A scenic trail built especially for horseback riders. Stables are convenient and well-maintained. Camping is available at the trailhead.

Highlands Horse Trail is just as the name reads. This trail is 2.7 miles in length, blazed in orange and offers some of the Southeast's finest vistas. The trail connects with Mount Rogers Recreational Area, which provides for lengthier rides through the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, many times skirting the Appalachian Trail.

Another reason the Highlands Horse Trail is one of the Southeast's most popular horse trails is due to the fine staging facility. The park offers covered, tie-in standing stalls approximately 4' x 10'. Open stalls are also available. Water and saw dust is onsite. Valid Coggins papers required for each horse.

Campers are offered adjacent sites with earth tent pad, graveled parking, picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. RVs up to 40 feet are accommodated. No hookups. The park does sell firewood for $4 per bundle and a soda machine is available at the barn. The horse campground remains open past the standard park campground season. Those without horses are invited to overnight.

Directions: From Damascus or Independence, VA, The park is located on U.S. 58 midway between Damascus and Independence, Virginia. From I-81 take Exit 45 in Marion, head south on RT. 16 to U.S. 58 which runs through Volney, Virginia. Turn right onto U.S. 58 and travel approximately eight miles to the park entrance. From I-77, take Exit 14 to U.S. 58 West and travel approximately 40 miles to Volney, Virginia. Continue west on U.S. 58 for approximately 8 miles to the park entrance. Follow the main park road to the Massie Gap Parking Area. When the road forks, bear right and follow it into the staging area. Trail begins at the stalls. Campground is just beyond the stalls.

Distance: 2.7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

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