Parks and Trails, Music and Museums, Peaks and Switchbacks

Check out the top attractions to experience on a Smyth County, Virginia, adventure

SMYTH COUNTY, VIRGINIA–January 2022–Smyth County, Virginia, is known for Virginia’s highest peaks and most beautiful trails. This Southwest Virginia destination is also home to outstanding state parks, classic downtowns and one-of-a-kind attractions. At just over two hours north of Asheville and less than a day’s drive from most of the east coast, this region surrounding Interstate 81 offers easy access to a combination of activities that are popular with outdoor enthusiasts and family vacationers as well.

The quality and variety of Smyth County attractions brings back many visitors time after time. Here’s a look at the top must-see, must-do, must experience attractions throughout the county.

1. Hungry Mother State Park (2854 Park Boulevard, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-781-7400) This diverse park spans more than 3,000 acres and is one of Virginia’s six original state parks. Its centerpiece 108-acre lake, with its iconic dive tower, is a favorite for swimming, fishing and canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals. The park has cabins, yurts and camp sites for rent, and also offers nature walks and extensive programming focusing on many aspects of the park’s environmental assets.
2. The Lincoln Theatre (117 East Main Street, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-783-6092) Originally constructed in 1929 as Southwest Virginia’s premiere “movie palace,” this restored beauty is an attraction in itself. The theatre is now also home to the “Song of the Mountains,” the award-winning public television series showcasing the music and culture of the Southern Appalachians. Taped here each Saturday, “Song of the Mountains” attracts visitors from near and far.
3. Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts (203 North Church Street, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-706-4010) Named for the world-renowned guitar instrumentalist and luthier, “the Henderson” is fulfilling a mission to preserve, promote and provide learning experiences rooted in the culture and heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Letterpress, painting, pottery classes and many others range from beginner lessons for four or more to once-in-a-lifetime workshops with instruction from Henderson himself.
4. Museum of the Middle Appalachians (123 Palmer Avenue, Saltville, Virginia 24370; 276-496-3633) This small but impressive museum offers a timeline of Smyth County’s history, culture and economy. The museum’s exhibits illustrate Smyth County’s history “from the ice age to the space age.” The life-size wooly mammoth skeleton and hands-on paleontology dig are favorites for kids, but there are 17 salt related exhibits in all.
5. The Back of the Dragon This combination of 32 miles and 438 curves makes for a once in a lifetime ride! There’s a reason The Back of the Dragon is a bucket list route for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. It runs through three mountain ranges and offers switchbacks, slaloms, hairpin turns and spectacular views. Virginia’s only designated motorcycle route, this is the premier riding road on the East Coast and is ideal for sports cars or motorcycles. 
6. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area The nearly 200,000 acres of pristine mountain wilderness here offer what many consider the best outdoor recreation in Virginia, including its two highest peaks, Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain. Smyth County is home to the main access points for the area, including the official Mount Rogers Visitors Center (3714 Highway 16, Marion, Virginia 24354; 800-628-7202). 
7. Downtown Marion This charming city has been called “America’s Coolest Hometown” and its residents are happy to share all it has to offer. The picturesque streets are lined with local shops, independent restaurants and favorite gathering spots. The cultural options of the Lincoln Theatre and the Henderson are joined by the fun of Park Place Drive-In (301 Park Boulevard, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-781-2222) and Hall’s Skateland (52 Adwolfe Road, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-783-2690).

BONUS: Grayson Highlands State Park (829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 24363; 276-579-7092) Though not technically in Smyth County, many, many visitors here enjoy this outstanding Virginia attraction while making Smyth County their “base camp.” It is a favorite for those looking for backcountry adventure. Home to spectacular views, wild ponies and a variety of hiking trails, the park is popular for hiking, bicycle and equestrian adventures. Trails range from easy two-mile loops to challenging excursions through backcountry terrain. Its highland balds offer views of Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s highest peaks. There are also nearly 10 miles of wild trout streams whose pristine waters entice anglers each year.

If you go

The Smyth County Visitor Center (408 Whitetop Road Chilhowie, Virginia 24319; 276-646-3306) is an excellent place to start any stay. The center features an interpretive display of the region’s history and culture and has a variety of resources for mapping out the best options for a family adventure. 

Lodging options here come in a variety of forms, from the historic and elegant General Francis Marion Hotel (107 East Main Street, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-783-4800) to the cabins, yurts and campsites of a popular State Park. There are also well-known national hotel chains and one-of-a-kind vacation rentals, like The Lucille or Spenceville Farms.