Southwest Virginia is full of hidden gems, and if you love outdoor adventures, scenic landscapes, and unique experiences, this region has plenty to offer. Whether hiking to breathtaking overlooks, floating down the New River, or searching for fairy stones, every stop promises something special. I spent time exploring some of the best outdoor activities in the area—here’s what made the trip unforgettable.
Snorkel the Clinch River
The Clinch River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America, home to 46 species of mussels (three of which are very rare and only found in the Clinch River!) and more fish species than any other river in Virginia. If you’re a nature lover, this place is a must-visit—and if you have snorkeling gear, bring it! If not, no worries—you can do what I did and join one of the guided snorkeling events led by Clinch River State Park.
This is definitely a warm-weather activity, and if you’re lucky, the water will feel like bathwater, making it perfect for submerging and searching for aquatic treasures. I went in August, but thanks to an unexpected cold snap, I opted to wade in and use a water viewer provided by the park instead.
My main goal was to spot some mussels, and while we found a few, none were alive. Still, I learned a ton and had an unforgettable experience exploring this incredible river.
Hike the Sugar Hill Loop Trail at Clinch River State Park
I hit the trail early in the morning, and since this state park is still pretty under the radar, it felt like I had the whole place to myself. The misty mountain views were absolutely stunning, and stumbling upon the remains of an old French settlement made the hike even more fascinating. Along the way, I spotted some playful deer and even saw a glider soaring overhead—totally unexpected! I wrote a whole article with tips, so check it out if you want to explore this hidden gem.
Read Next: Hiking at Clinch River State Park (Sugar Hill Loop Trail)
Ride the Virginia Creeper Trail
The Virginia Creeper Trail stretches just over 34 miles, running from Abingdon through Damascus and up to Whitetop in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. You can ride it in either direction (and I’ve done both), but there’s no doubt the most popular section is the 17-mile downhill ride from Whitetop to Damascus—fast, fun, and perfect for families. I loved it!
If you’re after the most scenic route, I’d argue that starting in Abingdon is the way to go. The ride has more ups and downs, but the stunning views make every climb worth it. I rode from Abingdon to Alvarado Station and then spent the afternoon at a winery! You can read about my experience here (and see photos): Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail From Abingdon.
Explore the Hands Sculpture Art Trail (Patrick County)
If you love quirky public art and scenic drives, spending an afternoon exploring the Trail H.A.N.D.S. sculpture trail is a must. The trail features five giant concrete hand sculptures, each designed by local female artists to showcase their connection to Patrick County, Virginia. Some are playful, others are more reflective, but all are worth seeing.
Fair warning—these sculptures aren’t clustered together, so be ready for a bit of a backroads adventure. But if you enjoy winding country roads and hidden gems, it’s part of the fun! I didn’t have time to visit all five, but I managed to see three—and even stumbled upon the stunning Lover’s Leap scenic overlook along the way.
Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook
While driving along Highway 58 for the Trail H.A.N.D.S., I spotted this scenic overlook and couldn’t resist stopping to take in the view. It’s near Fred Clifton Park, where you can take a short trail to another overlook with a slightly different vantage point. But honestly, I think the pull-off has the best view!
Search for Fairy Stones at Fairy Stone State Park
Before visiting Fairy Stone State Park, I had never even heard of “fairy stones,” which made the experience even more exciting! Lucky for me, I visited on a day when the park was hosting a guided fairy stone hunt. After learning about the legend behind these unique cross-shaped stones, I drove to a special hunt site to search for my own. If you have kids, this is a fantastic hands-on adventure!
I wrote a whole post about my fairy stone treasure hunt, so check it out: Hunting for Fairy Stones at Fairy Stone State Park
Hike Smart View Loop & Visit the Historic Cabin (Blue Ridge Parkway, near Floyd)
I pulled over at the Smart View Overlook (milepost 154.1) on my way to hike the loop trail. At first, I was a little let down—there wasn’t much of a view, so was it really a smart view? But then I noticed how my eyes were naturally drawn to the “V” where the hills meet, creating a unique and subtle perspective of the landscape. (To be fair, I still prefer a wide-open panoramic vista, but this had its own charm.)
