About Grayson County, VA
The mountain regions of Virginia are filled with endless beauty.
Grayson County covers 446 square miles with a population of 16,000, and adjoining Smyth County has 33,000 people in an area of 452 square miles. There’s plenty of elbow room in southwestern Virginia. Farming is still a way of life here, and picturesque rural landscapes will delight as you explore. Independence is the county seat of Grayson, and home to the 1908 historic courthouse. Smyth County is home to Hungry Mother State Park.
You’ll find outdoor pleasures abound. Jefferson National Forest includes the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Grayson Highlands State Park, and the 33 mile Virginia Creeper Trail (connecting White Top to Abingdon).
You can fish the New River or the numerous creeks, hike the trails, picnic, pick huckleberries in the late summer. If you love horses, you’ll be glad to learn that the Virginia Horse Trails System has designated trails for horseback riding throughout the area. You can buy a pony at the annual Wild Pony Round-up and Auction at Grayson Highlands each September. Or hike the famous Appalachian Trail which travels through Grayson County.
“The Crooked Road” goes through the counties and is part of Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. The area offers several festivals, including the annual Wayne Henderson and Fall Festivals. Just over the state line in North Carolina, Ashe County and West Jefferson are hosts to more events. Residents and visitors of both states cross the state line regularly to enjoy each county’s offerings.
The real estate market in Grayson is a mix of primary and second homes, large tracts of land, and cabins for vacation rentals. This is a wonderful place to raise a family, retire, or invest in a second home.
