Scott County is located in the beautiful rolling hills of the Appalachian Valley in the southwestern portion of the state. Scott County offers a variety of recreational opportunities and other outdoor venues as well as having a rich musical heritage. Natural Tunnel State Park is one of the regions leading attractions. A chair lift gives visitors a unique aerial opportunity to view the splendor of the tunnel and surrounding scenery. To learn more about all that Scott County has to offer, visit their website. Some of the communities found in Scott County are Clinchport, Duffield, Dungannon, Gate City, Hiltons, Nickelsville and Weber City.
Click here for a Preliminary Overview of Existing & Proposed Trails in Scott 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 U.S.. Covers 1.8 million acres of land in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, West Virginia, & Kentucky. This dynamic forest duo is home to over 500 species of trees and plants, inc. oaks, hickory, maple and pine. Wildlife watchers/nature lovers should stay alert for glimpses of black bears, white-tailed deer, bobcats, bald eagles, weasels, otters, and Martens. Enjoy mountain biking and hiking. In Scott County, the forest borders the northern end of the county and offers 93,000 acres of recreational possibilities such as mountain stream trout fishing, camping, hiking, nature observation and hunting. For more info about offerings in the National Forest, click here. For more information about the Appalachian Plateau, click here.
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
Wilderness Road Blockhouse represents the Anderson Blockhouse which was built in 1775 in Virginia’s East Carter’s Valley. Is an important frontier landmark and served as a gathering place for hundreds of pioneers traveling the Wilderness Road segment of the Great Wagon Road to Kentucky between 1775 to 1800.
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. In Scott County, the Carter Family Fold is the Scott Co. venue. Founded in 1979, the Carter Family Memorial Music Center was established to honor the original family and to preserve the music which earned them worldwide recognition.
Virginia Coal Heritage Trail winds its way through Scott County. Provides the self-guided visitor a view of this vital industry. Has active and worked-out mines of various types: golf course on reclaimed strip mine, coal coking plant, coal preparation plants and coal-hauling railroad. Passes through communities of Whitewood, Compton Mountain, Patterson, Dismal River, Vansant, Grundy, Slate Creek, Roseann, Hurley, Big Rock, Harman and the Breaks. The route is 325 miles and was designated by the Virginia General Assembly in 2007 as an official Virginia Byway.
150 x 250 foot show ring, two structures on site with plans for stalls and permanent bathrooms and showers. Two trailheads are being planned at Hanging Rock and at Hunters Valley. These will connect to the Chief Benge Trail on High Knob.
A.P. Carter Museum Rt. 614, Hiltons, VA 24258 (276) 386-6054
A.P. Carter's old general store has been converted into a museum that houses the collections of A.P. Carter, his wife Sara and her cousin Maybelle, who as The Carter Family, were the pioneers of what was to become country music. Artifacts include photos, books, and musical instruments, show clothes, 78rpm recordings and many other memorabilia, such as items donated by family members June and Johnny Cash. Located next door to the museum, is the old log cabin where A.P. was born. Recently restored, it showcases life in southwest Virginia during the early 1900's and includes many family antiques and collectibles.
Bush Mill Water Grist Route 2, Nickelsville, VA 24271 (276) 479-2320
Built in 1896. Mill has been renovated so that its 30-foot diameter wheel still functions and generates 30 horsepower as it grinds grain. The present mill replaced an older one that was located at the same site which burned. Valentine Bush purchased the original mill sometime in the early 1800's and also built a water-powered sawmill upstream and a water powered wool carding machine downstream.
Operates during special festivals.
Carter Family Fold Rt 614, Hiltons VA 24258 (276) 386-6054
The Carter Family Memorial Music Center was established to honor the original Carter Family and to preserve the music which earned them worldwide recognition while being pioneers of country music. The Carter Fold & Family Museum brings to life the story of the Carter Family’s traditional music every Saturday night. www.carterfamilyfold.org
The present Depot was built by hand beginning in 1910 and completed in 1912. The Dungannon Depot was one of the few remaining along the track of the Clinchfield Railroad line which runs from Spartansburg, S.C. to Elkhorn City, K.Y.The last regular passenger train to run was May 2, 1955. Since then a special "Santa Clause" train runs just before Thanksgiving. For the next twenty years it sat there waiting until June 2, 1978, the Depot was moved to it current location. After the Depot was completely renovated, the new community center was dedicated in April of 1980.
Scott County Courthouse 104 East Jackson Street, Gate City, VA 24251
(540) 386-6521
The earliest portion of this courthouse was built in 1829. Enlargement of the building began in the 1920s.
The Homeplace Mountain Farm & Museum Rt. 224, Gate City, VA 24251
(276) 386-6300
Living history museum depicts an 1840s farmstead in the mountains of SW Virginia. All of the structures are original ones found throughout the county and relocated to the farmstead. Offers demonstrations and tours of life on the farm in the 1840s.
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.
The Carter Cabin originally part of Carter’s Fort built in 1784, the Carter Cabin was passed down through six generations of Carters. Settlers along the Wilderness Road would retreat to Carter’s Fort during the threat of Indian attack. Moved to the Natural Tunnel State Park in 1998.
