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Smyth County, Virginia

by ShanaCorbin

Smyth County, Virginia, sits along I-81 in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. The mountain views are stunning. The hometown appeal is irresistible. And the combination of the two make this an outstanding destination for an experience like no other. While it is known as a fly-fishing paradise and a biker’s dream, this is also a place filled with many other recreational opportunities. Likewise, it’s a great place to find beautiful craftsmanship and pure Americana lifestyles alongside quirky attractions made for family fun.

Here, visitors can enjoy an evening at a drive-in theatre, a day cruising the Back of the Dragon, a world-class fly-fishing expedition or a relaxing respite at a grand historic hotel. Many explore Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, traversed by the famed Virginia Creeper Trail and a scenic byway offering views of mountain balds, roaming ponies and spruce forests. Others explore Hungry Mother State Park, a long-time Virginia favorite, known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains. With its alpine-like peaks, scenic vistas and herd of wild ponies, Grayson Highlands State Park is also a favorite.

The downtowns here offer a portrait of authentic Americana. Marion, the county seat, has been dubbed “America’s Coolest Hometown” and its streets are filled with independent restaurants and locally owned retail shops. It’s also home to the Lincoln Theatre, built in 1929, which is the setting for famed PBS series, “Song of the Mountains.” In Saltville, there are stories from the Ice Age and beyond at the Museum of the Middle Appalachians. In Chilhowie, visitors can explore the architecture of the historic H.L. Bonham House and take a walk on the downtown trail.

There are hidden gems everywhere here, including the exquisite artistry and craftsmanship at the Wayne Henderson School of Arts. Stories of the bounty of the rich Appalachian soil abound, from the personalized farm tours to the menus of local eateries. And there’s the joy of experiencing retro fun while spinning around the roller rink, catching a movie at the drive-in theater, or tasting a famous Dip Dog from the stand that’s been in business for 65 years.

This unforgettable destination is just a short drive for most Southeast and East Coast travelers. Smyth County is easily accessible by multiple interstates and is less than a day’s drive from most of the East Coast. Lodging options include nationally known limited-service hotels and a one-of-a-kind historic inn along with creek-side cabins and unique vacation rental properties.

There is so much to discover in Smyth County. Casting a line in a mountain stream or cruising the curves of a spectacular roadway is only the beginning. Hiking the trails or exploring the downtowns. Diving into history or retreating for a day of family time. Taking in protected scenic views or perfected craftsmanship demonstrations. All of this is and more awaits in Smyth County. Explore it all. Enjoy it all. Come back for more!

Fast Facts

  • Smyth County is home to Virginia’s highest peaks, bordering Mount Rogers (#1, at 5,728 feet) and Whitetop Mountain (#2, at 5,518 feet).
  • The famous PBS bluegrass program “Song of the Mountains” is broadcast across the country from The Lincoln Theatre in Marion.
  • Smyth County is one endpoint of the famous Back of the Dragon, a popular route for motorcycles and sportscars, featuring 300 curves over 32 miles
  • The Town of Saltville is the site of a major Civil War battle that was fought over, you guessed it, salt!  You can still visit the salt ponds in the middle of town.
  • The Appalachian Trail crosses through Smyth County, with Marion being a popular spot for hikers to take a “zero day,” (that is, taking the day off by logging zero miles). Don’t want to hike but still want to see the trail? Visit the Mount Rogers Headquarters south of Marion, Virginia, and enjoy the interpretive center and grounds.
  • Hungry Mother State Park is one of the original Virginia State Parks, built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. You can still rent one of the original log cabins built by the CCC.
  • Visit the Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts to see artisans working: the school features a loom, pottery studio, letterpress and lutherie (where string instruments are constructed).
  • Twice a year the famous luthier Wayne C. Henderson sponsors a guitar building workshop at the school. Henderson is a master craftsman with a waiting list of several years, and subject of the book “Eric Clapton’s Guitar.”
  • Smyth County is the entrance corridor to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, a portion of National Forest which includes the summit, plus camping, hiking and fishing, as well as the upper portion of the Virginia Creeper Trail.
  • Smyth County is also the gateway to Grayson Highlands State Park, where wild ponies roam the mountain balds, adjacent to the Appalachian Trail.
  • Enjoy the craft beverage scene at 36 Fifty Brewing, Davis Valley Winery and the brand-new Highlands Distilling Company.
  • Foodies will enjoy the farm-to-table dining scene or eat like a local at the famous Dip Dog Stand, serving the same classic menu since 1958.
  • Smyth County is a fly-fishing paradise, with wild trout streams fed by cold mountain springs. Be sure to check out Grayson Highlands State Park or Big Tumbling Creek. Want to seek out hidden gems? Hire one of Smyth County’s knowledgeable guides.
  • Waterfalls abound in this mountain county; choose a moderate to difficult hike to Cabin Creek Falls or Rowland Creek Falls or take an adventurous country drive to Big Tumbling Creek.
  • Late May to early June is rhododendron season in the mountains; take one of the many hikes or drive the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway south of Marion.

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