Breaks Interstate Park – “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.

Kiwanis Park
Grundy, VA (540) 935-2204
The Kiwanis Park in Grundy features picnic facilities, a walking track, a covered stage, playground equipment and a tennis court.

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.

Breaks Interstate Park
State Route 80, Breaks, VA 24607
(276) 865-4413
“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.

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

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

Pine Mountain Trail
Main Street, Clintwood, VA 24228
(276) 926-4605
Scenic hiking/horseback riding trail following the crest of the Cumberland Mountains.

The Wilderness Road Trail - One of the nation's most historic routes, the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail was blazed by the legendary frontiersman in 1775 at what is now Kingsport, TN, through the Cumberland Gap of Virginia (Lee County) and into Kentucky. It would become the route for hundreds of thousands of settlers of the western frontier. The state park is about 310 acres that lie astride the Wilderness Road. A 10-mile hiking, biking and equestrian trail. Indian Ridge Trail, a self-guided, natural heritage trail. Wilderness Road Trail bisects Wilderness Road State Park. Visitors may park cars and horse trailers at the park to access the trail. The trail connects the park with the campgrounds at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, six miles away. 800-933-PARK. Click here for a map of the trail.

Wilderness Road State Park
Rt. 2, Ewing, VA
(276) 445-3065 or (800) 933-PARK
Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/wil.shtml
One of Virginia’s newest state parks. About 200 acres are open for picnicking, hiking and living history programs. One can enjoy the reconstructed Martin’s Station, an outdoor living history museum depicting life on Virginia’s 1775 frontier or hike the 12-mile Wilderness Road Trail linking the park with the 50 miles of trails within the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Unique regional gifts are available at the Wilderness Road Outpost. The park offers seasonal living history programs depicting life in the mid-1700s. 200 acres for picnicking, hiking and living history programs, visitor center, frontier museum, picnic shelters, playground, seasonal living history programs.

Cumberland Gap National Historic Park
Headquarters: P.O. Box 1848, Middlesboro, KY 40965
(606) 248-2817
At Cumberland Gap, the first great gateway to the west, follow the buffalo, the Native American, the longhunter, the pioneer... all traveled this route through the mountains into the wilderness of Kentucky. Modern day explorers and travelers stand in awe at this great gateway and the many miles of trails and scenic features found in the park. Historic buildings and sites throughout the park provide opportunities to take a close look at the events that shaped a region and a nation. Scenic vistas, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests excite the senses and provide the opportunity to experience the Southern Appalachians up close. The forests and streams of the mountains provide habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. 70 miles of trails and numerous scenic areas provide the opportunity to explore the great outdoors!

Leeman Field Park
605 Old Zion Road, Pennington Gap, VA 24277
(276) 546-1177 or (276) 546-1179
Website: www.townofpennington.com
Tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, a .58 mile walking trail, 2 children's playgrounds, a sand box, swimming pool, baseball fields, access to the Powell River, and 3 pavilions.

Clear Creek Park
618 Virginia Ave., Norton, VA 24273
(276) 679-0754
Clear Creek Park is a four acre park and includes a playground, a basketball court, a shelter, walking track, and softball field.

The Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Click here for a map of the WMA. Due to difference in elevation a unique forest had developed. Tree species from both southern and northern forests are found. Elevations range from 1600 feet to 4700 feet atop Beartown Mountain. There is considerable water on the area; a 330-acre man-made lake, one major stream and several tributaries. The land that forms Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area was virgin forest until the late 1800's. Evidence of the narrow gauge railroad used during logging can still be seen, and some of the old rail bed is now part of the management area's present road system. Hunting: deer, bear, turkey, grouse, gray and fox squirrel, rabbit, beaver, excellent waterfowl habitat & wood duck. Fishing: brook trout fishery, smallmouth and rock bass. Other popular uses of the area include: horseback riding, wildlife viewing, hiking, and nature photography. A wide range of wildflowers attract visitors in the spring.

Hidden Valley Lake Wildlife Management Area
Click here for a map of the WMA. Located along Washington County and bordering on Russell County. Hunting: deer, bear, turkey, squirrel, grouse, deer and bear. Fishing: smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, northern pike and walleye. Hiking, photography.

Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve
Hungry Mother State Park, 2854 Park Boulevard, Marion, VA 24354 (276) 762-5297
Offers birding and wildlife watching, hiking, self-guided trails, restrooms. The preserve lands provide suitable habitate for rare or declining plant and animal species, natural communities, some types of which are rare and some of which are found nowhere else on earth.  Natural settings. 

Slates Campground/Picnic Area – private campground with electric, water, and cable TV hookups.  Located on the Clinch River.  2 mile hiking trail for hiking, birding and wildflower walks. Blackford.

J.S. Easterly Park
P.O. Box 926, Lebanon, VA 24266 (540) 899-8041
This county park is landmarked by a crystal-clear waterfall. For a pleasant walk, the park offers hiking trails, or try a leisurely afternoon of tennis.

Wilderness Road Trail
Wilderness Road State Park, Rt. 2, Ewing, VA 24248 (276) 445-3065 or (800) 933-PARK
Part of the famous Wilderness Road Trail blazed by Daniel Boone in the 1780's and traveled by over 300,000 settlers heading west. It is a 10-mile biking, hiking and equestrian trail. Travels through Scott county.  This route was established in 1775 and was traveled by over 300,000 settlers as they discovered America’s First Frontier.  A driving tour is available to trace this historic route with points of interest located along the way. Click here for a map of the trail.   www.danielboonetrail.com

Natural Tunnel State Park & Campground
1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway, Duffield, VA 24244 (276) 940-2674
Was naturally carved through limestone ridges over thousands of years.  More than 850 feet long and as high as a ten story building.  It has been called the eighth wonder of the world. Other features:  wide chasm between steep stone walls surrounded by pinnacles or chimneys.  Campground, picnic areas, amphitheather, visitor center, gift shop, blockhouse, swimming pool and chair lift to the tunnel floor.  Cave tours and canoe trips on the Clinch River.  Home to the Cove Ridge Center for environmental education which has conference facilities and overnight dorm accommodations.  Click here for a Natural Tunnel SP Site Map.

Scott County Park
Rt. 2, Box 968, Gate City, VA 24251 (276) 452-4442
Park includes a 9-hole golf course, pro shop, 6 picnic shelters, 2 tennis courts, tetherball, game room with ping pong & foosball, walking trail, horseshoe pits

Keith Memorial Park
Nichelsville, VA
Playgrounds, picnic area, Nickelsville Community Center has space for meetings, reunions and special events. Baseball field, little league baseball fields, walking trail, rest station with restrooms, concessions, War Memorial, basketball court, ampitheatre with seating

Duffield Community Park
Duffield, VA
3 lighted tennis courts, baseball/teeball field, softball field, walking trail, picnic areas, beach/sand volleyball, basketball courts, concessions, restrooms, playgrounds with fitness stations.

Weber City Recreation Complex
Weber City, VA
4 lighted tennis courts, beach/sand volleyball, tee ball, playground, walking trail, picnic areas, basketball courts, concessions, fitness stations.

Cavitt's Creek Park/Lake Camping
315 School Street, Tazewell, VA 24651 (276) 988-7250
The 54 acre lake is part of the 164 acre Cavitt's Creek Park. Lake Witten is classified as a "Class A" lake. The Virginia Game Commission stocks trout nine times during the year. Open for fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking and boating (only electric motor boats are permitted). Nine full service RV/camper sites, laundry room/bathhouse, primitive camping spaces and full service campsites are available. Boats and paddle boats are also available for rent. Wildlife viewing, biking and birding trails. 7 picnic shelters with a large playground.

Laurel Meadows Park
Pocahontas, VA
7 acre park with 1/2 mile walkway, caboose, pavilions and playground equipment

J. Witten Recreation Area
315 School Street, Tazewell, VA 24651 (276) 988-7250
Lake Witten is classified as a "Class A" lake. The Virginia Game Commission stocks trout nine times a year. Open for fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking and boating (only electric motor boats are permitted). The campground has 12 spaces for recreational vehicles but has no electrical hookups. Primitive camping spaces are also available. Boats and paddleboats are available for rent.