From here, you can access the Smart View Loop Trail, or you can start at the recreation area where there’s a designated trailhead—that’s the route I took.
This easy-to-moderate 2.6-mile trail winds through a mix of meadow and forest before leading to an 1890s cabin with a “right smart view.” While the tree line now blocks the scenery, I could imagine how breathtaking it must have been when the cabin was first built. You can’t go inside, but if you peek between the logs, you can get a glimpse of the interior.
The trail continues from the cabin and eventually loops back to where you started. It’s a peaceful, relaxing hike, and I only passed two other hikers the entire time.
Pro Tip: If you want to see the cabin without the hike, there’s a parking lot in the Smart View Recreation Area just a short walk away.
Float the New River
Floating the New River was absolute heaven! I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I went with New River’s Edge, and the experience was fantastic. They offer tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, but I was in full relaxation mode, so tubing was the way to go.
We started at the Pembroke boat landing, where the gentle current carried us down the river, passing through a few Class I rapids along the way. The small cascades added just enough excitement—more of a gentle rocking with some splashes rather than anything that might flip you over.
Before I knew it, we were back at the lodge, wishing the float had lasted longer. Since I was on a schedule, I only had time for one lazy run down the river, but if you have the time, you can go as many times as you want!
Tubing the New River with New River’s Edge is a great family-friendly adventure. They offer tubes with mesh bottoms and handles for little ones, making it extra safe and comfortable. Life jackets are included—required for kids but optional for adults—so you can choose to wear one or not.
Shoot Clays at Kairos Resort
This was my second time shooting clays—my first time was at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, North Carolina—but the stunning backdrop at Kairos Resort made this experience even more memorable. The five-stand setup features 25 targets and takes about 30 minutes to complete, though I was just there to take a few shots.
A five-stand is a smaller, more condensed version of a sporting clays course, with targets manually pulled. They provide everything you need—guns, ammo, lessons, and ear protection—making it perfect for beginners like me.
After some instruction, I gave it my best shot—literally—but it took me six tries before I finally nailed one. I had to fight the instinct to look at the end of the gun and instead use my eyes as the sights, tracking the target and letting the gun follow. It definitely takes some getting used to! It wasn’t my best shooting day, but hitting even one was a win, and I had a blast.
For seasoned shooters, Kairos also offers a full sporting clays course with 12 automated stations, which takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
Kairos Resort offers over 40 miles of dual-track ATV and UTV trails, plus more than 60 miles of single-track motorcycle trails. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy fishing, hiking, and boating. If you’re looking for a unique stay, the resort has yurt accommodations—I got a peek inside one, and it was surprisingly luxurious! Reservations for lodging and activities can be made online, and all visitors check in at Ed’s Place upon arrival.
Catch the Sunset at Bald Knob Overlook
Talk about a picture-perfect spot for a sunset—Bald Knob is absolutely breathtaking. The hike is short but intense, with a steep 403-foot elevation gain in 0.5 miles. But if you’re up for the challenge, the view at the top is more than worth the effort.
Pro Tip: If you hike the trail, bring a flashlight so you don’t lose your footing on the rocky descent in the dark—and please, don’t go alone.
As a solo traveler, I didn’t feel comfortable hiking alone, so instead, I joined one of Mountain Lake Lodge’s group vehicle excursions to the top. The ride up the rugged access road was bumpy but fun, winding through the forest before reaching the parking area. From there, it’s just a short walk to the rocky summit of Salt Pond Mountain, where you’re met with an absolutely stunning view of the New River Valley. Along with soaking in the sunset, you can even do a little rock scrambling if you’re up for it.
Final Thoughts
From misty mountain hikes to river adventures and scenic drives, Southwest Virginia delivers an incredible mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re chasing sunsets at Bald Knob, biking the Virginia Creeper Trail, or testing your aim at Kairos Resort, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a trip that blends nature, history, and a bit of thrill, this region should be at the top of your list. I know I’ll be back for more!
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