The Virginia Mountains
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Region
Western Virginia
Type
Tourism region
Landscape
Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountain country
Known for
Outdoor recreation, small towns, music, and scenic drives
The Virginia Mountains is an official Virginia tourism region where lakes, rivers, ridgelines, and historic small towns shape the trip. The state’s tourism guide highlights destinations from Highland and Bath counties to the Roanoke area and Smith Mountain Lake, pairing outdoor recreation with mountain culture, music, arts, and local history.[1] Come for a scenic drive or a day on the water; stay longer to explore the region’s towns, trails, and cultural stops.
Plan a trip to The Virginia Mountains
Why go
The region suits travelers who want more than a single mountain overlook. Its official destination guide points to boating and fishing, state parks, mountain roads, small-town shopping, agritourism, and live music. The balance varies by area: Roanoke offers city dining and museums alongside nearby trail access, while Bath and Highland counties invite slower drives through highland scenery and rural communities.[2]
The region is also part of Virginia’s broader Appalachian landscape, with the Appalachian Trail, national forests, and the Blue Ridge Parkway among the major outdoor experiences promoted by the state tourism office.[3]
Highlights
Use the region’s largest city as a base for museums, dining, downtown exploration, and access to nearby outdoor destinations.
Plan a waterside visit for boating, fishing, and time along the lake’s shores.
Explore a mountain state park in the Alleghany Highlands; check current park information before setting out.
See a distinctive covered bridge in Alleghany County, highlighted by the state tourism guide as a regional landmark.
Make a roadside stop near Covington to view a prominent waterfall. Confirm current access and safety conditions before visiting.
Follow Virginia’s heritage-music trail and look for local performances and cultural stops in the mountain region.
History and character
The Virginia Mountains tourism region brings together communities with distinct local identities rather than one continuous resort area. The state’s guide describes Highland County’s maple traditions, Bath County’s outdoor and music offerings, Alleghany County landmarks, Botetourt County’s river recreation and historic towns, and Franklin County’s connection to traditional music and folklife.[4]
Mountain culture is expressed through both landscape and living traditions. Virginia’s statewide mountains guide points visitors toward Appalachian culture, regional art, heritage music, and outdoor recreation, as well as public lands and well-known mountain routes.[5]
Planning a trip
The region covers a broad area, so choose a base around the experience you want: Roanoke for urban amenities and access to outdoor attractions; the Alleghany Highlands for parks and waterfalls; or the Smith Mountain Lake area for water-based recreation. The official tourism guide lists communities and counties within the region, making it useful for matching stops to a route.[6]
For a longer itinerary, combine a scenic drive with a walk or hike, then leave time for a town visit, museum, music event, or local food stop. Virginia’s statewide mountain guide highlights the Appalachian Trail, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Shenandoah National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway as major mountain experiences; these destinations span different parts of Virginia, so check distances and route details when planning.[7]
Conditions and services can vary by park, road, trail, and season. Confirm current access, operating details, weather, and any advisories with the relevant official destination or land manager before traveling.
Explore nearby
Virginia's Blue Ridge
Explore Roanoke-area outdoor destinations, city attractions, and nearby mountain routes.
Southwest Virginia
Continue west and south into communities shaped by Appalachian music, history, and outdoor travel.
Shenandoah Valley
Discover the valley landscape and towns west of the Blue Ridge.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Virginia Mountains, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Mountains, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Mountains in Virginia, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Mountains, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Mountains in Virginia, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Mountains, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Mountains in Virginia, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.