From the Blue Ridge Parkway and miles of trails to distinctive downtowns, Southwest Virginia is open for business
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA–NOVEMBER 2025–Southwest Virginia’s 19 counties encompass 8,600 square miles of diverse landscapes that include classic downtowns, pristine waterways, a variety of trails and more. They are also home to rich regional traditions that craftspeople, musicians, outdoorsmen and many others are keeping alive and well. The region is welcoming visitors to share the many places and experiences this remarkable destination has to offer.
Diverse trails, unique experiences
Virginia is home to 544 miles of the Appalachian Trail, more than any other state. In Southwest Virginia, it parallels the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, traverses Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and stretches into downtown Damascus, known as Trail Town USA. Hikers are thrilled to find some of the most accessible and scenic stretches of the trail here. Here are two AT hikes for adventurers who want to spend a day on the trail during their visit.
Mount Rogers High Country offers a two to 10 miles, out-and-back or loop. (Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.62124, -81.48448) From Grayson Highlands State Park (829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 24363; 276-579-7092), hikers can join the AT as it winds through the wilderness and open fields that provide scenic panoramas of surrounding mountains and an occasional view of the park’s wild ponies.
Chestnut Knob is located near Burke’s Garden, considered one of the most scenic spots, with amazing views of open meadows and historic buildings. (Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.63377, -81.79137) The 9.2 out-and-back trek starts in the meadow and concludes at an old stone fire warden’s cabin atop Chestnut Knob, with views of Burke’s Garden.
The Virginia Creeper Trail (Abingdon Trailhead: 300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 888-595-2453) is currently open from Damascus to Abingdon, offering a 16-mile route through the mostly rolling countryside with just over 300 feet of elevation gain. It’s an excellent outing for those looking for light adventure and outstanding scenery. There are bike rentals and shuttles at both ends of the route. (The 18-mile trail section from Damascus to Whitetop is currently closed due to damage from hurricane Helene.)
The renowned views of the Blue Ridge Parkway are on display, as the driving route is fully open in Virginia. The parkway spans miles of Southwest Virginia, including Galax, Hillsville and Floyd. The views include a combination of simple roadside scenes, stunning scenic overlooks and beauty that changes with the seasons. Cyclists also love the experience of traveling the Back of the Dragon (592 Main Street, Tazewell, Virginia 24651; 276-979-4288). Stretching from Marion to Tazewell, the route is known for its 438 curves along 32 miles of roadway with three mountain crossings. Climbing to an elevation of 3,500 feet, there are plenty of landscape views to take in.
Downtowns
In a region as large and diverse as Southwest Virginia, there are a whole host of towns and communities to explore. Each adds to the area’s unique culture and each has a personality of its own. Here’s a glimpse at the variety to be found:
Historic Draper is home to specialty shops filled with art, antiques and one-of-a-kind gifts. The Draper Mercantile & Trading Company (3054 Greenbriar Road, Draper, Virginia 24324; 540-994-5659) is a historic general store that is now a vibrant community hub that features a café, market and gift shop and is filled with local creations and homemade meals. It is also the location for live music, exhibits and community events throughout the year. Many choose to rent a bike from The Junction and ride the scenic New River Trail State Park (Greenbriar Road, Route 658; 276-699-6778). This 57-mile linear park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles. Just out of town, Claytor Lake State Park (6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive, Dublin, Virginia 24084; 540-643-2500) is popular for boating, fishing, swimming and more. It also features waterfront cabins with docks on the lake.
Marion has been dubbed “America’s Coolest Hometown” and its streets are filled with independent restaurants and locally owned retail shops. It’s also home to the Lincoln Theatre (117 East Main Street, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-783-6092), built in 1929, which is the setting for famed PBS series, “Song of the Mountains.” Lola’s at the Lincoln, named for famed local artist Lola Poston, is a gift shop inside of the theatre that features local art, theater memorabilia, local art and goods and more. Marion is filled with options for family fun, too, like the nostalgia of an outdoor movie night at Park Place Drive-In (301 Park Boulevard, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-781-2222). Each season great movies and a list of special events offer a full slate of entertainment. Playing through on the park’s 18-hole mini golf course is always fun and, afterwards, everyone enjoys a treat from the ice cream shop, which features 40 favors to choose from.
Downtown Stuart is known for its farmers market (301 Chestnut Drive, Stuart, Virginia; 276-694-3811) and amphitheater, where many local events are held, as well as a cultural arts center, shopping and dining. Bull Mountain Arts is a collective of local artists and The Hatteras Pearl (109 North Main Street, Stuart, Virginia 24171; 276-692-4523) is a one-stop shop for up-cycled furniture, hand-made decor and original gifts that can’t be found anywhere else. The Mayo River Rail Trail is also in downtown Stuart. This 1.8-mile accessible trail follows the Mayo River and near the middle of the trail is one of the Trail H.A.N.D.S. sculptures, made by a local artist.
These trails and communities are only the beginning of the variety of recreational options throughout Southwest Virginia.