World Class Outdoor Recreation is a Natural Throughout Southwest Virginia’s Distinctive Landscape

Mountain-peak hiking, challenging bouldering, hall of fame biking trails and unmatched trout fishing are highlights for outdoor enthusiasts

A natural haven nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Breaks Interstate Park is often

referred to as The Grand Canyon of the South. Photo Credit: Earl Neikirk

ABINGDON, VA MARCH 2024–Southwest Virginia spans a 19-county region which includes the Blue Ridge Highlands, New River Valley and beyond. The landscape is picturesque and diverse and is the setting for a host of outstanding outdoor adventures. From its five mountain summits exceeding 5,000 feet to a gorge known as the Grand Canyon of the South, Southwest Virginia has opportunities as varied as its scenery. Whether the perfect adventure includes a guided fly-fishing trip with a stop at a creekside winery or a disconnected wilderness camping excursion, there seems to be an option for everyone in Southwest Virginia.

Hopping on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Rocky Mount in Franklin County for a scenic cycling trip like no other or taking on the Mendota Trail (1906-1998 Island Road, Bristol, Virginia 24201) in Bristol, the variety of hiking and biking trails in Southwest Virginia is unmatched. Of course, the region is best known by cyclists for the Hall of Fame Virginia Creeper Trail (Abingdon Trailhead: 300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24210) a premier Rails to Trails route offering stunning views along 34 miles of multi-use trail. It begins at Mile 0 in downtown Abingdon and makes its way through rolling farmland to Damascus, then winds to its highest point at Whitetop Station.

This state has more miles of the famed Appalachian Trail (AT) than any other, and it winds through many of Southwest Virginia’s diverse natural areas and outstanding parks and preserves. It also passes through the heart of Damascus, known as Trail Town USA, as do several other long-distance hiking and cycling routes. Several communities throughout Southwest Virginia, like Narrows and Pearisburg, are designated AT communities that provide access to supplies and vibrant downtown restaurants and retail businesses.

Grayson Highlands State Park (829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 24363; 276-579-7092) has its section of the AT, as well. This outstanding park is home to spectacular views of Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s highest peaks, and is known as Virginia’s top spot for bouldering. Its bicycle and equestrian trails are popular, as is its variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy two-mile loops to challenging backcountry terrain. There are also nearly 10 miles of wild trout streams that draw anglers looking for a world-class fishing opportunity.

Nearby, the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (3714 Highway 16, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-783-5196), has more than seven miles of the creek stocked with both rainbow and brown trout. This area boasts Virginia’s two highest peaks, Mount Rogers and Whitetop, both recording elevations of more than 5,000 feet. There are more than 400 miles of trails here, including 60 miles of the Appalachian Trail, 18 miles of the Virginia Creeper Trail, and 67 miles of the Virginia Highland Horse Trail.

The Jefferson National Forest is home to 2,000 miles of hiking, biking and horseback-riding trails which include some of the best mountain biking trails on the east coast. Its 19 mountain biking trails cover more than 30 miles.

The New River Trail State Park (116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-699-6778) is a 57-mile linear park that parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles. The New River flows northerly and is the world’s second-oldest river system. The trail’s gentle slope makes it popular for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback. The park’s Foster Falls area offers canoe and bike rentals, boat launches and other amenities. Fishing is also popular from the banks of the New River and, along with Grayson Highlands’ streams, joins a long list of renowned trout fishing spots throughout the region. Whitetop Laurel Creek, widely regarded as the best trout stream in Virginia, is both stunningly beautiful and extremely accessible. Some of the best fishing spots on the creek are accessible via the Virginia Creeper Trail.

The Clinch River holds the claim of the world’s most bio-diverse river. The Clinch travels some 135 miles, reaching portions of Tazewell Russell, Wise, and Scott counties on its way to the Tennessee state line. The river is home to about 50 species of mussels, which is more than any other river in the world and more than 100 species of non-game fish – minnows and darters that sport brilliant colors and play a vital role in the survival of other fish and mussel species.

Breaks Interstate Park (627 Commission Circle, Breaks, Virginia 24607; 276-865-4413, ext. 3201) is home to the Breaks Canyon, which is one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi River. The park is diverse in both terrain and recreational opportunities. There are miles of hiking trails that wind through rugged cliffs, roaring rivers and dense forests. And visitors can also enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and bouldering, as well as fishing, paddling and boating opportunities on the Russell Fork River and Laurel Lake. An added bonus and unique experience for this region, the park also offers Elk Tours, allowing visitors to view the majestic re-introduced species in the park.

If you go

These are some of the top-rated resources for those hitting the trails in Southwest Virginia. They offer a valuable combination of gear, repairs and support.

Damascus Trail Center (209 West Laurel Avenue, Damascus Virginia 24236; 276-323-3046), located in downtown Damascus, was conceived as a partnership with the town and the AT Conservancy. It is a regional hub for outdoor recreation, connecting visitors with a wide range of natural resources in the region.

Adventure Damascus Bicycle & Outdoor (331 Douglas Drive, Damascus, Virginia 24236; 888-595-2453) is an outdoor store and full-service bicycle shop with rentals and shuttle service, along with additional resources for hikers and cyclists.

New River Trail Outfitters (122 S Main Street, Galax, Virginia 24333; 276-759-7119) offers a full line of outdoor gear as well as bike rentals and shuttle service along the New River Trail.

Marion Outdoors (208 E Main Street, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-242-2825) has a full range of gear for hiking, camping and backpacking, along with a hostel for through hikers.

New River Junction (2591 Big Falls Road, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060; 540 639-6633) provides family-oriented camping and a wide range of outdoor activities and a multi-generational business welcoming outdoor enthusiasts.

Tangent Outfitters, with locations in Pembroke (201 Cascade Drive, Pembroke, Virginia 24136; 540-626-4567) and Radford, Virginia, is a full service outfitter and guide service, specializing in canoeing, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking and guided fishing. They offer guided canoe, rafting and fishing trips, canoe/MT bike combination trips and stand-up paddle boarding. A shuttle service is available.

Clinch Life Outfitters, (3022 5th Avenue, St. Paul, Virginia 24283; 276-608-6907) has the products, services and support for a wide range of outdoor recreational activities including fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, camping, hunting and ATVing. All guided tours and fishing experiences include all gear, bait, tackle, and equipment.