Blue Ridge Travel Association

Smyth County

Smyth County

Come See Why.

Smyth County is home to some pretty amazing sights. In our friendly mountain county, you’ll find Virginia’s highest peak, oldest state park, curviest motorcycle route, and “America’s Coolest Hometown.” Just a few more reasons why you should plan a visit to Smyth County.

Here, visitors can enjoy an evening at a drive-in theatre, a day cruising the Back of the Dragon, a world-class fly-fishing expedition or a relaxing respite at a grand historic hotel. Many explore Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, traversed by the famed Virginia Creeper Trail and a scenic byway offering views of mountain balds, roaming ponies and spruce forests. Others explore Hungry Mother State Park, a long-time Virginia favorite, known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains. With its alpine-like peaks, scenic vistas and herd of wild ponies, Grayson Highlands State Park is also a favorite.

The downtowns here offer a portrait of authentic Americana. Marion, the county seat, has been dubbed “America’s Coolest Hometown” and its streets are filled with independent restaurants and locally owned retail shops. It’s also home to the Lincoln Theatre, built in 1929, which is the setting for famed PBS series, “Song of the Mountains.” In Saltville, there are stories from the Ice Age and beyond at the Museum of the Middle Appalachians. In Chilhowie, visitors can explore the architecture of the historic H.L. Bonham House and take a walk on the downtown trail.

Smyth County Gallery

Smyth County Highlights

Hike the Highest Peaks in Virginia

Explore Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, home to the highest peak in Virginia (Mount Rogers, at 5,728 feet). Don’t feel like a hike? Drive to Whitetop Mountain (coming in at #2, at 5,518 feet)

Song of The Mountains

Music lovers will know the famous PBS show Song of the Mountains, broadcast across the country from The Lincoln Theatre in Marion. Join the audience for a live broadcast of this bluegrass program.

Ride the Back of the Dragon

Smyth County is one end point of the famous Back of the Dragon, a popular route for motorcycles and sportscars, featuring 300 curves over 32 miles

Civil War History

The Town of Saltville is the site of a major Civil War battle that was fought over, you guessed it, salt! You can still visit the salt ponds in the middle of town.

The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail crosses through Smyth County, with Marion being a popular spot for hikers to take a “zero day,” (that is, taking the day off by logging zero miles). Don’t want to hike but still want to see the trail? Visit the Mount Rogers Headquarters south of Marion, VA and enjoy the interpretive center and grounds

Hungry Mother State Park

Hungry Mother State Park is one of the original Virginia State Parks, built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. You can still rent one of the original log cabins built by the CCC.

Explore Nearby Destinations:

There are dozens of communities and attractions to explore! You’ll want to travel to the Blue Ridge many times until you explore every unique city and town.

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