Clinch River is the crown of the mountain empire flowing southwestward from its origin near the town of Tazewell, the Clinch travels some 135 miles, reaching portions of Tazewell, Russell, Wise, and Scott counties on its way to the Tennessee state line. In a cast of Virginia rivers that portray history and natural wealth, the Clinch has a story and a character all its own. The river is home to about 50 species of mussels, which is more than any other river in the world and over 100 species are non-game fish - minnows and darters that sport brilliant colors and play a vital role in the survival of other fish and mussel species. But, the variety of sport fish is what makes the Clinch a great destination for anglers.
Copper Creek Viaduct is 180 feet above where the Copper Creek flows into the Clinch River. A Norfolk Sothern Bridge lies directly beneath. Over 30 trains a day pass this location.
Clinch River Canoe Trail - click here to download map that showing access points for the Clinch River Trail through Scott County. (PDF file)
Hunters Ford Island Route 1, Gate City, VA 24251
(276) 452-2344
Outside of the Jefferson National Forest next to the bridge on Rt.65 near Dungannon. Unlike any other campground in Virginia, the island is nestled in the waters of the Clinch River. 10 tent sites and 2 cabins. Paddleboats and canoes privided, volleyball, horseshoes, fishing, and picnic tables. Shower house is conveniently located on the island. No electricity on the island.
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
New cabins in wooded setting for families of 6-8 or a romantic getaway. Screened porch, outdoor grill, fully equipped kitchen, Jacuzzi in some units. Pool and park privileges at adjacent Natural Tunnel State Park.
Hanging Rock Park Place 2200 Hanging Rock Parkway, Dungannon, VA 24245
(276) 467-2389
House has two bedrooms, bathroom, dressing room, kitchen, laundry room, and a nice front porch to enjoy the scenery from. Satellite tv. borders Jefferson National Forest and is in close proximity to Little Stoney Creek and Hanging Rock Park. The Little Stoney Creek falls is just a short walk or ride away, along with the Guest River Gorge Trail.
Ole Nichelsville Hotel Guesthouse (276) 479-1599
This century old guesthouse is within 30 minutes of the fine dining and music of Kingsport, TN, 45 minutes from the renowned Carter Fold, and a quiet hour from Abingdon or the exciting Bristol Motor Speedway.
The Cabin has a bedroom (Queen Bed), bathroom, kitchen/dining/living room combination on first floor. The kitchen has a refrigerator, electric stove, dishwasher and microwave. Upstairs has bedroom (Full Size) and bathroom. The cabin has two full length covered porches with interior comfort provided by central heat/air. Local telephone service, cable TV, highspeed internet (wired and wireless) DVD, towels, linens and blankets are provided.
Travel Inn 382 Duff Patt Highway, Duffield, VA 24244
(276) 431-4300
Offer lovely room accommodations, banquet & meeting facilities, a pool with scenic backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains. Home of the Duffield Daze Labor Day weekend - 5 miles from the Natural Tunnel. 102 Guest rooms.
Clinch Mountain Merchant 142 West Jackson Street, Gate City, VA 24251
(276) 690-2057
Clinch Mountain Merchant offers barrel candy, nostalgic candy, local art and books, home-made jams and apple butter, and unique gifts and cards.
Dungannon Thrift Store 344 Phoenix St., Dungannon, VA 24245
(276) 467-2306
For something unusual and special visit Dungannon Thrift Store. Collectibles and more! Variety of preowned merchandise. Everything from clothing, small and large appliances, furniture, furnishings, books and glassware.
Mountain Treasures 372 West Jackson Street, Gate City, VA 24251
(276) 467-2306
Variety of preowned merchandise. Everything from clothing, small and large appliances, furniture, furnishings, books and glassware.
Perfect Pair 199 Kane Street, Gate City, VA 24251
(276) 386-2999
Over 20 vendors providing everything from antique furnishings, glassware, candles, and collectibles.
Ivy Cottage Antiques & More 143 West Jackson Street, Gate City, VA 24251
(276) 386-2700
Quaint antique showroom in the historic district. More than 20 vendors offers a great shopping experience.
Pickin' Parlor US Hwy 23, Weber City, VA 24290
(276) 386-2654
Stringed instruments for sale such as guitars, banjos, mandolins, dobos, bass fiddles, etc.
FESTIVALS/EVENTS:
July Mountain Treasures Festival Dungannon, VA, July 4th Celebration. Parade, children's activities. (276) 467-2306
May September Wild Cave Tours Natural Tunnel State Park
May September Lighting of the Tunnel Natural Tunnel State Park
June - Clinch Mountain Music Festival, Gate City, VA
Celebrates the heart of mountain music performed by old and new musicians. 2-day festival features musical competitions, flat footin' contest, pickin' tent and arts and crafts. Activities for kids also. (877) 266-3303.
July Homeplace Highland Games Weber City
August 1st Weekend Carter Family Music Festival Hiltons, VA
September Labor Day Weekend Duffield Daze Duffield, VA
October Scott County Tobacco Festival Weber City, VA
WEBSITE LINKS:
Scott County Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 609, Gate City, VA 24251
(276) 386-6665