Attractions » Mountains

DCR 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.A preserve guide factsheet and map are available to assist in planning your visit at www.dcr.virginia.gov. 

Part or all 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.

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.

Bullitt Park - More Info

Located in Big Stone Gap in Southwest Virginia. Bullitt Park is the largest of nine community parks operated by the Big Stone Gap Department of Parks and Recreation. The park includes a football field, tennis courts, fitness and biking trails, large playground, picnic areas, pavilions and a track. Serving as a park since 1935, it is the site for many community activities such as singing conventions, band festivals and craft shows. Bullitt Park was named for Joshua Taggart Bullitt, an early entrepreneur, land speculator and coal mining baron.

Trans-America Bike Route - More Info

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.

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.

Birch Knob Towers - More Info

Location: Dickenson County
An elevation of 3,144 feet above sea level, you'll find the 100-yard walk from the parking lot and the 183 stair steps to reach the top to be well worth the trek. Just bring along some bottled water and don't forget your camera. Sitting on a rock outcrop at the highest summit of Pine Mountain, the view from up there can allow one to see Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. On a clear day, it is also possible to see Ohio. The area provides access to Pine Mountain Trail.
Beautiful Mountain View! Birch Knob is located about 7.4 miles southwest of Elkhorn City, Kentucky. It is 6.2 miles north of Clintwood, Virginia in the Jefferson National Forest ont he border between Kentucky & Virginia. The Area is open from April 1st to January 7th from 6am-10pm

Bark Camp Recreation Area - More Info

The camp offers 25 camping units with tent pad, picnic table and parking spur near 60 acre warm water lake which provides opportunities for fishing and boating (electric motors only). Paved boat launching ramp, hiking trails and picnic units with tables and grills are also features of the site.

The lake was constructed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and is stocked with northern pike, bass, blue gill, rainbow trout and catfish. Two handicapped accessible fishing piers have been constructed with a handicapped trail on the northern shoreline below the parking lot.