From mountain creek trails to sweeping high-country scenic vistas, Scott County offers a variety of hiking options in the southwestern tip of Virginia.
The county’s most popular hike, The Devil’s Bathtub, is located within the Jefferson National Forest. Choose from two different hikes—a seven-mile round trip along Devil’s Fork Loop or the two-mile trek to the Bathtub. Be prepared with the right shoes for 13 creek crossings and slippery rocks.
A hike to Little Stony Falls is a photographer’s dream. With three waterfalls, this 2.8-mile trail follows Little Stony Creek through a 400-foot deep and 1,700-foot wide gorge featuring large outcrops, rock ledges, and boulders. The highlight of the trip is the 27-foot waterfall at the top, offering the perfect swimming hole or spot to cast a line for trophy trout.
At 19 miles, the Chief Benge Scout Trail creates the perfect tour of the High Knob land formation. Starting at the High Knob Lookout Tower near Norton and ending at the Hanging Rock Recreation Area, the trail passes everything from sweeping 360-degree vistas of five states to rugged mountain stream gorges, waterfalls, two high elevation lakes, and dense hardwood forests.
You’ll find seven trails of varying lengths and difficulty at Natural Tunnel State Park. The most popular, Lover’s Leap, is only .36 miles and provides hikers the opportunity to gaze down to the that was naturally-carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. Additionally, the park offers great camping sites and four primitive yurts.
Après Hike
The entire family will enjoy an outing to Creation Kingdom Zoo, an interactive habitat for rare and endangered species. This fall, kids will also enjoy a trip to the Punkin’ Patch for a stroll through the corn maze or ride on the hay wagon.
Grab a bite to eat at one of the county’s many iconic restaurants, such as the Hob Nob, Campus Drive-in, Teddy’s, ChuBeez, or Front Porch Store and Deli. No trip to Scott County is complete without a visit to The Family Bakery for the world’s best cupcakes.
For an overnight stay, check out Appalachian Mountain Cabins, Estillville Bed & Breakfast, Roberts Mills Suites, Boone Pointe Cabins, or Happy Trails Cottage. Or pitch a tent along the Clinch River at SomeThing Squatchy or Camp Clinch.
WanderLove is calling you to Scott County, Va.
Cover photo: Completely surrounded by forestland, experience fall at Bark Camp Lake in Scott County. Photo by Pam Cox.
