Scenic 125 mile backroad driving and biking adventure.

This bike route follows Rt. 80 through Dickenson and Russell Counties. Route 80 can be accessed from Saltville (Smyth County) or at Elk Garden off US Hwy. 19 in Russell County.

Five mile historic nature walk, also offers excellent biking challenge.

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.

Laurel Bed Lake
276) 944-5024

300 acres, known for its trout fishing. Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area offers anglers the opportunity to fish placid, picturesque Laurel Bed Lake. A daily fee is charged for fishing some of the area's waters. Facilities: There is amply parking space. Two boat ramps are available at the Lake.

61 acre fishing retreat with primitive camping sites. Part of the Hidden Valley 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.

This fishing lake is for non-motorized boats(Only)and is equipped with one boat ramp. Beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing for all ages.

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. 

9 hole golf course, swimming pool and 35 acre lake for boating and fishing.

This park features 4 softball fields and 3 tennis courts open to the public when not in use.

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.

Lots of photos and history information of this beautiful little town in the early years. Located at the old Cleveland Elementary School on Route # 661.

Museum invites visiters to enjoy exhibits of coal and railroad memorabilla, donated by the residents and former residents of Dante and the surrounding commumnity. This building is now the home of the DANTE HISTORY PROJECT display, which traveled around Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky for two years in the late 1990's. School groups are particularly welcome to visit the Museum so that students can meet miners and railroad workers and learn about life and work in the company coal town. Plans for the future include a simulated mine entrance which will be built in the old Bank Vault. The "Dante Lives On" organization sponsors the annual Dane Reunion Festival that brings current and former residents back from all over the United States. The festival is held on the 4th weekend in September and includes food booths, children's activities and entertainment, musical entertainment and street dancing.

Dante was once the headquarters of the Clinchfield Coal Corporation and home to thousands of coal miners and their families. The Coal Miner's Memorial honors those Dante men who worked in the mines and gives special recognition to those who died underground. Names have been placed on the memorial by family and friends. Volunteers maintain the site. Dante Lives On, a community recitilization group, has placed all the names on their website.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Park Service, declared Jessee's Mill a national historic landmark and was previously designated a state historical landmark by Virginia. Jessee's Mill began operation over two hundred years ago. The mill was the primary source for ground agricultural products and other trading in the Mill Creek Area. The mill is located on Jessee's Mill Road, State Route 645, north of Route 71, between Lebanon and Cleveland.

John Jessee, a first war of independence infantryman and musician, purchased the mill from William Gilmore in 1794. The mill continued mechanical improvement over the years and around 1890 was made into the three story structure which stands today.

This former courthouse was built in 1799 by Henry Dickenson. A stone building, the structure replaced a log courthouse that was burned during the Revolutionary War. The building is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a Virginia Landmark. It is now restored and open to the public. The Dickenson Bundy log house is on the same site and is open for local crafts sales. A covered picnic facility also exists on site for picnics and family reunions.

This log house was constructed from two separate log houses. One was built in 1769 and donated by the owner of the old Henry Dickenson farm. The other was built in 1790 and donated by the heirs of Thomas Bundy. The materials used from the 1769 Dickenson house were the oldest found in the area for a restoration project. The original builders of that home, Henry and Elizabeth Bickley Dickenson, were driven by Indians from the home to a fort in Abingdon. The restored house is open to the public and houses a craft store that features local crafters.

To help foster economic development in SW Virginia by focusing on the craft & creativity of the region. Assists local artisans with marketing, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Service area: Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Gloyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe.

Live performances every Saturday night from 7:30 pm - 11 pm.

Country and primitive home decor for many years. Specialize in a variety of merchandise. Anything from framed prints, antiques, dolls, flags, seasonal & holiday decorations...to handmade, custom built primitive furniture! Custom furniture is made, finished and distressed by hand, and are made of solid wood by a skilled craftsman.

Crafts, art, novels and other items handmade by local artists. Some items on sale: dulcimer, sultry autoharp, banjo, furniture and novels about mountain people.

Multiplicity is a clothing boutique located in beautiful downtown Lebanon. Offer unique casual and dress clothing for Misses and Juniors. Also features casual clothing for young men and adults.

The Russell County Farmer's Market is held at two locations: each Friday in the Dante Square across from the former Clinchfield Offices from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon and in Lebanon at the Russell County Chamber of Commerce Parking Lot from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon each Saturday. The market begins the first weekend in June and runs through October.

Brand new floral, giftware and antique shop located in the heart of downtown Lebanon. Specialize in floral arrangements for all occasions, gift baskets, antiques, candles and country primitives. Offer free delivery locally. Come in and enjoy a wonderful shopping experience. Jennifer and Vickie welcome you into their country world.

The Farmer’s Table
65 Midtown Circle, Honaker, VA 24260
(276) 873-7372

Family restaurant, well known for homemade meals and recipes, which are the specialty. In addition to the regular menu, there are daily specials. Fresh baked breads and daily desserts. Use locally grown meats and vegatebles for extra freshness and superb taste.

Family owned restaurant, opened July 4, 1966 - offering a buffet hot bar, a variety of sandwiches, homemade pizza, side dishes homemade desserts and ice cream treats.

Established in 1980. A local landmark, located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, in a restored grain mill. Menu features steaks, seafood, salads, and hearty sandwiches. Space available for meetings and entertainment functions. Our seafood consists of Halibut, Grilled Salmon, Talipia, and fresh Oysters. Awesome Prime Rib, Thursday thru Saturday.

Uniquely reconstructed log home with antique furnishings and peaceful country setting, located on the Heart of Appalachia Bike Route.

Hot tub suite, fireplace suite, whirlpool, guest laundry, free local calls, bus/RV parking, cable TV with HBO, children 12 & under stay free, complimentary continental breakfast.

Red Bud Festival
Honaker, VA
Annually in April

13 events including the redbud festival breakfast, bird walk, pet show.

Russell County Fair & Horse Show, Castlewood, VA

First Weekend in September at the Russell Co. Fairgrounds. Carnival, Scholarship Pageant, horse shows, bull riding, livestock events, horseless cowboy contest, car show, demolition derby, antique tractor show, country, bluegrass and gospel performances, arts & crafts.Castlewood, VA

Clinch River Days Festival  http://www.clinchriverfestival.com

Held the weekend after Memorial Day along the banks at A.R. Matthews Park.  The festival opens Thursday night at the Railroad Museum and features works by a local artist/photographer/author.  Entertainment continues on into Friday and the weekend with juried art show, unique crafts, antique auction, wine tasting, food vendors.  Canoe trips, nature and wildlife tours, caving, fishing tournaments/exhibits.  The festival showcases the beautiful, viable scenic river heritage.