Lee County sets in the western most tip of Virginia and is bordered by Kentucky and Tennessee. This area, once owned by the Cherokee and Shawnee Indians, is known for it's spectacular rural scenic beauty. The Jefferson National Forest offers many opportunities for hiking, hunting and camping. Bluegrass, gospel and traditional mountain music are very popular here. Some of the communities found in Lee County are Dryden, Ewing, Jonesville, Pennington Gap, Rose Hill and Stickleyville.
Click here for a Preliminary Overview of Existing & Proposed Trails in Lee County.
George Washington/Jefferson National Forest
Headquarters, 5162 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, VA 24019 (540) 265-5100
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.
The Crooked Road Trail (Virginia's Heritage Music Trail) - The Crooked Road winds through the mountains of Southwest Virginia. Bluegrass, old time, and traditional country music is as beautiful and rugged as the landscape itself. Their mission is to support economic development by promoting heritage tourism as well as Blue Ridge and Appalachian culture. The trail travels through the counties of: Dickenson, Wise, Lee, Scott, Washington, Grayson, Carroll, Floyd, Patrick and Franklin. Click here for more information about this trail.
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.
The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail - trail follows routes 23 and 58 to connect Scott and Lee counties to Tenessee and Kentucky, portions of which overlap the Wilderness Road Trail. Number of historically significant sites located here. For more information about the Appalachian Plateau, click here.
Virginia Coal Heritage Trail - winds its way through Lee County. More than 300 miles of scenic byways stretch through seven counties and the city of Norton, providing the traveler with glimpses of unique coal mining towns that were formed more than a century ago. Experience this true cultural heritage experience. Some coal mines are still in operation today and can be seen at various places along the route The route was designated by the Virginia General Assembly in 2007 as an official Virginia Byway.
Powell River Water Trail
The beautiful scenery of Lee County and the water flowing gracefully down Powell River are reasons enough to come here and paddle, whitewater kayaking, or rafting. This river system is full of great paddling sections, the Route 603 bridge to Pennington Gap section is just one of them. There are campgrounds quite near the river where you can camp.
Birding & Wildlife Trail
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!
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.
Considered the most authentically reconstructed frontier fort in America. The fort is a wonderful example of time recaptured and presented to represent that time period. Visitors can watch Joseph Martin working his oxen or horses, a Long Hunter coming from the forest with a horse laden with deer hides from a hunt, blacksmith making a knife at his forge, Cherokee warrior on the lookout for his war party, and much much more. Special events and presentations offered all year round. Militia musters, raids, festivals and more. Photo by Mike Brindle
Cowan Mill
Rt. 698, Ewing, VA 24248
(276) 346-0553
This is an authentic grist mill built in 1890 and used to grind grain into meal. Located on Indian Creek Road in Ewing, Virginia. Admission is free. Call to make appointment.
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Gap Caverns (Cudjo Caves) Hwy 58 near Cumberland Gap, Rose Hill, VA 24281
(606) 248-2817
A majestic, underground cathedral. Discover glistening stalagmites, stalacities or catch a glimpse of a bat.
Sand Cave US 25E South, Middlesboro, VA 40965
(606) 248-2817 or (606) 248-7276
Website: www.nps.gov/cuga/
Ceiling of gold, red and green; eroded rock forms; beautiful photo potential.
Stone Face Rock c/o Lee County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 417, Pennington Gap, VA 24277
(276) 346-0553
A drive-by natural wonder, local landmark resulting from time and erosion.
Was formed in early 2006 in an effort to provide off-road enthusiasts an organization which would enable us to meet and share ideas and info as well as to give us a voice in legislation concerning the off-road community. We ride Stone & Black Mountain in Lee County. Legal areas to ride with miles of trails. 100 loops each weekend. All riding is free and so are the guides.
Cedar Hill Country Club Golf Course Route 1, Jonesville, VA
(276) 346-1535
Public 18-hole golf course located in the rolling hills of Lee County.
Appalachian African-American Cultural & Community Development Center
230 N. Leona St., Pennington Gap, VA 24277
(276) 546-5144
Housed in a building that was once a black public school, the Appalachian African-American Cultural Center contains African-American historical artifacts from the area. Oral history presentation available by appointment only.
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.
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Long Hollow Log School Museum Located at the Lee High School, Rt. 2, Box 740, Jonesville, VA 24263
(276) 346-0173
Built before 1858, now used in heritage education.
