Included: An experienced, local backpacking guide with extensive knowledge of the area (Wilderness First Responder certified) 2-day backpacking trip in Grayson Highlands, Virginia (2 days of hiking, 9 mi / 14.5 km round trip) Accommodation for 1 night at a backcountry camp (two-person backpacking tents) All meals on trail, with a selection of lightweight backpacking-friendly options including dehydrated meals, snacks, and drinks (coffee included), distributed the morning of your trip Personal backpacking gear: backpack, tent, trekking poles, and sleeping pad Shared group equipment divided among the group: stoves, water filters, first aid supplies, and bathroom kits Gear fitting and distribution at the trailhead before you hit the trail Intro to backpacking instruction, covering packing your bag, setting up camp, and using your gear A detailed, trip-specific packing list and route-specific water guidelines sent after booking Not included: Transportation to Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia Pre-trip lodging (Damascus, VA is a nearby option) Sleeping bag and the other personal items listed under “What do I need to bring?” Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above Insurance — recommended, available at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this Grayson Highlands backpacking tour, good fitness is required as well as no prior backpacking experience . The trip covers 9 mi (14.5 km) round trip split across the two days, so the mileage stays approachable while you carry a pack. While this trip is beginner-friendly, we do recommend having a regular fitness routine in place. Hiking with a pack is a rewarding but physically challenging experience! To help ensure you’re prepared, a training plan is provided after booking. Your guide fits and distributes gear before you set off, and shared items like stoves, water filters, and first aid supplies are divided among the group so no one carries too much. Terrain is rolling highland balds and rocky outcrops, and the pace is relaxed with plenty of stops for photos and pony spotting. Looking for more inspo? Discover our collection of hiking adventures in US National Parks !

What do I need to bring?

Your guides provide the bigger items, so your backpack, tent, trekking poles, and sleeping pad are all taken care of. Here’s what to pack yourself. After booking, your guide will send a full packing list specific to your trip , including water guidelines for the route. Gear: Sleeping bag (a 20-degree bag is recommended in April, May, September, October, and November; the mountains get chillier than you’d think) Headlamp Mess kit Water bottles or bladder, 3 liters recommended, with one in a heat-safe container such as a Nalgene so you can use it as a hot water bottle on cold nights Clothing & footwear: Hiking boots or shoes One outfit to hike in and one to sleep in (no need for extra changes of clothes) Adequate layers for the weather, avoiding cotton where possible since it stays damp and cold once wet Rain gear: rain jacket and rain pants Other: Any personal medication Toothbrush and toothpaste, the only toiletry really needed out there Most everyday luxuries aren’t needed in the backcountry, so feel free to leave makeup, deodorant, and similar products at home. Extra electronics and entertainment can stay behind too; this is a good chance to go screen free and enjoy nature. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: It takes a minimum of 3 people for this Grayson Highlands backpacking tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 7 participants . If the minimum number of hikers isn’t met, your guide will reach out within 2 weeks of your trip date. Solo travelers are very welcome on this trip. You can have a two-person tent to yourself or share with another participant to lighten your pack, at no extra cost either way. Grayson Highlands backpacking tours can be arranged for larger groups, contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18 , you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Grayson Highlands backpacking tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single tent available?

Yes! Solo travelers can have a two-person tent to themselves at no extra cost, or share one with another solo traveler to lighten their packs. You can note down your preference at checkout.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Grayson Highlands backpacking tour is the overnight backpackers lot in Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia . Most people drive or rent a car to get there, and the exact address and directions will be sent to you after booking. Looking for somewhere to stay the night before? Damascus, VA is nearby and a popular option, though pre-trip lodging is not included in this trip.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Grayson Highlands | Virginia

Grayson Highlands Backpacking: 2 Days With Wild Ponies

Name: Grayson Highlands Backpacking with Wild Ponies
Brand: 57hours
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

2 days | Easy to Moderate | 5.00

From $395 ()

Grayson Highlands doesn’t look like the rest of Virginia. Up on the balds, the trees drop away and you get rolling grass, rocky outcrops, and views that run for miles, with herds of wild ponies grazing right through the middle of it. Over two days and one night, we hike 9 mi (14.5 km) round trip at an easy pace, set up camp in the backcountry, and watch the sun go down over the ridges. It’s a great first backpacking trip: small group, gear provided and fitted before we start, and guides who’ll walk you through everything from packing your bag to filtering water.

Becca

Backpacking Guide, Wilderness First Responder

Adventure Highlights

Wild ponies at camp: Free-roaming herds wander the balds around our campsite, often close enough to watch them graze
Learn the ropes: Pack a bag, pitch a tent, cook a hot meal, and leave knowing you can do this on your own
Most of the gear is covered: Packs, tents, trekking poles, sleeping pads, stoves, and water filters are all included

Duration

2 days

Season

April through November

Group size

Up to 7 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

Two days, one night, and 9 mi (14.5 km) of hiking split across them, so nobody's rushing. We meet at the overnight backpackers lot in Grayson Highlands State Park, fit and share out the gear, then hike up into the balds with rocky outcrops and long mountain views the whole way. Camp goes up in the backcountry, dinner is a warm dehydrated meal, and the evening is for sunset and conversation. Day two starts with coffee and time to look for the ponies before we pack up and walk back out. All meals are included, and the group stays small at seven guests maximum.

