City of Norton

City of Norton/Wise       

This 25 mile route starts at J.I. Burton High School in the City of Norton then proceeds to The Town of Appalachia and then through Big Stone Gap then loop back toward Norton ending back at J.I. Burton High School.  

City of Norton/Wise/Lee   

This 100 mile route starts at J.I. Burton High School in the City of Norton then proceeds to The Town of Appalachia and then through Big Stone Gap then proceeds onto towards Pennington Gap traveling through several of the original coal camps onto Keokee then back to Appalachia and again through Big Stone Gap heading up to the head of Powell  Valley back to the City of Norton then the steep climb up High Knob Mountain past “Benge’s Rock”.  The ride ends at Flag Rock Recreation Area.  

City of Norton/ Wise - Trails are open.

Currently closed due to arson but worth noting:   High Knob Observation Tower, at an elevation of 4,162 feet, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the mountains of Southwest Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia and North Carolina. The octagonal tower, built in a clearing atop the mountain, has a fieldstone base level and two wooden levels circled by observation decks.   Mountain ranges in the distance are visible for miles.   There are discussions of rebuilding the structure in the near future. 

Description:    Two trails are marked with yellow paint at the tower entrance.   A 1.3 mile trail leads to High Knob Lake at the Recreation Area.   Or for the more adventuresome, a 19.2 mile trail leads Hanging Rock Recreational area on the Mountain Fork Trail.   Found note in publication of choice of hiking trails from 1.5 miles to 22 miles long.  Might need to research further to see if there are additional trails. 

County:  Wise    between City of Norton and Coeburn

City of Norton/Wise  

Little Stony Creek as it threads its way through the mountains of Wise and Scott counties.  The trail links the cool waters of High Knob Lake with 30-foot falls, rapids, and small pools on the Little Stony. The trail follows old railroad grades at river level but makes several steep climbs.       Trail heads with parking  are located at each end of trail.   Trail is noted as difficult due to steep terrains on portions of the trail.     

Noted that in 2009, $400,000 was awarded to do work on trail.  Need verification.

Another description from a different source

http://www.sherpaguides.com/virginia/mountains/
app_plateau/north_end_st_mountain.html

http://www.sherpaguides.com/virginia/mountains/maps/
stone_mountain.html  

Map Taken directly from website: 

[Fig. 12(6)] The Chief Benge Scout Trail is a fairly difficult and mountainous 19.6 miles, but it offers more than ample rewards. It takes off from the High Knob observation tower through lush, waist-high carpets of jewelweed. The Scout Trail winds across knobs and through hollows, beside rushing streams and along canopied paths of Catawba rhododendron and mountain laurel. The lower end connects with Little Stony National Recreation Trail [Fig. 12(2)], and continues 3 miles to Hanging Rock at Dungannon. The trail provides an excellent opportunity for a two- or three-day backpacking trip. Anglers should pack a rod if they would like to catch stocked trout from Mountain Fork or Little Stony Creek. Or hikers can approach the trail in sections by leaving a second car at one of several access roads.

Chief Benge was a fierce Indian leader who terrorized southwest Virginia's early white settlers. He took savage umbrage at those who wanted to shove his people from their ancestral mountains west into flat, hot Oklahoma territory.

• Trail: 19.6-mile winding path.
• Elevation: 4,200 feet at High Knob to 2,350 feet at lower trailhead.
• Degree of difficulty: Difficult because of length and uneven terrain.

County:  Wise   - Taken directly from website:   

[Fig. 12(21)] The soothing sound of water cascading over rocks. Quiet pools beneath virgin hemlocks. Expansive vistas from remote overlooks on Little Mountain. Rewards such as these await those who tackle the tough hikes of this trail system southwest of High Knob. The Devils Bathtub Trail goes up Devils Fork along an old railroad grade once used for carrying logs and coal from the slopes of Little Mountain. As hikers cross back and forth across the stream, they pass through old growth hemlock stands, see a rusting, abandoned railroad car, and watch water racing down rock chutes and swirling through the rock tub that gives the trail its name.