Richlands. West on Hwy 460.  Refreshing mix of industrial property and country living.  Unique dining, entertainment, varied shpping (boutiques, gifts, crafts, plazas) and an active regional farmers market. Hiking, walking, biking, fishing and hunting.  Richlands Recreation Park and Clinch River Walking Trail are pleasant and Critterville is a great park for young children.

Chief Benge Trail
9416 Darden Drive, Jefferson Naitonal Forest, Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-2931
18.7 mile trail for experienced hikers through the Jefferson National Forest.

Devil's Fork Trail System
9416 Darden Drive, Wise, VA 24293 (540) 328-2931
Hiking trail. Old logging grade. 20' waterfall, mountain overlooks and the Devil's Bathtub.

High Knob Lake Trail
9416 Darden Drive, Jefferson National Forest, Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-2931
1.3 mile trail that leads to High Knob Lake.

Lake Keokee Loop Trail
9416 Darden Drive, Jefferson National Forest, Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-2931
3.7 mile trail around the 92 acre lake. Hiking, fishing, & wildlife watching

Laurel Fork Trail
9416 Darden Drive, Jefferson National Forest, Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-2931
Camping, picnicking, scenic with small waterfalls. 1.5 miles long

Little Stony National Recreation Trail
9416 Darden Drive, Jefferson National Forest, Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-2931
2.8 mile trail follows the stream through a 400 ft. deep and 1.700 ft. wide gorge. Two waterfalls and the Hanging Rock Picnic Area. Fishing is allowed.

Phillips Creek Loop Trail
9416 Darden Drive, Jefferson National Forest, Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-2931
Self-guided trail that comes with a narrative trail brochure. Wildlife clearing where one may see deer, turkey and other wild game. Old homestead, waterfalls. 1.3 miles

Stone Mountain Trail
9416 Darden Drive, Jefferson National Forest, Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-2931
14.3 miles. Miniature falls amidst interesting rock formations. Stand of old growth hemlock over 300 years old. Lots of rock outcrops and rock formations for scenic value. Difficult hike because of the length and unevn footing.

Straight Fork Ridge Trail
9416 Darden Drive, Jefferson National Forest, Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-2931
2 mile hike has many scenic vistas to enjoy looking over the mountain.

Wallen Ridge Trail
9416 Darden Drive, Jefferson National Forest, Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-2931
6.9 mile trail travels along the top of Wallen Ridge to an area just west of Mountain Empire Community College.

Bark Camp Recreation Area/Camping
9416 Darden Drive, Wise, VA 24293 (540) 328-2931
The camp offers 25 camping units with tent pad, picnic table and parking spur near 60 acre warm water lake which provides opportunities for fishing and boating (electric motors only). Paved boat launching ramp, hiking trails and picnic units with tables and grills are also featured.The lake is stocked with northern pike, bass, blue gill, rainbow trout and catfish.

Bulitt Park
103 Shawnee Ave., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 (276) 523-0115
Is the largest of nine community parks. Includes a football field, tennis courts, fitness and biking trails, large playground area, picnic area, and a track.

Cave Springs Campground
9416 Darden Drive. Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-2931
One of the largest campgrounds in the Jefferson National Forest. Small lake for swimming, fed by a spring that originates in the mountains above the cave. Hiking trails are developed in the area. 41 camping sites with electrical hookup.

Devil's Bathtub & Waterfall
9416 Darden Drive, Jefferson National Forest, Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-2931
Hikers can see a stream racing down a rock chute, swirl through the "tub" and race downstream.

North Fork Reservoir - Cane Patch Camping
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rt. 1, Pound, VA 24279 (276) 796-5775
154 Acre Lake is used for fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, and hiking. 33 campsites with restrooms, showers and playground equipment. Fish species include: largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish.

Whispering Pines Family Campground
Birchfield Road RT. 759, Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-6876
160 acres. Fuly equipped RV sites and primitive tent sites. Includes a dumping station, bathhouse, swimming lake, hiking trails, volleyball, basketball and other recreational facilities.

Big Stone Gap
619 Gilley Ave., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 (276) 523-2060
Many of the town's attractions are featured in Adriana Trigiani's books, Big Stone Gap, Big Cherry Holler and Milk Glass Moon. Just as in the book, this is a lovely, Victorian-era town. Walking/driving tour of attractions, buildings, historical landmarks and Victorian-era homes.