Trails & Parks

State parks, rail-trails, and protected natural areas within an hour of Fancy Gap — from highland meadows with wild ponies to long-distance trails following old railroad grades.

The region around Fancy Gap includes some of the most distinctive outdoor destinations in the southern Appalachians. Grayson Highlands offers alpine-like meadows and free-roaming ponies. The New River Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail rank among the best rail-trails in the eastern United States. State parks in both Virginia and North Carolina provide access to mountain landscapes ranging from granite domes to quartzite peaks.

These destinations require more of a commitment than the immediate Fancy Gap area — drives of 30 minutes to an hour, and in some cases full-day outings. But they represent the broader appeal of using Fancy Gap as a base for exploring the Blue Ridge highlands.

Virginia Highlands

Grayson Highlands State Park

About 50 minutes west via US-58

Grayson Highlands is unlike anywhere else in Virginia. The park sits above 4,500 feet, where the forest gives way to open balds — rocky, windswept meadows that feel more like Scotland than the American South. Wild ponies roam these highlands, descendants of horses released decades ago and now managed as a free-ranging herd. They're accustomed to hikers and often approach closely.

The Appalachian Trail crosses the park, and several trails lead to overlooks with long views across the Mount Rogers high country. Rhododendron blooms in the gaps, and the exposed rock outcrops provide a sense of elevation unusual for the region. The drive from Fancy Gap via US-58 passes through Galax and Independence before climbing into the highlands.

What to Know

  • Elevation brings cooler temperatures and more weather variability than Fancy Gap
  • The ponies are wild — maintain distance and don't feed them
  • Massie Gap is the primary access point for the highland balds
  • Camping is available within the park

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

About 45-60 minutes west via US-58

Surrounding Grayson Highlands, the Mount Rogers NRA encompasses Virginia's highest terrain. Mount Rogers itself reaches 5,729 feet — the highest point in the state — though the summit is forested rather than open. The true high point requires a hike of several miles from the nearest trailhead.

The recreation area includes extensive trail networks, backcountry camping, and access to the high country through multiple trailheads. Elk Garden, on VA-600 near Whitetop, provides one of the shorter routes to the Mount Rogers summit area. The area connects to Grayson Highlands State Park, and the two are often explored together.

Whitetop Mountain

About 55 minutes west

Virginia's second-highest peak at 5,520 feet. A road climbs near the summit, making this one of the more accessible high-elevation viewpoints in the region. Whitetop is also the starting point for the Virginia Creeper Trail's downhill run to Damascus.

Rail-Trails

New River Trail State Park

Multiple access points, 20-40 minutes from Fancy Gap

The New River Trail follows 57 miles of abandoned railroad grade along the New River and its tributaries. The trail is flat to gently graded — suitable for walking, biking, and horseback riding — and passes through a mix of forest, farmland, and river gorge scenery. It's one of the longest rail-trails in Virginia and ranks among the best in the country.

The trail runs from Galax (closest to Fancy Gap) north to Pulaski, with multiple access points along the way. Popular sections include:

  • Galax: Southern terminus, easy access from Fancy Gap
  • Fries: Access near the old mill town and dam
  • Foster Falls: Central section with parking and river access
  • Shot Tower: Historic site near the northern end

Bike rentals and shuttle services operate in Galax and other trail towns. The trail surface is packed gravel, suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes. The gentle grade makes it accessible to casual cyclists and families.

Virginia Creeper Trail

About 1 hour west to Damascus or Whitetop

The Virginia Creeper Trail runs 34 miles from Whitetop (elevation 3,500 feet) through Damascus to Abingdon. The trail follows the bed of a former railroad that once hauled timber and passengers through the mountain valleys. Today it's one of the most popular bike trails in the region.

The signature experience is the downhill ride from Whitetop to Damascus — 17 miles of almost entirely downhill cycling through forest and along creeks, dropping about 2,000 feet in elevation. Shuttle services in Damascus transport riders and bikes to the top; the ride down takes 2-3 hours depending on pace and stops.

The trail continues from Damascus to Abingdon, a flatter and less dramatic section but still scenic. Damascus, where the trail crosses the Appalachian Trail, serves as the hub for outfitters, rentals, and shuttles.

What to Know

  • Shuttle services are essential for the Whitetop-to-Damascus ride
  • The trail is busiest on weekends and during good weather
  • Damascus has bike shops, outfitters, and restaurants catering to trail users
  • The trail name comes from the old railroad, not the Virginia creeper plant

Virginia State Parks

Claytor Lake State Park

About 45 minutes north via I-81

Claytor Lake is a reservoir on the New River, created by a dam in the 1930s. The state park provides access to the lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. A beach area, boat ramps, and rental facilities make this a warm-weather destination. The park also includes hiking trails and camping.

The lake setting is different from the mountain parks — lower elevation, warmer water, and a recreational character oriented toward boating and swimming rather than hiking.

