Virginia Mountains
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Region
Western Virginia
Type
Tourism region
Communities
Roanoke, Salem, Covington and mountain towns
Known for
Outdoor recreation, scenic drives and Appalachian culture
The Virginia Mountains is a tourism region along the Commonwealth’s western edge, where mountain landscapes, forested highlands and valley communities set the pace. It brings together places as different as the lively city of Roanoke, Virginia, the high country of Highland County, Virginia, and the lake communities of Bedford County, Virginia and Franklin County, Virginia. Visitors come for hikes and scenic drives, but the region also rewards slower trips built around historic towns, local food, music and museums. [1]
Plan a trip to Virginia Mountains
Why go
This is a region for travelers who want varied days rather than a single resort or attraction: a morning on a trail or lake can lead to an afternoon in a downtown, museum or music venue. The regional tourism guide highlights outdoor recreation alongside arts, heritage and small-town experiences, with Roanoke serving as a prominent urban hub. [2]
The region’s boundaries are useful for trip planning, but not every visitor experience fits neatly inside them. Virginia Tourism Corporation describes the Virginia Mountains as eight counties—Alleghany, Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, Highland and Roanoke—and the independent cities of Covington, Roanoke and Salem. Check local destination information as you build an itinerary, since nearby attractions may be marketed under a different regional identity. [3]
Highlights
Pair downtown museums, dining and city attractions with nearby mountain trails and scenic drives. The Roanoke-area destination organization describes the area as a mix of Blue Ridge outdoor recreation and cultural experiences.
Make time for a lakeside stay, boating or other water activities. The lake spans communities in Bedford and Franklin counties; check with individual marinas and recreation providers for current access and services.
Take a mountain drive with overlooks and trail opportunities. Road conditions, repairs and temporary closures can affect plans, so check the National Park Service’s current status before setting out.
Explore Virginia’s mountain music heritage through performances and cultural stops. Franklin County is one of the places Virginia’s tourism guide points to for live music and folklife.
Plan around this annual March festival in Monterey for a seasonal way to experience Highland County. Confirm current dates and event details with organizers before traveling.
Find public-land recreation among mountain woodlands, streams and trails. Conditions and facilities vary; consult Forest Service information for current guidance.
History and character
The Virginia Mountains are not one continuous townscape, but a collection of communities shaped by mountain geography and regional traditions. Roanoke offers an urban center for dining, museums and arts, while smaller places provide a closer look at local history and rural life. Tourism Corporation material describes the region’s appeal through a blend of outdoor assets, cultural attractions and historic downtowns. [4]
Music is part of that identity. The Crooked Road connects visitors with traditional music and cultural experiences across Southwest Virginia, while Roanoke-area museums and venues add visual art, local history and contemporary performances to the mix. For a quieter counterpoint, the region’s small towns and agricultural communities offer opportunities to browse, stop for local food or build a trip around a seasonal event. [5]
Planning a trip
A car is useful for linking the region’s widely spaced towns, parks, lakes and trailheads. For a first visit, consider choosing one base—such as Roanoke or a lakeside community—and making day trips from there, rather than trying to cover every corner of the region at once.
For a scenic-drive day, check the National Park Service’s Blue Ridge Parkway road-status page before leaving. Weather, construction and other events can prompt temporary closures or detours, and conditions may change during the day. Confirm operating schedules for visitor facilities separately. [6] [7]
Outdoor plans also benefit from checking directly with the managing agency or local operator. Forest roads, trails, water access and facilities can have different conditions and seasonal schedules. For state-park activities, confirm current details with Virginia State Parks; for national forest recreation, consult the Forest Service. [8] [9]
Explore nearby
Shenandoah Valley
Explore another western Virginia region of historic towns, mountain scenery and outdoor destinations.
Blue Ridge Highlands
Continue southwest to another mountain region known for outdoor recreation and music heritage.
Southwest Virginia
Discover the communities, landscapes and cultural destinations farther southwest in the Commonwealth.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Virginia Mountains, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Statewide Strategic Tourism Plan 2026–2029: Virginia Mountains, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Statewide Strategic Tourism Plan 2026–2029: Virginia Mountains, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Statewide Strategic Tourism Plan 2026–2029: Virginia Mountains, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Virginia Mountains, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Road Status and Closures, National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Operating Hours & Seasons, National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Find a Virginia State Park by amenities, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved 2026-10-25.