U.S. National Forests combined to form one of the largest areas of public land in the Eastern United States. They cover 1.8 million acres of land in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. This dynamic forest duo is home to over 500 species of trees and plants, including oaks, hickory, maple and pine. Wildlife watchers and nature lovers should stay alert for glimpses of black bears, white-tailed deer, bobcats, bald eagles, weasels, otters, and Martens. Everyone will enjoy mountain biking and hiking. For more information about trails, fishing and other recreational offerings in the Washington/Jefferson National Forest, click here.

“Grand Canyon of the South”, was created in 1954 by joint action of the Kentucky and Virginia legislatures encompassing 4,500 acres of green woodlands and sky scraping mountain scenery.  Outdoor recreation abounds within the park – swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking, unusual geological formations, hidden springs, caves, horseback riding, lodge, fishing, boating, whitewater rafting, wildlife & bird viewing and much more. For more information about the Appalachian Plateau, click here.

The campground is in Breaks Interstate Park, full and partial hookups; bathhouses with hot showers, flush toilets, swimming pool.

Birch Knob Observation Tower – elevation of 3,144 feet above sea level.  The tower view is well worth the trek of 100 yard walk from the parking lot and the 183 stair steps.  Don’t forget a camera and a bottle of water – you are going to be there awhile.  One can see Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee.  Access Pine Mountain Trail.  www.dickensonctyva.com

A tributary of the Big Sandy River, the Russell Fork River is a scenic series of rapids, pools and tortuous twists. Wold class whitewater rafting opportunities are available on the river running through the Breaks Canyon (Breaks Interstate Park) below the John Flannagan Dam four weekends in October when released from the dam create raftable water. Whitewater rating; Class III-V+, depending on the stretch of river. Ability exists to run easier rapids or harder rapids without running the other. Kayakers or rafters will enjoy this intense river.

John W. Flannagan Dam & Reservoir
Cumberland Mountains of Dickenson County, VA
Route 1, Haysi, VA 24256  (276) 835-9544

The lake stores the waters of the Cranesnest and Pound Rivers.  Provides flood control, low-flow augmentation, fish & wildlife enhancement, water supply and recreation.  The dam, spillway and outlet construction was completed in 1964 with the dam measuring 250 feet high and 916 feet long forming an 1,145 acre lake behind the dam with almost 40 miles of shoreline.  3 campgrounds, five boat ramps, picnic areas, fishing, hiking, hunting, boating and picnic shelters.  Swimming is available along certain sections of the lake. www.dickensonctyva.com

Offers 19-mile roads excursion. Self-guided driving tour. Brochures are available.

Scenic hiking/horseback riding trail following the crest of the Cumberland Mountains.

Route 83. 37 sites, most developed for RVs and trailers, handicap sites available, no hookups, dumping station, shower house, flush toilets, central water, playground equipment, nearby lake.

Located in Dickenson County near Clintwood on Rt. 631. 29 sites, some shoreline campsites, handicap sites available, some electrical hookups, dumping station, shower house, flush tilets, central water, playground equipment, nearby lake and boat launch ramp.

Dickenson County hosts six sites and Buchanan County with three. The trails are a part of the 340 sites that make up the Mountain Area of the state's SW Virginia trail system. The trails in Buchanan County consist of Compton Mtn./Horn Mtn., Poplar Gap/Sunset Hollow and the Breaks Interstate Park which is shared with Dickenson County - Pine Loop. Compton Mountain, Poplar Gap Park and Breaks Interstate Park are prime areas for bird watching. 

State-of-the-art interactive museum will allow you to see and hear traditional American mountain music (bluegrass) and Dr. Ralph Stanley.  Exhibits show how environment and traditional music influenced his style.  The museum’s goal is to preserve and promote traditional mountain music and to honor the talent and style of Dr. Ralph Stanley. 

Serious hikers or horseback riders will love this scenic trail which follows the crest of the Cumberland Mountains dividing Virginia and Kentucky for 26 miles from Pound Gap in Wise County to Potter's Flats in the Breaks Interstate Park. Trailhead parking available for horse trailers. The trail requires map reading and safety skills. At least 7 access points exists off St. Rt. 630 and 611. Join us for our annual trail rides the 2nd weekend in May and the second weekend in October.

