Pulaski County, Virginia
More actions
Region
Southwest Virginia
Type
County
Landscape
Lake, river and mountain foothills
Known for
Claytor Lake and New River Trail
Pulaski County is an outdoors-oriented corner of Southwest Virginia, with two very different ways to spend time outside: boating and swimming on Claytor Lake, or walking, biking and riding along the New River Trail. The county also offers local museums and historic sites for visitors who want to explore its railroad, community and Civil War stories.[1]
For a first visit, pair a few hours at Claytor Lake State Park with a stretch of the New River Trail, then leave time for the museums and historic landmarks around Pulaski and Dublin. Park facilities, trail access and seasonal activities can change; check official pages before setting out.[2][3]
Plan a trip to Pulaski County
Why visit Pulaski County?
Pulaski County is a good fit for travelers who like to build a trip around water and trails rather than a single attraction. Claytor Lake offers a broad waterside setting for boating, fishing, swimming and picnicking, while the New River Trail follows a former railroad corridor through river scenery, bridges and trestles. Both are state parks, but they offer distinct experiences: a lake-focused day at Claytor, or a choose-your-own-distance outing on the trail.[4][5]
History-minded visitors can add the county’s courthouse and transportation museum, or visit the Cloyd’s Mountain battlefield area. Together, these stops give the trip a local scale: landscapes to explore, and stories rooted in the county’s communities and transportation routes.[6]
What to see and do
Make the lake the centerpiece of a relaxed outdoor day, with opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and picnicking. The park also has a marina and visitor facilities; confirm current services, seasonal swimming availability and fees before you go.[7]
Walk, bike or ride a section of the multi-use trail, which passes through Pulaski County and continues across the region. Near the county’s northern access points, the park map marks Dora Junction, Draper and the Hiwassee River Bridge. Check the current trail map for open sections and access information.[8][9]
Historic Pulaski County Courthouse and Museum
Visit the county’s historic courthouse site in Pulaski, a local landmark described by the county tourism organization as combining Richardsonian Romanesque and Queen Anne architectural elements. Confirm museum access and visiting arrangements before making a special trip.[10]
Raymond F. Ratcliffe Memorial Transportation Museum
Explore exhibits on Pulaski’s transportation and community history, including a model railroad display and historic artifacts. Check the museum’s current visitor information before visiting.[11]
Cloyd’s Mountain battlefield area
At this Civil War battlefield site near Dublin, a Virginia historical marker commemorates the Battle of Cloyd’s Mountain, fought on May 9, 1864. Treat it as a history stop along a county drive and consult local visitor information for directions and site details.[12]
History and character
Pulaski County was established in 1839 from parts of Montgomery and Wythe counties. Its history is tied to the New River Valley’s communities and transportation links, including the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. The county tourism organization highlights the Battle of Cloyd’s Mountain, a Union victory fought on May 9, 1864, and describes the railroad’s role in the battle’s significance.[13][14]
The county’s visitor appeal reflects that mix of landscape and local history. Its state parks provide the main outdoor draw, while museums and historical markers offer context in and around its towns and villages.[15]
Planning a visit
A car is useful for combining the county’s spread-out parks, trail access points and town attractions. For a lake day, check Claytor Lake State Park’s current visitor information for hours, fees, swimming-season details and available facilities. For the New River Trail, review the current map and park notices before choosing a starting point, since trail access and open sections may vary.[16][17]
If your visit includes a museum or historic site, verify opening arrangements ahead of time. The county tourism website also lists local history stops and events that can help shape a route through Pulaski County.[18]
Nearby places and attractions
Pulaski, Virginia
The county seat is a useful base for local museums, services and a closer look at county history.
Christiansburg, Virginia
A neighboring New River Valley community and an option to pair with a wider regional trip.
Blacksburg, Virginia
Explore the university town and other destinations in the New River Valley.
New River
Learn more about the river landscape that shapes the county’s outdoor recreation and regional identity.
New River Water Trail
Find a broader river-focused perspective on paddling and water recreation in the region.
Southwest Virginia
Use the regional guide to plan a longer trip through the mountains, towns and outdoor destinations of southwest Virginia.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Visit Pulaski VA, Visit Pulaski, Pulaski County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Culture & Events, Visit Pulaski, Pulaski County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park Trail Guide, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Culture & Events, Visit Pulaski, Pulaski County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Culture & Events, Visit Pulaski, Pulaski County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Culture & Events, Visit Pulaski, Pulaski County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Connected Stories of Pulaski County’s Past, Visit Pulaski, Pulaski County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Culture & Events, Visit Pulaski, Pulaski County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ About Pulaski County, Pulaski County, Virginia, Pulaski County. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Culture & Events, Visit Pulaski, Pulaski County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.