Attractions » Wildlife Observation

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.

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

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.

Bark Camp Lake Trails - More Info

Lake Shore Trail is 3.25 miles and Kitchen Rock Trail is 0.5 mile located in the George Washington/Jefferson National Forest.