Currently over 100 miles of trails accessible to club members 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The trails are rated easy, more difficult and most difficult to accommodate the novice as well as the experienced rider. Members can ride ATV's, trail bikes, UTV's (side by sides) and horses. Member camping is allowing in the parking lot. No facilities.

World class horse training at home of "The Virginnia Undertaker".

Vast, private collection of railroad and coal mining tools and memorabilia from the area as well as household items, family heirlooms and tools typical of life in the early 1900s.

Features a large selection of original art for sale by local artists. Telephone:

Tribute to the men and women who died in the coal mines.  List of over 300 names dating back to the early 1900s.  Next to the post office in Clinchco.  www.dickenson411.com/memorial.html

The large number of weddings in this courthouse made Clintwood the "wedding capital" of the area for a period of time. This historical building is of architectural interest to all.

Dickenson County has several memorials to honor the soldiers who have died in combat. A Vietnam memorial, Korean War Memorial, as well as memorials for World War I and World War II are located on the Dickenson County Courthouse Grounds. Also on site is a memorial for Dickenson County’s only known Revolutionary War soldier, John Mullins.

Maw’s Kitchen at Mountain Art Works
194 Clintwood Main Street, Clintwood, VA 24228   (276) 926-6074

Something old and something new! People from our mountain region mingle with neighbors from near and far…and where a world view can be expressed in the friendly atmosphere of home, over a fine cup of coffee and a menu full of comfort food.

Mountain Art Works Restaurant
140 Main Street, Haysi, VA 24256   (276) 865-5595

Known through-out these parts for their hand-patted ground beef burgers and home cut fries, homemade gravy and biscuits to steaks and seafood. Best homemade food around, like only maw can make!  Kids are welcome and NO one leaves hungry!

Rhododendron Restaurant
KY-VA 80, Breaks, VA 24607   (276) 865-4413
www.breakspark.com

Mountain Art Works (MAWs)
140 Main Street, Haysi, VA 24256 (276) 865-5595     www.mountainartworks.net

A theme-based restaurant featuring home-cooked food and hand-crafted items from local artists. Local artists provide paintings, woodwork, afghans, quilts, jams and jellies, painted rocks, scented candles and numerous handcrafted items. Other souvenir and gift items include t-shirts and books .

Local luthiers at times offer musical instruments for sale including electric and acoustic guitars, mandolins, fiddles and banjos. Thursday Night Jams are held throughout the year, celebrating bluegrass and gospel music.

Mountain Treasures
P.O. Box 1990, 194 Main Street, Clintwood, VA 24228   (276) 926-6074
www.dickensonchamber.net

Offers a large selection of country treasures and collectables as well as local arts and crafts and country antiques. Other items available are hand-poured candles, collectable teapots, Christian t-shirts, country themed curtains, seasonal décor, Americana items and much more. Mountain Treasures, the little country store with big country style!

The lodge is the perfect accommodation for those seeking a back to nature getaway that includes all the comforts of home. The lodge is also a great romantic getaway. The Cumberland and Pine Mountains provide a beautiful setting for our lodge. These spectacular mountains may be enjoyed either by horseback or on foot thruough our various trails. Hunters and fishermen are welcome to stay at our lodge. End of the Trail Lodge offers parking for horse trailers and boats, as well as dog kennels and a run-in shed with pasture.

Newly decorated and will sleeps 6 comfortably. Conveniently located.

Working horse farm. Bring your horses and take a trail ride into the mountains.

Bed and breakfast inn. Two-story frame house with white vinyl siding. Full breakfast served.

Hilltop Motel
Big Ridge, Haysi, VA 24256
(540) 865-5105

Log Cabin
Rt. 2 Clintwood, VA 24228
(276) 926-6632

Two bedrooms with 2 queen size beds in one bedroom and one full bed in the other. Fully equipped kitchen, large living room & dining room. Air & Heat. Nice porch with swing, rocking chairs & grill. Plenty of area for camp fires & horseshoe pitching. Walking trails close to fishing, horseback riding, boating & camping. Near beautiful John Flannagan Dam.