Shot Tower Historical State Park

About 30 minutes north via I-77

A small park centered on a historic shot tower — a 75-foot stone structure built in the early 1800s to manufacture lead shot. Molten lead was dropped from the top of the tower into water below, forming round shot as it fell. The tower sits above the New River and provides access to the New River Trail.

This is a brief stop rather than a destination — worth combining with a New River Trail excursion or a drive along I-77.

North Carolina State Parks

Pilot Mountain State Park

About 45 minutes south via US-52

Pilot Mountain is a quartzite monadnock — an isolated peak rising above the surrounding terrain. The distinctive knob is visible for miles and served as a landmark for early travelers. Trails climb to the summit area, where rocky outcrops provide views across the Piedmont to the east and the Blue Ridge to the west.

The park has two sections: the mountain area with the famous knob, and a river section along the Yadkin. Most visitors focus on the mountain section. The hike to the summit area is moderate, with a loop trail circling the knob itself.

Stone Mountain State Park

About 50-55 minutes south

Stone Mountain features a massive granite dome rising 600 feet above the surrounding forest. The park includes hiking trails, waterfalls, and backcountry camping. The granite face draws rock climbers, while hikers can reach the summit via a trail that ascends the back side of the dome.

The park lies in a less-visited corner of North Carolina, southwest of the Blue Ridge escarpment. It's a quieter alternative to more heavily trafficked parks, with a wilder character than the manicured recreation areas closer to population centers.

Hanging Rock State Park

About 1 hour south

Hanging Rock sits in the Sauratown Mountains, an isolated range between the Blue Ridge and the Piedmont. The park includes waterfalls, rocky overlooks, and a lake for swimming. Multiple trails access different features — the namesake Hanging Rock provides views from a quartzite outcrop.

This is at the edge of the one-hour radius from Fancy Gap, but worth noting for those willing to drive a bit further. The Sauratown Mountains have a different character than the Blue Ridge — lower but more isolated, with exposed rock faces and a distinctive geology.

Blue Ridge Parkway Recreation Areas

The Blue Ridge Parkway includes several recreation areas north and south of Fancy Gap, offering more developed facilities than typical Parkway overlooks. Note that Parkway sections may close for weather or maintenance — check the NPS road status page before planning a drive.

Rocky Knob Recreation Area

About 40 minutes north on the Parkway (Milepost 167-174)

Rocky Knob includes a campground, picnic areas, and access to Rock Castle Gorge — a longer trail that descends into a forested hollow and loops back along the ridge. The area sits at higher elevation than Fancy Gap, with trails through hardwood forest and rhododendron thickets.

Doughton Park

About 30 minutes south on the Parkway (Milepost 238-244)

Doughton Park, just across the North Carolina line, includes extensive hiking trails, a historic cabin (Brinegar Cabin), and the Bluffs area with former lodge facilities. Trails descend into Basin Cove and access backcountry areas that see fewer visitors than the roadside attractions.

Mabry Mill

About 30 minutes north on the Parkway (Milepost 176)

While primarily a historic site rather than a recreation area, Mabry Mill is the most-photographed spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The preserved water-powered gristmill sits beside a pond that reflects the structure — an iconic image of Appalachian heritage. A short trail loops past the mill and associated outbuildings.

Appalachian Trail Access

The Appalachian Trail crosses the Mount Rogers high country west of Fancy Gap and passes through Damascus. Several access points allow day hikes on the AT or connections to the long-distance trail.

  • Grayson Highlands

    The AT crosses Grayson Highlands State Park, passing through the highland balds and pony territory. Day hikers can access the trail from Massie Gap and hike north toward Mount Rogers or south toward Rhododendron Gap.

  • Elk Garden

    A trailhead on VA-600 provides access to the AT and the Mount Rogers spur trail. This is one of the shorter approaches to Virginia's highest point.

  • Damascus

    The AT passes through downtown Damascus, making the town a natural resupply point for thru-hikers and a base for section hiking in either direction.

Practical Notes

  • Plan ahead

    These destinations require more preparation than a casual drive. Check park hours, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before heading out. Some facilities have limited hours or seasonal closures.

  • Elevation and weather

    The Mount Rogers high country sits 1,500-2,500 feet above Fancy Gap. Temperatures are noticeably cooler, and weather changes quickly. Afternoon storms are common in warmer months. Dress in layers and carry rain gear.

  • Trail surfaces

    Rail-trails (New River, Virginia Creeper) have packed gravel surfaces suitable for walking and cycling. Mountain trails vary from well-maintained paths to rocky, rooted terrain requiring appropriate footwear.

  • Bike rentals and shuttles

    Services for the Virginia Creeper Trail operate from Damascus. New River Trail rentals and shuttles are available in Galax. Reservations may be advisable during busy periods.

  • Fees and passes

    Virginia and North Carolina state parks typically charge parking or entrance fees. The Blue Ridge Parkway is free. Check individual park websites for current fee information.

Related

Scenic Drives

Routes to reach these destinations from Fancy Gap.