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Things to do in the Alleghany Highlands

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Region
Alleghany Highlands, western Virginia

Type
Mountain towns, outdoor recreation, and heritage

Communities
Covington and Clifton Forge

Known for
Douthat State Park, rivers, rail history, and Humpback Bridge


The Alleghany Highlands are a mountain escape built around two distinct pleasures: time outdoors and the history of the towns shaped by rail and industry. Hike or bike wooded trails, paddle rivers, linger by a mountain lake, then trade trail shoes for a downtown stroll, a museum visit, or an evening at a historic theater. The regional tourism organization highlights outdoor recreation, historic sites, arts, scenic drives, and family activities as key ways to explore the area.[1]

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Why go

Come for an unhurried mountain visit with room to choose your own pace. The region’s outdoor offerings range from a walk or ride on the Jackson River Scenic Trail to fishing, boating, or paddling on the Alleghany Highlands Blueway. The Blueway connects the Jackson and Cowpasture rivers with Lake Moomaw and Douthat Lake; conditions and trip difficulty vary, so check water levels and local guidance before heading out.[2]

There is also plenty to do without making the outdoors the whole trip. Covington and Clifton Forge offer downtown shops, dining, arts, and heritage attractions, including the C&O Railway Heritage Center and the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center.[3][4]

Highlights

Douthat State Park

Make time for wooded trails, a mountain lake, and the park’s historic Civilian Conservation Corps-era setting. The park offers hiking, mountain biking, fishing, paddling, and seasonal programs; confirm current conditions and services before you go.[5]



Falling Spring Falls

Stop for a waterfall view on a scenic outing near Covington. Check local visitor information before setting out, since access and on-site conditions can change.[6]



Humpback Bridge

See the 1857 covered bridge over Dunlap Creek, now part of a wayside park with picnic tables. It was used for vehicular traffic until 1929; confirm current site information before visiting.[7]


Jackson River Scenic Trail

Follow a former railway corridor alongside the Jackson River on a multiuse trail. The regional tourism organization describes it as a route for walking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding; check current trail information for access and conditions.[8]

Lake Moomaw and the Blueway

Choose a lake day or a river outing, with opportunities for boating, paddling, and fishing. Lake Moomaw is formed by Gathright Dam; recreation areas are managed separately, so confirm access, water levels, and local rules before traveling.[9]

C&O Railway Heritage Center

Explore the people, places, and technology of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway at this Clifton Forge museum and visitor center. Its operating schedule varies by season; check the museum’s current hours before planning a visit.[10]

Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center

Browse changing gallery exhibits and regional handmade work, or look for a class or workshop. The center publishes its current schedule and visitor information online.[11]

History and character

The Highlands’ present-day character reflects its mountain setting and its history as a transportation and industrial region. Clifton Forge’s railway heritage is interpreted at the C&O Railway Heritage Center, which presents the railroad’s people, places, and technology. Nearby Covington and the surrounding communities offer additional historic sites and markers, including places connected to the region’s Civil War history.[12]

Outdoor life is woven into the region’s identity, too. The Jackson River and Cowpasture River meet near Iron Gate to form the James River’s headwaters, while the Blueway links the rivers with Lake Moomaw and Douthat Lake. The combination makes it easy to pair a heritage stop or downtown visit with time on the water or a trail.[13]

Planning a trip

Base your visit around Covington, Clifton Forge, or a stay near the parks and lakes, then allow time to drive between outdoor sites and town attractions. A simple first visit could combine a walk or bike ride on the Jackson River Scenic Trail with a downtown meal and a railway or arts visit; add Douthat State Park or Lake Moomaw for a longer outdoor day.

Seasonal schedules matter. Douthat State Park’s services and programs can vary, and the C&O Railway Heritage Center operates on a seasonal schedule. Check official attraction pages before departure for current hours, fees, events, trail status, water levels, and any access changes. For river outings, review water conditions and safety guidance, and choose a route suited to your experience.[14][15][16]

Explore nearby

Clifton Forge, Virginia
Explore a mountain town with railroad heritage, arts, and a walkable downtown.



Douthat State Park
Plan a dedicated park visit for trails, lake recreation, and seasonal programs.



Blue Ridge Mountains
Continue exploring Virginia’s mountain landscapes and scenic destinations.



Virginia State Parks
Find more state-park destinations across the Commonwealth.



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References

  1. ↑ Things to Do in the Alleghany Highlands, Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  2. ↑ Explore the Blueway, Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  3. ↑ C&O Railway Heritage Center, Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  4. ↑ About the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  5. ↑ Douthat State Park, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  6. ↑ Attractions, City of Covington. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  7. ↑ Humpback Bridge, Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  8. ↑ The Jackson River Scenic Trail: A Journey Through Nature & History, Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  9. ↑ Gathright Dam and Lake Moomaw, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  10. ↑ C&O Railway Heritage Center, Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  11. ↑ About the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  12. ↑ Historic Sites, Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  13. ↑ Explore the Blueway, Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  14. ↑ Douthat State Park, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  15. ↑ C&O Railway Heritage Center, Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  16. ↑ Check Water Levels, Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
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