UNIQUE DINING
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Patio Drive-In US 58, Pennington Gap, VA 24277
(276) 546-2709
Rooster's Pub 110 Harrell S
Pennington Gap, VA 24277
(276) 546-4190
Ruby's Country Steak House 131 Industrial Drive, Pennington Gap, VA 24277
(276) 546-6900
Ben Hur Cafe' P.O. Box 117, Ben Hur, VA 24218
(276) 346-1700
Barbara Gifts & Cafe Rt. 1 Box 342, Dryden, VA 24243
(276) 546-5306
SHOPPING
Duemaflotchit Variety Store RFD 1, Pennington Gap, VA 24277
(276) 546-1339
Chicken Coop Antiques US Rt. 58, Rose Hill, VA 24281
(276) 445-5089
Our unique shop, located inside Davis Bros. Nursery, is a tribute to our mountain heritage that must be seen to be appreciated. We have a wide selection of antiques, locally-made crafts, collectibles and gifts.
Cumberland Antique Center Old Hwy 58, Rose Hill, VA 24281
(276) 445-4545
Antique store located in an old general store.
Rose Hill Antiques Rt 1 Box 243, Old Rt. 58
Rose Hill, VA 24281
(276) 445-5654
Our Antique Shop is located in the basement of our home. We have five rooms and we offer a great selection of things including: Paintings, Prints, Pottery, Furniture, Quilts, Primitives, Bronzes, Kitchenware, Sterling, Silverplate, Crocks, Jewelry, Rugs, Linens, Ironware, Brass, Glassware, Tools, Toys, fruit jar collection, Indian Artifacts, Old coins and paper money and many other unique and one of a kind items. We live in this turn of the century home of ours and we are here 99 per cent of the time. Shopping can be done anytime at your leasure.
Wild Mountain Thyme 106 W. Morgan Ave.
Pennington Gap, VA 24277
(276) 546-6441
Wild Mountain Thyme is a shop of good sights, sounds and smells intended to provide a relaxed place to shop or browse. We are nestled in the mountain town of Pennington Gap in southwestern Virginia on the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail between Cumberland Gap and Big Stone Gap. Our items are especially seleted as earth-friendly while bringing richness, whimsy and romance to homes. Many are hand-crafted products for the body and spirit.
Davis Brothers Nursery Rt. 2 Box 270, Rose Hill, VA 24281
(276) 445-4230
Largest and most varied selection of nursery stock in southwest Virginia.
LODGING
Convenient Inn 131 Industrial Drive, Pennington Gap, VA 24277
(276) 546-5350
40 Rooms Available. Pets allowed, refrigerator, outdoor pool
Cumberland Gap National Park Campground US 25E South, Middlesboro, VA 40965
(606) 248-2817
Website: www.nps.gov/cuga/
160 woodland sites welcome tent, trailer, and RV campers. 41 sites with 50 amp electrical hookups are available in loops B and C. Hot showers and potable water are located in the comfort stations. The Wilderness Road Campground is located off of Highway 58 in Virginia.
Jonesville Motor Lodge PO Box 632, Jonesville, VA 24263
(276) 346-3210
20 rooms with 25" tvs and cable, and fridge. Microwave, recliners and sofas available in some rooms.
Rose Hill Lodging Rt. 1, 243 Old Rt. 58 Downtown, Rose Hill, VA 24281
(276) 445-5654
Accommodations are in the private residence of a turn of the century restored home. Rooms are very spacious with shared bath. House has a total of 56 windows and four large windows in every room. There is a large front porch for relaxing and enjoying some southern front porch sitting. Stores are within walking distance.
The Rowlett Place in the Cedars US. Hwy. 58, on State Route 656, Jonesville, VA 24263
(276) 346-1396
Website: www.therowlettplace.com
Is a spacious, ranch-style vacation rental home. It has 2 bedrooms with king beds, 3 full baths, a queen sofa bed, and will sleep 6 comfortably. Linens and towels are provided. A fully equipped kitchen has just about everything you will need to prepare meals or entertain guests.
EVENTS
Wilderness Road Heritage Festival
Route 2, Ewing, VA 24248
(276) 445-3065 October
Glimpse into Southwest Virginia's unique historical and cultural heritage. Appalachian crafts and crafters fill the lawn of the Karlan mansion, as bluegrass music dances on the air. The sweet smell of home cooking by various food vendors make your visit most pleasurable. At historic Martin's Station, be immersed in living history and meet historical figures such as Joseph Martin, William Preston, Ebenezer Titus and others. Visit an 18th century market fair and meet skilled colonial tradesmen and participate in life as it was on Virginia's frontier.
The Tobacco & Fall Festival Theme is Harvest Time in Lee County. The day starts with a 5-K race and then continues with arts and crafts, live music, dancing, live entertainment - The Mayberry Deputy, home cooking, a parade, and much more. Come meet your friends and celebrate Lee County's heritage!
Our thanks to the Virginia Tourism Corporation (Virginia.org) for their use of some of the photos on this website.