REGION :: All Blue Ridge Highlands

There are people who enjoy sitting back and doing absolutely nothing. Then there are the true explorers at heart—the ones who find it hard to sit still because there’s simply too much to see, do and conquer. These people find their true calling in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

Adventure awaits around every corner along the Blue Ridge Parkway, rich with hiking and biking trails and parks. Hike to the summit of Virginia’s highest peak, Mount Rogers, set up a picnic lunch at Hungry Mother State Park, and get an up close view of nature’s most beautiful wildlife. Spend a day on the New River, one of the American Heritage Rivers of the United States, where you can paddle, float, swim or boat to your heart’s content. Try your luck at casting the rod and reel and you may bring home a variety of freshwater game fish including bass, trout, walleye, muskellunge, crappie, bluegill, carp, flathead and channel catfish.

If you’re seeking a cultural adventure, look no further than the surrounding towns to get your fill of music, theater and art galleries. Abingdon is a true cultural mecca, housing numerous arts, antiques, crafts and festivals. Blacksburg is famous for being the home of Virginia Tech and also known for housing a restored plantation, museums and art galleries and an 18-hole golf course. Music lovers appreciate a visit to Bristol, the birthplace of country music.

Explore all these areas and more during your next visit to the Blue Ridge Highlands, Virginia’s home for adventure tourism.