere asking people to keep their distance people tried to pet and feed the horses. It's sad how people have to push the limits and ruin it for everyone else. The horses associate people with food if they're always fed. People don't think about what they are giving these animals. Fritos and potato chips don't have the best nutritional value.
If you are in the area I highly recommend visiting this park. The scenery is fantastic and on days like today, you can really see where the name Blue Ridge Mountains came from.
It is indeed a beautiful park Kevin. As a horse lover I was hoping we would get a short video of you on a horse. Short, short video.
ReplyDeleteHoward if that happened this post would be titled "Saddle Sore in Grayson Highlands."
DeleteBeautiful photos, & wild horses to boot.
ReplyDeleteI've only been to the Blue Ridge mountains to fish, so much more to explore...
It's very vast. You could take a lifetime exploring the mountains.
DeleteThanks, Kevin, for sharing your beautiful hike with us readers. I did a hike with some Army buddies back in 1971 in the Blue Ridge Mountains after getting out of the Service. Have never forgotten how beautiful it was. Really impressed with the wild horses and am in complete agreement with your comments on feeding the wild animals. It seems to be a problem most everywhere!
ReplyDeletePeople just don't think. There's certain foods you could give a horse that would make very sick. I've always wanted to do a multi day hike in the mountains. I talked to my brother in law about possibly doing a section of the Appalachian Trail in the future. It would be a fun adventure.
DeleteBeautiful area! I just got back from there, yesterday! Posted some pics on my blog of some fishing success on the nearby streams. Great pictures, Kevin.
ReplyDeleteCool man, I'll check it out.
DeleteKevin
ReplyDeleteThis is a park I've never heard of in that area, beautiful mountains with some fantastic view. I never knew there were wild horses in the mountains there. Thanks for sharing
Bill, you should definitely check it out if given the chance.
DeleteThe scenery is fantastic, more beautiful than picture!
ReplyDeleteThank you Karl.
DeleteLooks like a fantastic trip, Kevin! This is one I am definitely adding to my list. I've always wanted to see wild horses. There's a pack in Southern Missouri where I used to go canoeing, but I have never run into them. It really is sad how people test the limits, especially, with wild animals like that.
ReplyDeleteAll in all, it looks like a great place to hike and explore. That scenery is outstanding! All of your pictures remind me of something you'd see in a magazine add.
It's a must visit if you're visiting the area.
Delete