fbpx

Learn about Scott County and find out the latest news! Contact us for questions before your trip!

Sign up for e-news!

Get the latest news on upcoming events,
festivals, concerts and more!

Download the
Scott County
Visitor Guide

THINGS TO DO IN SCOTT COUNTY, VA

With so much to offer in Scott County, it would take you more than a month to fully explore this scenic county.  Whether you are looking for nice and easy or an adventure, you can find both in the great outdoors.  And there is generally a music event, festival or planned outdoor activity throughout the year so you’ll never get bored.  We proudly extend you an invitation to come Explore Scott County. Don’t be surprised if you decide to extend that visit to a lifetime….

Agri-tourism

From one of the first pasteurized Grade A Cream-line milk to goat’s milk and cheeses, Scott County offers a variety of interesting Agri-Tourism year-round venues.

Biking

Cyclists will be delighted by Scott County’s scenic roads and trails.

Birding

With 154 identified birds, Scott County is a hotspot for bird watchers. 

Camping

With a national forest, a state park and locally-owned campgrounds, Scott County has plenty of camping options; including Yurts, primitive, RV and dispersed camping in the Jefferson National Forest.

Caving

With a large part of Scott County comprised of karst topography, the county is home to 371 reported caved, with the longest at 8,100’ and the deepest at 265’.  Natural Tunnel State Park provides several caving programs throughout the year (closed this year due to COVID).  The current surveyed cave passage in Scott County is 22 miles.  Many locals have numerous caves on their property, but please do not go spelunking with prior approval of landowners.

Fishing

Whether you’re looking for trophy smallmouth bass, tasty trout or a leisurely lakeside fishing trip, Scott County has the spot for you.

Geocaching

Hundreds of geocaches are hidden throughout Scott County, many of which were placed around the county by the Scott County Tourism Committee in 2009 at historical sites throughout the county. 

Golf

One of the most scenic golf courses in Southwest Virginia, the Scott County Golf Course is a challenging nine-hole course that provides sweeping views of the Scott County countryside.

Hiking

Scott County’s trails offer the hiker an endless range of options from multi-day backpacking trips down the Chief Benge Scout Trail to half hour jaunts from car to vistas on the Bear Rock Trail.

History

Scott County’s rich history spans 8,000 years. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of Daniel Boone, visit breathtaking railroad trestles or trace the history of country music.

Horseback Riding

From trail riding to horse shows at the Scott County Horse Park, equestrians will have a ball in Scott County.

Hunting

Every year, Scott County hunters bring in enough turkey and deer to place us on the state’s top ten list, and that doesn’t include the numerous small game opportunities including raccoon, squirrel, rabbit, and grouse. With acres of public land to chase your quarry through, your Scott County hunting expedition won’t leave you disappointed.

Music

No visit to Scott County is complete without deep exploration of our musical background.

Outfitters

Under normal circumstances, Natural Tunnel State Park hosts several weekly kayak and canoe trips of varying lengths along the Clinch River.  Due to COVID, however, water activities are closed this year.  Tube rental is available from Clinch River Life, Thursday through Sunday for the Clinch River. 

Specialty Shopping

Even though Scott County is not home to a huge shopping mall or district, you will find some truly unique local shopping gems.

State Parks

Scott County, Virginia is fortunate to be the home to Natural Tunnel State Park, referred to as William Jennings Bryan as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”   The county is equally fortunate to have four additional state parks within an easy drive—Breaks Interstate Park, Clinch River State Park, the Southwest Virginia Museum and the Wilderness Road State Park.

Zoo

Unique interactive personal encounters with some of the worlds rarest animals are just around the corner.

Featured Activities

Little Stony Falls–Hanging Rock Trailhead

Highlights:  24 foot high waterfall, scenic views of deep gorges, lush cove hardwood forest. Length:  six miles round trip, three miles to the falls. Difficulty:  Moderate Directions to Trailhead:  Take Route 72 north out of Dungannon toward...

High Knob Recreation

Intro Your first thought about the High Knob Recreation Area may be, why aren’t more people here? The highest campground in Southwest Virginia is an excellent place to find cooler temperatures in the summer. But its small size (only 14 campsites are available) and...

Creation Kingdom Zoo

Unique interactive personal encounters with some of the worlds rarest animals Creation Kingdom Zoo is situated on 12 acres of sloping land in Snowflake, Va., just a few miles outside of Gate City. In addition to Bella, the white Bengal tiger, visitors to the zoo can...

Carter Family Fold

The Carter Family Fold and Museum offers families a retreat to bluegrass music. The "Fold," as it is affectionately called, is operated to honor the famous Carter Family --- A.P., Sara, and Maybelle --- pioneers in country music. Today, Saturday concerts highlight the...

Mann Farms

11005 Veteran's Memorial ParkwayFt. Blackmore, Virginia 24250 Open: May thru OctoberDaily: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.276-995-1000A certified Virginia Century Farm Local produce farm selling strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, green beans, corn, and a variety of produce....

Bear Rock Trail

Bear Rock Trail — This short but stunning hike gives you sweeping views across Little Stony Creek Gorge.  Highlights: stunning views, hawks and other raptors Length: 0.5 miles (round trip) Difficulty: easy to moderate Trailhead: To reach the Bear Rock...

Chief Benge Scout Trail

Chief Benge Scout Trail (CBST) is a good overnight backpacking opportunity or hike a section. Things to see and enjoy vary from High Knob overlook, cold mountain lakes, following streams in deep gorges, and Little Stony plunge waterfall. How to get there There are...

Daniel Boone Birding Trail

This trail winds up the opposite side of Powell Mountain from the Kane Gap Trail and then joins the latter trail at Kane Gap.  The Daniel Boone Trail begins on an old gravel road, but then narrows down into a hiking trail that continues for several miles through...

Devil’s Fork Trail Loop

Highlights: rhododendron-lined creek, fossils, natural swimming hole, overnight possibilities Length: 7.2 miles round trip (optional 1.8 additional miles (or more) up one way) Difficulty: difficult Trailhead: From Ft. Blackmore, head north on Rte 619, turning left at...

Guest River Gorge

The Guest River Gorge Trail meanders along 300-million-year-old sandstone cliffs that plunge 400 feet to the pristine waters below. The deep gorge was created as the Guest River, now designated as a state scenic river, tunneled through Stone Mountain on its way toward...