After 1.5 miles, at the Devils Bathtub, the hiker can double back to the parking lot or continue westward, following the Devils Fork Loop Trail up Corder Hollow to a 20-foot waterfall, passing many hollows and beautiful views. After 4.2 miles (5.7 miles from the start), the loop trail connects with Straight Fork Ridge Trail. The hiker can go left on this trail for 1.8 miles up Little Mountain to the upper trailhead at FR 237, or go right 1.6 miles down the mountain to finish the loop at the parking lot.

The lack of facilities and the rugged terrain make this an ideal trail for those who like a more remote experience. Two primitive camping areas (no water) are available on the loop trail, one at the lower west end and one about .7 mile west of the connection with the Straight Fork Ridge Trail.

• Directions: From Fort Blackmore, in central Scott County, go north on VA 619 for 2.9 miles to junction with VA 653. Continue north on VA 619 for 1.1 miles and turn left on FR 619 at white house with fenced yard and go .3 mile to trailhead parking. To access northern trailhead for Straight Fork Ridge Trail from VA 619 at High Knob, go southwest on FR 237 for 4 miles to trailhead.
• Trails: Devils Bathtub Trail is 1.5-mile (one-way) path along old railroad grade, with 10 crossings of Devil Fork. Devils Loop combines Devils Bathtub Trail with 6-mile rigorous climb and descent on Little Mountain back to trailhead at parking lot. Straight Fork Ridge Trail leads from northeast point of Devils Fork Loop 2 miles up scenic ridge to FR 237 on Little Mountain.
• Elevation: Lower trailhead is at 1,550 feet. Highest points are 2,000 feet on Devils Bathtub Trail, 2,800 feet on Devils Loop Trail, and 3,350 feet where Straight Fork Ridge Trail connects with FR 237.
• Degree of difficulty: Moderate, with many stream crossings (which may be treacherous) on Devils Bathtub Trail, and moderate to difficult (because of steep sections) on Devils Loop and Straight Fork Ridge trails.
• Surface: Natural forest floor with many stream crossings.

City of Norton/Wise

Trails exist but may need to be GPS mapped.   Contact Philip Prince

City of Norton/ Wise

Stocked lake.  Fishing is permitted with a Virginia license and a Forest Service Stamp.  

City of Norton

Clear Creek Park is a four acre Park and includes a playground, a basketball court, a shelter, walking track and softball field.  The shelter is available for use on a first-come, first serve basis.  The softball field was built courtesy of the Norton Lions Club. 

County:    City of Norton

From the City of Norton, Flag Rock can be seen as a rock outcrop capped with an American Flag, thus the name "Flag Rock". The recreation site sits over 1,000 feet above the City's elevation of 2,350 ft. The site offers twenty-five acres of recreation area with spectacular views, hiking trails, a fishing area, playground equipment and 18 camping slots. Bath houses have hot and cold water. Two large shelters and several smaller ones are available for picnicking. There are over 50 picnic tables with grills. Primitive camping is also available. The large shelters are available by reservation only. Camping sites available with electricity or not per night.

County:    City of Norton/Wise  

At an elevation of 3,800 feet, High Knob Recreation Area is the highest campground in the Clinch Ranger District of the Jefferson National Forest. The main attraction at the site is High Knob Lake, a 4 acre cold water lake with a 300 ft. sand swimming beach. A small amphitheater is located on a hillside behind the beach house. The lake is stocked and fishing is permitted with a Virginia license and a Forest Service Stamp.    Several trails can be accessed from the campground.  Which trails?   Camping area includes 14 sites for tents and recreational vehicles (up to 16 feet long) with picnic tables, bath house with showers, and flush toilets.                                                                  

From the recreation area, hike the High Knob Tower Trail (< 1.5 miles) to the observation tower. Atop this summit, standing at 4220 feet, a clear sky can produce views of the surrounding mountain ridges in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. Note: the observation tower burned down recently and is inaccessible to visitors at this time (updated 12/19/07).   

