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The Atlantic Wild Horse Trail
​Mt Rogers/Grayson Highlands

Though Mt. Rogers is a day’s drive (370–510 mi.) from the wild horse islands, it bears mention because it is home to a herd of ponies that have lived unfettered since 1974. The scenery is breathtaking, and the Appalachian Trail traverses the parks. Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area, an offshoot of George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, and the adjacent Grayson Highlands State Park encompass the highest point in Virginia (Mt. Rogers, 5,728 ft.) and every other spot in the state above 5,000 feet in elevation.

Logging in the 19th century left the mountains denuded, and brush eventually began overrunning the new grassland. The U.S. Forest Service decided to reclaim the open areas, preserve their panoramic vistas and wildlife habitat, and reduce fire hazards by letting livestock graze there. Sheep and cattle fared badly, so in 1974 the agency released a small herd of ponies, mostly Shetlands. They have kept brush under control ever since and become popular with visitors. About 150 ponies roam the area today, foraging at higher altitudes mainly in summer and descending as cold weather sets in. The Wilburn Ridge Pony Association’s annual auction, established to keep the population in check, is a highlight of the Grayson Highlands Fall Festival in late September.

Although the ponies have been around only since 1974 and their introduction is copiously documented, popular lore has already begun to weave a romantic web around them. One Internet site says that they “have lived up on this area of Wilburn Ridge for longer than most folks can remember.” Another: “There are many theories of their origin, but no one really knows. The ponies were there long before the park was established in 1965.” The herd is 9 years younger than Mt. Rogers NRA and only 7 years older than MTV, it’s mysterious only to the uninformed, and it’s not entirely wild yet. But it’s fun to watch, and it inhabits a gorgeous place that affords many opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities. The ponies are usually easy to find, and even a cell-phone camera can capture striking images of them against the moody mountainous backdrop.

Respect free-roaming horses as wildlife. Keep at least the length of a large bus between you and the horses at all times, and try not to disrupt their behavior with your presence.
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
3714 Highway 16
Marion, VA 24354-4097
Toll free 800-628-7202
276-783-5196
 Usual office hours are 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. From mid-May until mid-October, it’s also open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Saturday.
Grayson Highlands State Park
829 Grayson Highland Lane
Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
276-579-7092
[email protected]
Visitor center hours are typically 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department
RR 2
Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
276-579-2261
RR 2 Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
http://www.ghfallfestival.50megs.com/
This organization joins the state park to sponsor the Grayson Highlands Fall Festival in late September.
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The Wild Horse Dilemma: Conflicts and Controversies of the Atlantic Coast Herds
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Wild Horse Vacations: Your Guide to the Atlantic Wild Horse Trail
Grayson Highland links. ​