Day 1: Meet at the trailhead, gear fitting, and hike into the highland balds

Two backpackers hike over rocky ground through a grassy, shrubby highland with forested hills behind in Richmond

We meet at the overnight backpackers lot in Grayson Highlands State Park, where your guide hands out food for the trip and fits everyone with packs, tents, trekking poles, and sleeping pads. Shared gear like stoves, water filters, first aid supplies, and the bathroom kit gets split among the group, so nobody carries too much. Then we head out at a relaxed pace through rolling grassy balds and past rocky outcrops, with long mountain views and plenty of stops for photos. Keep an eye out for the wild ponies that roam this area. We reach camp in the afternoon, set up tents together, cook a warm meal, and watch the sun drop behind the ridges.

Meals: All meals provided
Accommodation: Two-person backpacking tent at a backcountry camp

Day 2: Morning coffee, pony spotting, and hike back to the trailhead

Morning coffee, pony spotting, and hike back to the trailhead — Hiking in Richmond

Coffee comes first, brewed right at camp while the highlands wake up around us. We eat breakfast, pack up our gear, and practice leaving the site cleaner than we found it. The hike back gives us one more chance to spot the free-roaming ponies grazing across the balds, and we take our time with the wide-open views and the rocky outcrops along the way. Your guide is there for any last questions about gear, packing, or where to go on your next trip. We finish at the overnight backpackers lot, return the loaned gear, and say our goodbyes. Total for the two days is 9 mi (14.5 km) round trip.

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 9 mi (14.5 km) round trip over two days

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Photo gallery

Morning coffee, pony spotting, and hike back to the trailhead — Hiking in grayson

Grassy trail leads to a rocky outcrop on a mountain ridge at dusk, with blue layered hills beyond in Richmond

Lodging & food

Backcountry camping

Home for the night is a backcountry camp out in the highland balds, with grassy meadows, rocky outcrops, and open sky in every direction. Your guides provide two-person backpacking tents, sleeping pads, and the shared camp gear, and they’ll help you fit and pack it all before we start hiking. Coming solo? You can have a tent to yourself or share with another hiker to lighten your pack, and there’s no extra cost either way. Evenings are simple in the best way: a warm meal, a sunset over the ridges, and the good chance of wild ponies grazing nearby. Bring your own sleeping bag, since a 20-degree bag is recommended in April, May, September, October, and November.

Trail meals

All meals are included and handed out on the morning of the trip, so you’ll know exactly what’s in your pack. You’ll pick from a spread of lightweight, backpacking-friendly options: dehydrated dinners, trail snacks, and drinks, with coffee included for that first cup at camp. Cooking together on the stoves is half the fun, and there’s nothing quite like a hot meal after a few miles with a pack on. Many dietary needs can be accommodated, though choices are somewhat limited by the nature of backcountry food, so flag any allergies or restrictions when you book.

Adventure, packed to go

Grayson Highlands Backpacking: 2 Days With Wild Ponies

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Becca

Backpacking Guide, Wilderness First Responder

Becca has been backpacking for more than 15 years, and the Smoky Mountains are her favorite backyard adventure. She loves planning backcountry trips and the sense of accomplishment that comes from exploring the wilderness on foot. Her adventures have taken her from Yosemite National Park to Peru’s Inca Trail and Guatemala’s Camino to Atitlán. Off the trail, Becca is a local teacher who enjoys whitewater kayaking, scuba diving, teaching stained glass, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.

5.00

Liza

Founder & Backpacking Guide, Wilderness First Responder

Liza founded her own guiding company to help people discover the confidence, connection, and joy that come from time outdoors. She believes hiking should feel welcoming and accessible to everyone, whether it’s a first walk on a local trail or a full day in the mountains. Through her trips, she has built a community centered on adventure, education, and encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones. When she’s not leading hikes or planning new trips, you’ll likely find her exploring scenic trails and sharing practical tips that inspire others to get outside.

5.00

Alisha

Backpacking Guide, Wilderness First Responder & Leave No Trace Educator

Alisha has spent more than a decade helping people build confidence outdoors through backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, paddling, and outdoor education. She graduated from an outdoor leadership program in Bryson City and brings a calm, encouraging approach to every trip. She especially enjoys sharing what she knows about the edible and medicinal plants of the Southern Appalachians. When she’s not guiding, you’ll find her rock climbing, paddleboarding, or exploring the mountains and rivers of Western North Carolina.

