Welcome to Norton, Virginia. Nestled beneath High Knob – the highest point in the Cumberland Mountains – Norton is a great base camp for exploring the High Knob Region.
The High Knob Region’s 10 communities offer access to more than 100 miles of hiking trails, a growing mountain biking scene, variety of waterways to fish and paddle, and miles of cliffs ripe for bouldering and climbing.
Find your High Knob Adventure with these trip suggestions.
Cover photo: View of downtown Norton from Flag Rock Recreation Area, photo by Will Bouton
Day One: High Elevation Views
Sunrise Sightseeing: Flag Rock Recreation Area
- Visit Flag Rock Overlook in Norton’s Flag Rock Recreation Area, a city park located three miles above downtown Norton on High Knob’s lower slopes.
- Work for your view. Climb the 1.3-mile Legion Park Trail into Flag Rock Recreation Area.
- Snap a photo with the “Woodbooger” statue as you walk to the overlook.
- Hike or mountain bike the Flag Rock Area Trails system, paddle the city’s Upper Reservoir, or boulder/climb the recreation area’s sandstone cliffs.
- Fish the city’s Upper Reservoir, a state-stocked fishery.
- Head to Norton for lunch.
- Visit Lincoln Road Coffee Lounge, Sugar Hill Cidery, Stone Mountain Adventures, or Country Cabin II and fill out a WanderLove Norton Visitor Survey to get entered into a monthly drawing for a prize package.
Afternoon Adventure: High Knob
- Visit High Knob Observation Tower. Located atop the 4,200-foot High Knob and five miles above downtown Norton, enjoy views of distant peaks as far away as Great Smoky Mountains National Park and West Virginia.
- Hike to High Knob Recreation Area. A one-mile trail (the start of the 19-mile Chief Benge Scout Trail) travels from High Knob Tower to this U.S. Forest Service site.
- Take the scenic route back to Norton on the Thomas Jefferson Scenic Byway Loop. Note: This route includes gravel roads that might not be suitable for some vehicles. Some Forest Service roads may also be gated or impassable during winter months.
- Eat dinner in Norton
Evening Escape: Southwest Virginia Sunset
- Powell Valley Overlook: Located on U.S. 23 North between Big Stone Gap and Norton, this overlook has sweeping views of the valley between Powell and Little Stone Mountains.
- High Knob Observation Tower: Standing atop the 4,200-foot High Knob summit, the tower is a great point to see a Southwest Virginia sunset.
- Flag Rock Overlook: At 3,200 feet in elevation, the overlook provides a rocky outcrop for sunset viewing.
Overnight Stays
- If seeking the great indoors, check out these area hotels and Airbnb stays.
- For campers, Flag Rock Recreation Area has an 18-site campground.
Day Two: Lakes and Rivers
Sunrise Sightseeing: Bark Camp Recreation Area
- Hike the 3.5-mile (round-trip) Bark Camp Lake Loop Trail. Located on the Jefferson National Forest, the trail circles the 61-acre Bark Camp Lake in Bark Camp Recreation Area. The trailhead is in Scott County, about 13 miles from downtown Norton. See Norton’s Digital Trail Guides for a video trail guide. There is a $3 day use fee.
Go Fish. The 61-acre Bark Camp Lake is stocked and maintained by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Afternoon Adventure: Guest River Gorge
The Guest River Gorge Trail is a crushed gravel path that travels 5.5 miles along the Guest River to its confluence with the Clinch River. Gentle grades accompany the footpath, which is characterized by giant sandstone cliffs that tower above the trail and bring the sound of the Guest River to a thunderous roar. The trail, open to biking and foot traffic, follows the former Interstate railroad, which ran from Miller Yard near Dungannon to Coeburn. See Norton’s Digital Trail Guides for a video trail guide.
Evening Exploration: Clinch River
- Grab dinner in St. Paul and have a riverside picnic in A.R. Matthews Memorial Park.
- Check out Clinch Life Outfitters and Clinch River Adventures. Both offer rental and/or guided trips on the Clinch River.
- Visit Clinch River State Park. The park’s St. Paul unit is open and has nine miles of trails. See Norton’s Digital Trail Guides for a video guide of a 3.3-mile loop in the park.
