Attractions » Fall Foliage
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - More Info
Rt 58
Lee County, VA 0
Website: www.nps.gov/cuga/
Phone: (606) 248-2817
The first great gateway to the west, Cumberland Gap is a mountain pass that was used by wildlife, Native Indian tribes, and later by settlers moving west.
Daniel Boone was hired to blaze a trail beginning in Southwest Virginia through Cumberland Gap known as the Wilderness Road. It became the route westward for pioneers who travelled west through the mountains into the wilderness of Kentucky. Both the North and the South vied for control of the Cumberland Gap during the Civil war.
Today the park consists of approximately 20,000 acres and 70 miles of hiking trails. There are numerous scenic and historic features in the park and ranger led programs are offered throughout the year including tours of Gap Cave and the historic Hensley Settlement.
Trans-America Bike Route - More Info
P.O. Box 207
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
Website: www.heartofappalachia.com
Phone: (540) 523-2005
This bike route follows Rt. 80 through Dickenson and Russell Counties. Route 80 can be accessed from Saltville (Smyth County) or at Elk Garden off US Hwy. 19 in Russell County.
Rt. 611 Cumberland Mountain Scenic Drive - More Info
Clintwood, VA 24228
Phone: (276) 926-6074
Rt. 611 Cumberland Mountain Scenic Drive was designated in 2009 as a Virginia Scenic Byway.
Beginning in Clintwood, and winding through the Mountains, you will find several tourism attractions spurring off the route. Birch Knob Tower located in the Jefferson National Forest, Airplane Rock overlook, John Flannagan Dam and Reservoir, Branham Farm, Virginia Birdwatching Trail, Horseback riding trails, hiking trails, mountain streams as well as an abundance of wildlife viewing along the drive.
The road is approximately 21 miles in length and ends up in Bartlick Section of Dickenson County meeting up with Rt. 80, only five miles from the Breaks Interstate Park. Great drive for motorcyclists also.
Birding and Wildlife Trails in Buchanan County - More Info
Buchanan County Office of Tourism
Grundy, VA 24614
Website: www.dgif.state.va.us/vbwt/loop.asp?trail=2&loop=MLP
Phone: 866
Buchanan County hosts three sites of the Wildlife and Birding Trail System with six adjoining sites in neighboring Dickenson County. The trails are a part of the 340 sites with 34 loops that make up the Mountain Area of the state's SW Virginia trail system..
The trails in Buchanan County consist of Compton Mtn./Horn Mtn., Poplar Gap/Sunset Hollow and the Breaks Interstate Park which is shared with Dickenson County.
These sites are part of the Lonesome Pine Loop. Each site provides mountaintop birding year round as well as Spring and Fall Migrants. These sites and the area between each are prime locations for migrating warblers as well as many other species.
Flag Rock Recreation Area - More Info
City of Norton
Norton, VA 24273
Phone: (540) 679-0754
From the City of Norton, Flag Rock can be seen as a rock outcrop capped with an American Flag, thus the name "Flag Rock". The recreation site sits over 1,000 feet above the City's elevation of 2,350 ft. The site offers twenty-five acres of recreation area with spectacular views, hiking trails, a fishing area, playground equipment and 18 camping slots. Bath houses have hot and cold water. Two large shelters and several smaller ones are available for picnicking. There are over 50 picnic tables with grills. Primitive camping is also available. Tow large shelters are available by reservation only, for a fee of $40.00 per shelter. Camping sites with electricity are $12.00 per site, per night. Camping site without electricity are $10.00 per site, per night.
Powell Valley Overlook - More Info
Hwy. 23
Norton, VA 24273
Phone: (540) 679-0961
This overlook has a spectacular view of Powell Valley and surrounding mountains. Please visit the Tourist Information Kiosk, located at the overlook, featuring assorted brochures showcasing The Heart of Appalachia region.
Norton City Park - More Info
PO Box 618
Norton, VA 24273
Phone: (540) 679-0754
This park features a gazebo which is (available on first come-first serve basis). The park includes lighted tennis courts, basketball court, amphitheatre, as well as, playground equipment and picnic tables. Many activites take place at the park, which include the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Pumpkin Hunt and Tree Lighting Event. The Best Friends Festival is held the 2nd week of June at the Park with many outdoor concerts.
