Attractions » Geological Formations

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - More Info

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.

Cumberland Mountain View Drive - More Info

This 19-mile back roads excursion begins five miles south of the Breaks Interstate Park. The drive connects the park to the town of Clintwood, VA. The drive offers attractions like Blowing Rock, a farm, a wildlife farm, caving, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, whitewater rafting and primitive camping are all accessible from Rt. 611.
Self guided driving brochures are available.

Little Stony National Recreation Trail - More Info

Little Stony National Recreation Trail is located between Coeburn and Dungannon on a narrow guage railroad bed that was constructed in the early 1900's for logging.

The 2.8 mile trail follows the stream through a 400 foot deep and 1,700 foot wide gorge. There are also two waterfalls 8 and 24 ft high. You can also see the large rock outcrop at the Hanging Rock Picnic Area. It is classified as being medium in degree of difficulty. Much of the trail is wide and barrier free, but there are places where the trail crosses side hollows and goes across Stony Creek where it is necessary to climb over large rocks and boulders.

Fishing is also allowed along the streams.  The sheer size of the canyon and roaring sound of rushing water gives the hiker an exciting experience.

Natural Tunnel State Park - More Info

More than 850 feet long and as high as a 10-story building, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. William Jennings Bryan called it the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Other scenic features include a wide chasm between steep stone walls surrounded by several pinnacles, or chimneys. Facilities include a campground, picnic areas, amphitheater, visitor center and gift shop, historical blockhouse, swimming pool and chair lift to the tunnel floor. The park also offers cave tours and canoe trips on the Clinch River, as well as the Cove Ridge Center, which offers environmental education, conference facilities and overnight dorm accommodations.

Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve - More Info

Towering cliffs, sheer limestone ledges, and waterfalls are but a few of the spectacular features of this preserve. Located near the confluence of the Clinch River and Big Cedar Creek, the topography of Pinnacle NAP has been modified by the forces of weather, water, and time to create this dramatic landscape. Towering above Big Cedar Creek is an impressive rock formation, the Pinnacle, from which the area derives its name. Cut from dolomite, the Pinnacle rises 400 feet above Big Cedar Creek. The Preserve's unique habitats support at least nine rare species and two rare natural communities.

The Preserve is open year-round. Public facilities include parking, a suspension foot-bridge, and hiking trails. Part of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection or prescribed burning activities.

Driving Directions: From Abingdon, follow US 19 north to Lebanon. Take US 19 (Business) into Lebanon. Turn left onto VA 82 towards Cleveland. Turn right onto VA 640. Bear right onto VA 640 where VA 740 comes in. Turn left onto VA 721 and follow it into the preserve.

Flag Rock Recreation Area - More Info

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

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.