Relish hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, and stunning vistas throughout your journey.
Located between the Blue Ridge Mountains near Roanoke, Virginia, and the New River Gorge in West Virginia, you'll find an picturesque 122-mile route ideal for a short road trip or a quick escape. Below are some highlights and activities to enjoy throughout your travel.
Start in West Virginia.
The blend of New River Gorge hikes paired with the charming historic town of Lewisburg creates an ideal start for an incredible road trip. Store owners greet visitors warmly as they provide not only ice cream and antiques but also fashionable cowboy hats, alongside happenings such as the Lewisburg Literary Festival , takes place each August, gathering both locals and guests in unity.
The history is rich here, and the finest way to absorb it all is by taking a stroll. Lewisburg Historical Area Self-Guided Walk Tour It features an impressive total of 58 locations such as The Barracks, a three-story edifice made from stone and logs which stands out as the oldest building in Lewisburg, constructed circa 1789.
Visit the Historic General Lewis Inn and make your way to the lobby bar, The Thistle Lounge Here, you can savor handcrafted cocktails crafted from obscure spirits and tinctures. Should your schedule allow for an extended visit, the inn—featuring its characteristic creaky wooden floors and cozy guest quarters—is ideally situated near all of Lewisburg’s attractions.
The top frequented local attraction is New River Gorge , a turbulent white-water river slicing through a steep gorge. Tourists come here to trek, cycle, fish, navigate the rapids, and observe birds. Horseback riding is another activity you can indulge in within this area. Greenbrier River Trail , offering breathtaking views. Keep in mind that cell phone reception is non-existent in these areas, ensuring complete tranquility without interruptions.
After you've built up your hunger, get ready for dinner at The French Goat . Order a burger with the root vegetable side dish — an appetizing blend of French and Appalachian cuisine.
Related: 10 Top Mountain Getaways in Virginia as Chosen by Locals
Hike, tube, and sip your way through Christiansburg and Blacksburg, Virginia.
Travel for under two hours along U.S. 219 South and U.S. 460 East to reach the location of Virginia Tech, Jefferson National Forest, premier tubing spots, and numerous renowned breweries. Take a break and stretch your legs during your visit. Huckleberry Trail , connecting Christiansburg and Blacksburg. It features numerous paths spanning a total of 15 miles, with one notable option being the ADA-compliant, 1.5-mile loop located within the Coal Mining Heritage Park. Alternatively, you could visit Jefferson National Forest And take the one-mile loop trail starting at Pandapas Pond, where you can choose your adventure from the different paths of the Poverty Creek trails.
To enjoy a familial atmosphere and an opportunity to see the picturesque mountain vistas from the lake, consider inner tubing at New River Junction . It’s a lazy float over gentle, shallow waters, so everyone from the kids to grandpa can participate. Order a cooler tube so you can sip cold beverages on the ride.
To further satisfy your craving for drinks, try the six artisanal beers made at Southwest Virginia’s most ancient brewery. Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill If wine is your thing, Beliveau Farm Winery serves acclaimed wines such as Crazy Professor Vidal Blanc. If you're a fan of both beer and wine, you'll be pleased to know that Beliveau runs the sole gluten-free brewery in Virginia.
If you're enjoying yourself so much that you don't want to go, then remain here. The Lodge at Virginia Tech . Immerse yourself in college life, explore the exhibitions at Moss Arts Center, and meander through the flower paths at Hahn Horticulture Garden.
Related: In this region of West Virginia, you can enjoy spectacular national parks, picturesque small towns, and spas featuring natural mineral baths.
Browse, discover, and investigate in Roanoke, Virginia.
The biggest city along the Appalachian Trail, Roanoke can be reached within 40 minutes by driving north on Interstate 81. Famous for its numerous hiking and biking paths, Roanoke gained popularity on social media after hikers captured photos from the steep edge of McAfee Knob, making this location the most-photographed point on the trail. Should you prefer not to walk, consider taking a personalized electric bike tour instead. Roanoke Mountain Adventures where you can select the route and distance that best suit your skill level.
Visiting the recently rejuvenated downtown area of Roanoke is essential. Begin your journey at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture , where the contributions of people of the African diaspora are highlighted. Sit and ponder the recently unveiled statue of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were used for medical research without her consent.
Next, spend some time at Black Dog Salvage , home of TV’s Salvage Dawgs, where they reclaim and repurpose architectural waste into one-of-a-kind home goods. Wander the warehouse showroom, peek into the workshop, and take home a souvenir from the Star City. On the third Sunday of each month, Black Dog Salvage hosts the Dog Bowl Market , showcasing local musicians, sellers, and craftsmen of handcrafted, repurposed items.
If you're planning to stay for a day or two, consider hanging your hat there. Fire Station One , a century-old fire station that was rejuvenated in 2023 into a chic boutique hotel. Although sliding down a firefighter’s pole isn't an option here, guests can enjoy staying in one of seven distinctive rooms and savor meals at the resident Stock Café, offering Nordic and Scandinavian cuisine. Alternatively, consider spending your nights in the transformed bank building. The Liberty Trust , finished in 2022. It is included in the National Register of Historic Places and provides on-site dining and cocktail service at The Vault.
Lastly, conclude your journey with a deep breath and a tip of the hat to John Denver, who aptly named this area "almost heaven."
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