City of Norton

Located along road to High Knob, Legion Park features a picnic shelter and access to a 30 yard interpretive trail with kiosks, giving information on local history and various regional tourist attractions. The park also contains picnic tables and grills and a water fountain. The shelter at the park is available by reservations only for groups. Legion Park is designated as a official Birding Trail site.

Counties:    Wise/Lee/Dickenson/Buchana. In the works. Great Eastern Trail - Major trunk line trail traverses the northern border of Virginia and connect with trails in both Alabama and New York.  Anticipated to use the Cumberland Mountain Trail which comes out of Tennessee at the Cumberland Gap, cuts west to connect with the Pine Mountain Trail on its way to Breaks Interstate Park then continues northeast across the state.    

Note:    Decision has not been finalized as to the route through Virginia.      

City of Norton/Wise/Lee/Scott     /Dickenson  

250 mile Virginia's Heritage Music Trail                
Map:  http://www.virginia.org/images/CRmap2big.gif
Bike across Virginia Event - http://www.bikevirginia.org/2008/             

The Country Cabin is one of the stops along the route.  

City of Norton/Wise/Scott (Below was taken directly from website which includes a map:) 

Located within the Cumberland Plateau, the Appalachian Wonders Loop is a haven for naturalists, and in particular, birders. With 24 species of breeding warblers, Wise County can be a phenomenal venue for bird-watching. It's not just the warblers that make this area a birding treasure.   There are many other nesting bird species that make this region their summering home. Places like High Knob Lake can offer an evening serenade of four species of thrushes! Maturing forests juxtaposed to early succession growth of reclaimed strip mines at high elevations are likely to attract a large number of habitat-specific breeding migrants. Look for unusual species or rarities, such as Kirtland's warbler at Wise Reservoir, during spring migration. In addition to a rich bird life, these areas are home to a diversity of flora, salamanders, insects, and mammals, including foxes and even black bear. The Appalachian Wonders Loop will lead you to discover an area rich with history, cultural expression and outdoor recreation.

City of Norton/Wise

Currently closed due to arson but worth noting:  “High Knob Observation Tower, at an elevation of 4,162 feet, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the mountains of Southwest Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia and North Carolina. The octagonal tower, built in a clearing atop the mountain, has a fieldstone base level and two wooden levels circled by observation decks.   Mountain ranges in the distance are visible for miles.”   There are discussions of rebuilding the structure in the near future. 

City of Norton    (See description under Recreation Areas)

City of Norton

Country Cabin II,  located at 6032 Kent Junction Road, presents old time and bluegrass music every Saturday night, featuring local and regional musicians. Mountain-style clogging is taught at Country Cabin II.   Other special events include the Dock Boggs/Kate O'Neill Peters Sturgill Memorial Music festival, jam sessions, picking lessons, weddings, birthday celebrations, music benefit shows and bus tours.  Located at 6032 Kent Junction Road, local musicians gather at the cabin to perform traditional bluegrass and country music.  Events include: traditional musicians, dancers, mountain arts & crafts, and homemade mountain foods.  It is noted to be the oldest mountain music/cultural venue on the Crooked Road. 

City of Norton

Just down the road from Country Cabin II is County Cabin #1, the original site for the music venue and designated both a state and national historic landmark.   Currently not open to the public. 

As noted on the Virginia tourism website, “this overlook has a spectacular view of Powell Valley and surrounding mountains. Please visit the Tourist Information Kiosk, located at the overlook, featuring assorted brochures showcasing The Heart of Appalachia region”.

Photos :  http://www.wisevahistoricalsoc.org/powell_valley.htm

City of Norton

A 241-seat theater featuring musical talent performing live radio broadcasts every Saturday night. The theater has provided continuous stage for hundreds of area performers, featuring a variety of music which includes country, gospel, bluegrass and occasionally even "big band" sounds. Special shows have included nationally known bluegrass artists such as Ralph Stanley and Larry Sparks and country-rock legends Goose Creek Symphony.   Website:   VA-KY Opry