Smyth County, Virginia, is taking care to preserve and share nature at its best
SMYTH COUNTY, VIRGINIA–JUNE 2023–The beauty and diversity of the Smyth County, Virginia, landscape make it a paradise for those who love the outdoors. Its location surrounding Interstate 81 is just two hours north of Asheville and less than a day’s drive from most of the east coast.
The county not only offers views of some of the state’s highest peaks. It also draws visitors out into the beautiful landscape on miles and miles of hiking trails through diverse terrain, a variety of waterways to explore and enjoy and a host of other ways to connect to nature. As a destination, Smyth County is taking care to ensure future generations can connect, too, by preserving hundreds of acres of protected lands. Beyond preservation, there is an emphasis on promoting sustainable use and educating the public about the natural and cultural significance of these outstanding natural assets.
Smyth County is the gateway to Mount Rogers, where every year visitors come to experience the majesty of Virginia’s highest peaks and incredible scenery. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (3714 VA-16, Marion, Virginia 24354; 800-628-7202) extends over approximately 200,000 acres and has 500 miles of trails, 60 of them part of the famed Appalachian Trail.
In Grayson Highlands State Park (829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 24363; 276-579-7092) hikes can range from moderate to difficult and cross a variety of topography. The views include waterfalls and magnificent vistas as well as close-up encounters with the resident wild ponies. The Visitors Center (open seasonally) is home to interpretive exhibits on pioneer settlements and plant and animal life of the area. There is also a gift shop which features crafts made by local artisans.
Hungry Mother State Park (2854 Park Boulevard, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-781-7400) is known for its centerpiece 108-acre Hungry Mother Lake, with its iconic dive tower. The lake is a popular fishing spot with several self-sustaining species offering anglers a challenge. The park includes a host of amenities in addition to miles of trails and offers nature walks and other educational programs. The rare Eastern Hellbender Salamander is just one of the native species that exemplifies the region’s biodiversity. This bizarre-looking creature, also called a Snot Otter, is endangered and visitors of can get a look at one in the park’s Discovery Center.
Birding is popular throughout these protected lands and beyond. The lakes of the Well Fields of Saltville are a top destination for birders, as both native and migratory species can be found. This is home to rare high-altitude salt marshes. This series of lakes and wetlands include both fresh water and brackish due to salt leakage from the many old brine wells within the area. The Well Fields Recreation Area is also an outstanding location for fishing and history enthusiasts. Fish in the lakes are abundant and miles of interpretive trails represent 30,000 years of historical significance. Natural history buffs will want to visit the nearby the nearby Museum of the Middle Appalachians (123 Palmer Avenue, Saltville, Virginia 24370; 276-496-3633) to view fossils from the Well Fields, including mastodons, woolly mammoths and giant beavers.
The Blue Ridge Discovery Center (6402 Whitetop Road, Troutdale, Virginia 24378; 276-388-3155) is the newest attraction dedicated to interpreting and sharing the natural history of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The newly opened center is located at the base of Mount Rogers and is designed to offer hands-on experiential learning through school programs, summer camps and events and programs for the public. In addition to its current program offerings, this will soon be home to a world-class education facility, biological field station, hiking trails, cabins, campsites and an interpretive visitor center.
If you go
The commitment to sustainability in Smyth County is not limited to the natural world. Two of the area’s top attractions aim to preserve the culture and customs of region. The Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts (203 North Church Street, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-706-4010) 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 classes for four or more to once-in-a-lifetime workshops with instruction from a world-renowned luthier.
The Lincoln Theatre (117 East Main Street, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-783-6092) was originally constructed in 1929 as Southwest Virginia’s premiere “movie palace” and is now home to the Song of the Mountains. The award-winning public television series showcasing the music and culture of the Southern Appalachians is taped here each Saturday.