RECREATION

State Parks

New River Trail State Park
176 Orphanage Drive • Wytheville, VA 24360
Located in Foster Falls
276-699-6778
A 57-mile long state park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way, this park features an array of amenities, including five campgrounds in different locations with different types of sites, freshwater fishing, jonboat and canoe rentals, interpretive programs, a children's playground, picnic area, and hiking, bicycle, and bridle trails. more... map

Big Bend Picnic Area
Located on Big Walker Mountain
276-228-5551
Seven picnic units with tables, grills, and fireplaces and excellent views from atop Big Walker Mountain are located at this picnic area which is set amidst orchard grass and large boulders under a canopy of oaks. map
Dark Horse Hollow Picnic Area
Located in Jefferson National Forest
276-228-5551
This picnic area features eleven picnic units with tables and grills, as well as hand pumped water. The area is situated adjacent to Stony Creek for fishing and there are mowed areas for games. map
Stony Fork Recreation Area
155 Sherwood Forest Road • Wytheville, VA 24382
276-228-5551
Part of and just off the Big Walker National Scenic Byway, this is a recreation area of the Jefferson National Forest. Stony Fork creek runs through the campground, providing recreation such as fishing and wading, and a nature trail is located in the area, as is the Seven Sisters hiking trail. map

Brackens Fish Hatchery
Route 4, Box 568 • Wytheville, VA 24382
Located on State Road 654
276-228-7836
This former federal fish hatchery was the first federal hatchery in the nation. It offers rainbow trout fishing in a pond on the premises. The hatchery also offers pond stocking. map

Appalachian Trail
155 Sherwood Forest Road • Wytheville, VA 24382
276-228-5551
Southwestern Virginia includes some of the most spectacular sections of this famous Maine-to-Georgia footpath, complete with wilderness high summits, mature timber, and vivid floral displays from May to October. map
Monster Rock Hiking Trail
155 Sherwood Forest Road • Wytheville, VA 24382
This short trail hike leaves Big Walker Lookout parking lot and leads to a large rock outcrop. Monster Rock is an outstanding vista of the Stony Fork watershed which includes beautiful Bland County farmscapes and historic Garden Mountain to the north. map
Seven Sisters Trail
155 Sherwood Forest • Wytheville, VA 24382
Wythe Ranger District, Jefferson Nat'l Forest
276-228-5551
Almost five miles in length, this moderately difficult trail is open-ended, so it is necessary to backtrack or arrange for pickup. Nice views and great exercise await you at this trail. map

New River Adventures
1007 North Fourth Street • Wytheville, VA 24382
276-228-8311
A full service outfitter and guide company that provides guided fishing, biking, canoeing, back packing, and kayaking trips. They also offer tube rentals and shuttle services. Half day and full day trips are available. map