Press & Media Room
Story resources, brand assets, and media contacts for the Heart of Appalachia — Southwest Virginia’s seven-county outdoor destination.
Media inquiries: [email protected] | (276) 762-0011
About the Heart of Appalachia
The Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority promotes travel to Virginia’s far southwest — Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. Writers and content creators are welcome to use the boilerplate descriptions below in coverage of the region.
Short Boilerplate
The Heart of Appalachia is Southwest Virginia’s outdoor destination: seven counties and the City of Norton spanning 1,500 miles of scenic backroads, five state parks, 300+ miles of ATV trails, the biodiverse Clinch River, a wild elk herd, and the living music heritage of the Crooked Road.
Extended Boilerplate
Tucked into Virginia’s far southwest corner, the Heart of Appalachia spans seven counties — Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise — and the City of Norton. The region is defined by ancient mountains, wild rivers, and living Appalachian tradition. Visitors hike to hidden waterfalls, ride 300+ miles of ATV trails, paddle the Clinch River — North America’s most biodiverse waterway — and watch Virginia’s only wild elk herd at sunset. The Crooked Road heritage music trail keeps bluegrass and old-time music on stage weekly. From Breaks Interstate Park to Natural Tunnel, adventure here is doable and open to all.
Brand Assets & Downloads
Approved logos, photography, and brand standards for editorial and partner use. By downloading, you agree to use these assets in coverage or promotion of the Heart of Appalachia region without alteration.
Photography credit: Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority unless otherwise noted.
Heart of Appalachia in the News
The update details the park's "string of pearls" model linking anchor properties along 100–140 miles of the Clinch across Tazewell, Russell, Wise and Scott counties, with ranger-led kayak tours running late April through mid-August and four river access points open — including The Retch near Fort Blackmore
The regional travel magazine's three-day itinerary through the Breaks, Grundy, and elk country — noting the park's elk-viewing tours run Fridays and Saturdays in spring and fall, and that Virginia's herds now number about 250.
Virginia Living rode along on a Breaks Interstate Park tour through the Virginia Elk Restoration Zone — three-hour trips with a 100 percent success rate since 2012, calling the herd's return one of Appalachia's greatest conservation stories.
Working on a Story?
We’re glad to help with story development, image requests, fact-checking, itinerary planning for press visits, and interviews with regional partners.
Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
3028 4th Ave. Market Square, PO Box 186, St. Paul, VA 24283
(276) 762-0011 | [email protected]
