I just returned from a week of hiking along the Appalachian trail with my sister, 13 yo daughter, and niece. We stayed at Grayson Highlands State Park in southern Virginia. It was the perfect time of year for fall foliage, and we even had multiple wild pony sightings. Met a guy who has been coming to the state park this same week for the past 6 years and I can see why. The photos never do it justice. Highly recommend.