Henry County, Virginia
More actions
Region
Southern Virginia
Type
County
County seat
Martinsville, Virginia
Known for
Philpott Lake, the Smith River, racing and local history
Henry County sits along Virginia’s southern border, with a visitor experience shaped by wooded lake country, river recreation, motorsports and museums. The local tourism organization presents Martinsville and Henry County together, highlighting Philpott Lake, the Smith River, Martinsville Speedway and the Virginia Museum of Natural History among the area’s main draws.[1]
Plan a trip around the kind of day you want: paddle or fish the Smith River, spend time at the lake, walk or cycle a former railroad corridor, or pair a race weekend with local museums and arts. For current visitor information, the official tourism site offers a visitor guide, area maps and listings; check individual sites before setting out because schedules and access can change.[2]
Plan a trip to Henry County
Why visit Henry County?
Henry County works well for travelers who want a flexible mix of outdoor time and small-city attractions. Philpott Lake and the Smith River offer distinct ways to get on the water, while the Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail provides a land-based outing. In and around Martinsville, museums, visual arts and the speedway add cultural and sporting stops to an itinerary.[3]
The area also rewards visitors curious about the region’s past. County history runs from Patrick Henry’s Leatherwood estate and early tobacco agriculture to railroad connections and the growth of manufacturing. Museums and local heritage resources help connect those larger themes to particular communities and places.[4]
What to see and do
Philpott Lake
Set among wooded foothills, Philpott Lake is a destination for boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and wildlife observation. The tourism listing describes a 2,880-acre lake and points visitors to the visitor center and museum; verify current facility availability and conditions before going.[5]
Smith River
The Smith River Trail System combines a blueway with public access points and greenway sections. Paddling conditions and travel times depend on water levels and dam releases, so check river conditions and safety guidance before launching.[6]
Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail
This paved rail trail follows part of the former Danville and Western Railroad through Martinsville and Henry County. Walking, biking and running are among the listed uses; the county provides a trail map and information about access points.[7]
Martinsville Speedway
Opened as a dirt track in 1947, the speedway was part of NASCAR’s first season in 1948. Race events and track experiences make it a natural anchor for motorsports fans; confirm the current event calendar and visitor arrangements with the speedway before traveling.[8]
Museums and local culture
The area’s museum options include the Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Museum, Bassett Historical Center, FAHI African American Museum & Cultural Center, Philpott Lake Visitor Center & Museum and Piedmont Arts. Check each institution’s current hours and programs before visiting.[9]
History and character
Henry County was established in 1776 and named for Patrick Henry, who lived for a time at his Leatherwood estate in the county. Martinsville began as the county seat community in 1791, the year Patrick County was formed from Henry County. Tobacco became an important part of the local economy, and improvements to river navigation and later roads and railroads connected the area with broader markets.[10]
The county’s story also includes changing industries and communities. The historic-resources survey describes the growth of manufacturing around Martinsville as railroad links expanded in the late 19th century. For a closer look at local stories, the area’s museums include institutions focused on county heritage, African American history, natural history, regional genealogy and the arts.[11]
Planning a visit
Use the Martinsville-Henry County tourism site to request its visitor guide and consult area maps, attraction listings and event information. Henry County Parks and Recreation also publishes park information, a driving-tour guide and trail resources.[12][13]
For river outings, check current flow and release information before paddling; conditions affect both safety and trip timing. For lake recreation, racing and museums, confirm current schedules, access rules and availability directly with the relevant operator or institution.[14]
Nearby places and attractions
- Martinsville, Virginia — The independent city at Henry County’s center of visitor services, museums and cultural attractions.
- Patrick County, Virginia — Neighboring county with a foothills setting and access to regional scenic routes.
- Philpott Lake — A major destination for boating, fishing, swimming and lakeside recreation.
- Fairy Stone State Park — A state park listed among the area’s nearby recreation attractions.
- Blue Ridge Parkway — A scenic-drive option for extending a Southern Virginia trip into the Blue Ridge.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia, Martinsville Tourism. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Area Maps, Martinsville Tourism. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia, Martinsville Tourism. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Historic Resources, Henry County, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Philpott Lake, Martinsville Tourism. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Smith River, Martinsville Tourism. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail, Martinsville Tourism. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Martinsville Speedway, Martinsville Tourism. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Museums in Martinsville-Henry County, Martinsville Tourism. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Historic Resources, Henry County, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Museums in Martinsville-Henry County, Martinsville Tourism. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia, Martinsville Tourism. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Parks & Recreation, Henry County, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Smith River, Martinsville Tourism. Retrieved October 23, 2026.