Where to Have Outdoor Adventures in Southwest Virginia

Did you know Virginia is home to more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other state?

In Southwest Virginia alone, family travelers can embark on a wide variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to biking to fishing to swimming. Here’s where to go:

Cascades National Recreational Trail

This family-friendly, 4-mile hiking trail ends at a beautiful waterfall. The loop also weaves through a shaded mountain creek and hikers can stop for a picnic along the way.

Hungry Mother State Park

This park is one of the state’s most popular for family getaways thanks to its 108-acre lake, where visitors can canoe, kayak, fish and paddleboard (rentals are available, too). There’s even a sandy beach and dive tower, as well as 17 miles of trails. Kids will love Kids in Parks Track Trail, a 0.6-mile paved trail that teaches kids about various plants and animals in the park. The park also offers a geocaching program, which takes guests on a “treasure hunt.” Stay the night in a yurt, cabin or campsite.

Natural Tunnel State Park

More than 850 feet long and 10 stories high, this naturally carved limestone ridge formed thousands of years ago. Take a chairlift ride to the tunnel floor, Wilderness Road historic area, Cove Ridge Environmental Education Center and a swimming pool with a 100-foot slide. Cave tours and canoe trips are also available.

Sugar Hollow Park

Near downtown Bristol, this 4,000-acre city park boasts many mountain biking trails of varying difficulty. Other recreational activities like hiking, trail running, rock climbing, fishing and kayaking await at Flag Rock Recreational Area. There’s also a campground adjacent to Jefferson National Forest.

Clinch River State Park

Virginia’s newest state park, this area is located along the most biodiverse waterway in this hemisphere. Access the river at three points, and outfitters and guides are situated up and down the river for excursions.

Grayson Highlands: Park Pine Mountain Loop

This 12-mile loop is perfect for both a short out-and-back walk or overnight outing. With numerous campsites, wandering wild ponies, rock formations and tunnels of Catawba Rhododendrons, kids will love it here.