5.00

Gabby

Backpacking Guide, Wilderness First Responder

Gabby has spent years leading hiking groups as an ambassador with Girls Who Hike SC, helping hikers of all experience levels build confidence on the trail. Along the way, she has formed lasting friendships through the outdoors. Outside of guiding, she runs a goatscaping business and works as a journalist, combining her love of storytelling with a passion for serving her community. In her free time, she’s usually exploring the trails of Upstate South Carolina and sharing the beauty of the outdoors with others.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)

Virginia D

Absolutely amazing experience. We encountered some unexpected high winds and low temperatures at our campsite but overall didn’t dampen our positive impression of the entire trip. Liza was outstanding in her organizational skills, attentiveness to all details and her knowledge. My friend and I are avid hikers but not backpackers so this was a new adventure for us. As 72 yo women we were proud of ourselves for completing with minimal soreness. We were the slowest hikers but not by much. Liza made us feel good and we never felt rushed, and of course enjoyed ourselves along the way. The trail is a bit challenging but isn’t too long. Beautiful views and many ponies along the way added to our enjoyment. High praise for Liza and her company!

Jonathan A

Liza and Alysha did a great job as guide leaders! It was an amazing experience! I learned so much about backpacking. It was also great backpacking with others. The views on top of the Art Loeb Trail were spectacular as well! I highly recommend going with these guides if you are a beginner or want an introduction to backpacking.

Amber S

Totally recommend. Liza and Gabby were great trail guides. Very knowledgeable, patient, encouraging the entire time. The equipment provided was top notch, great selection of foods and snacks. If you’re looking to get into backpacking definitely take a trip with Liza and see wild ponies, longhorns and maybe the stray mule named Wilbur.

Show all reviews

Virginia D

Jonathan A

Amber S

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local backpacking guide with extensive knowledge of the area (Wilderness First Responder certified)
  - 2-day backpacking trip in Grayson Highlands, Virginia (2 days of hiking, 9 mi / 14.5 km round trip)
  - Accommodation for 1 night at a backcountry camp (two-person backpacking tents)
  - All meals on trail, with a selection of lightweight backpacking-friendly options including dehydrated meals, snacks, and drinks (coffee included), distributed the morning of your trip
  - Personal backpacking gear: backpack, tent, trekking poles, and sleeping pad
  - Shared group equipment divided among the group: stoves, water filters, first aid supplies, and bathroom kits
  - Gear fitting and distribution at the trailhead before you hit the trail
  - Intro to backpacking instruction, covering packing your bag, setting up camp, and using your gear
  - A detailed, trip-specific packing list and route-specific water guidelines sent after booking
Not included:
- - Transportation to Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia
  - Pre-trip lodging (Damascus, VA is a nearby option)
  - Sleeping bag and the other personal items listed under “What do I need to bring?”
  - Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
In order to join this Grayson Highlands backpacking tour, good fitness is required as well as no prior backpacking experience. The trip covers 9 mi (14.5 km) round trip split across the two days, so the mileage stays approachable while you carry a pack.

While this trip is beginner-friendly, we do recommend having a regular fitness routine in place. Hiking with a pack is a rewarding but physically challenging experience! To help ensure you’re prepared, a training plan is provided after booking.

Your guide fits and distributes gear before you set off, and shared items like stoves, water filters, and first aid supplies are divided among the group so no one carries too much. Terrain is rolling highland balds and rocky outcrops, and the pace is relaxed with plenty of stops for photos and pony spotting.

Looking for more inspo? Discover our collection of hiking adventures in US National Parks!
Your guides provide the bigger items, so your backpack, tent, trekking poles, and sleeping pad are all taken care of. Here’s what to pack yourself. After booking, your guide will send a full packing list specific to your trip, including water guidelines for the route.

Gear:
- - Sleeping bag (a 20-degree bag is recommended in April, May, September, October, and November; the mountains get chillier than you’d think)
  - Headlamp
  - Mess kit
  - Water bottles or bladder, 3 liters recommended, with one in a heat-safe container such as a Nalgene so you can use it as a hot water bottle on cold nights
Clothing & footwear:
- - Hiking boots or shoes
  - One outfit to hike in and one to sleep in (no need for extra changes of clothes)
  - Adequate layers for the weather, avoiding cotton where possible since it stays damp and cold once wet
  - Rain gear: rain jacket and rain pants
Other:
- - Any personal medication
  - Toothbrush and toothpaste, the only toiletry really needed out there
Most everyday luxuries aren’t needed in the backcountry, so feel free to leave makeup, deodorant, and similar products at home. Extra electronics and entertainment can stay behind too; this is a good chance to go screen free and enjoy nature.

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Group sizes and pricing:
- - It takes a minimum of 3 people for this Grayson Highlands backpacking tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 7 participants.
  - If the minimum number of hikers isn’t met, your guide will reach out within 2 weeks of your trip date.
  - Solo travelers are very welcome on this trip. You can have a two-person tent to yourself or share with another participant to lighten your pack, at no extra cost either way.
  - Grayson Highlands backpacking tours can be arranged for larger groups, contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Grayson Highlands backpacking tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  - If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Yes! Solo travelers can have a two-person tent to themselves at no extra cost, or share one with another solo traveler to lighten their packs. You can note down your preference at checkout.
The starting point of your Grayson Highlands backpacking tour is the overnight backpackers lot in Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia. Most people drive or rent a car to get there, and the exact address and directions will be sent to you after booking.

Looking for somewhere to stay the night before? Damascus, VA is nearby and a popular option, though pre-trip lodging is not included in this trip.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
- If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
- If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
- If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
- Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.

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