Virginia Vacation Getaways

At Piney Grove Preserve, the soughing of the wind through the canopy sounds like the ocean yet also conveys the essence of a Southern forest. If you're lucky, you might also detect the distinctive raspy chirps of an endangered red-cockaded woodpecker as it forages for insects.

From February through October, the accessible Constance Darden Nature Trail provides an easy path through the forest to an observation deck. You can also sample Piney Grove’s sights along Route 604 (Chinquapin Road), a gravel road that traverses the preserve.

Go South:TNC worked with the state to protect Big Woods, and, as a result, thousands of acres adjacent to Piney Grove are available for outdoor recreation. A rich variety of wildflowers and wildlife thrives throughout this rare expanse of pine forest, so be on the lookout for creatures ranging from white-tailed deer to wild turkeys and bobwhite quail. 

Go (South)West: For a different perspective, launch your kayak, canoe or motorboat on the Nottoway River at Peters Bridge. Traveling upstream, you will experience not only a scenic stretch of the river featuring numerous sandbars and good fishing, but also be able to see Chubb Sandhill Natural Area Preserve along the eastern bank on river right. 

Go (South)East: TNC helped establish Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge during the 1970s and continues to collaborate with the refuge on restoring habitat and the red-cockaded woodpecker. One of the largest forests in the East, Great Dismal Swamp offers world-class bird watching, hiking and biking trails steeped in history, and one of only two natural lakes in Virginia.

Eat & Drink: If you’re in the woods before the birds wake up, a hearty breakfast may be in order before the next leg of your adventure. A few minutes’ drive from Piney Grove, the Virginia Diner in Wakefield caters to hungry travelers. Even closer to Piney Grove, inhaling the aroma of traditional country ham at Adams’ Peanuts & Country Store is like journeying back in time.

“I have seen lots of bears while cycling in the park,” says Patrick Dougherty. “One day I saw four during a one-hour ride.” If your legs are up to the task, consider parking your car and exploring Skyline Drive by bicycle.

Recommended hikes include the Rose River Loop, Appalachian Trail at Loft Mountain, and—for spectacular views and sunsets—the Stony Man cliffs near Skyland.

In Charlottesville: Ivy Creek Natural Area is Chris Bruce’s go-to destination for hiking and wildlife watching with his kids. Among his Ivy Creek highlights, Chris cites “seeing a barred owl swoop down the trail and land on a low branch right in front of us.”   

Eat & Drink: Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie near North Garden caters to those craving the classic post-hike combo of beer and pizza. Between Fortune’s Cove and Shenandoah, Nelson 151 offers an abundance of craft brewers and restaurants specializing in local fare. Inside the national park, the New Market Taproom at Big Meadows Lodge serves local brews that you can sip outside while enjoying a spectacular sunset. 

Go West: Camp at Hidden Valley Recreation Area and explore wildflower meadows, the Jackson River and Civil War history in this special corner of the George Washington National Forest. In addition to camping, Lake Moomaw offers exceptional scenery, fishing and boating.

“Come to Bath County and find your perfect campsite in the national forest,” says Laurel Schablein. “The kind of spot you’ll want to return to again and again—next to a babbling creek, old shady rhododendron and a few trees for stringing your hammock.”

Go North: “Explore the winding roads that weave through charming rural towns and the unspoiled forested landscapes of the Allegheny Mountains,” Laurel says. “Continue to the northernmost point of the Warm Springs Ranger District and you’ll reach the remote, one-of-a-kind Laurel Fork. Characterized by high-elevation Northern hardwood forest and montane red-spruce, it’s perhaps the most tranquil place you’ve ever been.”

Eat & Drink: The historic Omni Homestead in Hot Springs offers fine dining, along with plush accommodations for non-campers. Craft brews and a more casual atmosphere can be found nearby at Bacova Beer Company. In Warm Springs, the Inn at Gristmill Square’s Waterwheel Restaurant features elegant dinners and brunches, a wine cellar, and a cozy pub.  

“I’m fascinated by the human history of Bottom Creek Gorge and its pre-Civil War cabins,” says Karen Schuyler. “I also like looking down into the gorge and being above the soaring hawks,” she adds.  

Go West: An hour’s drive will take you to Claytor Lake State Park, best known for boating and sport fishing opportunities. You can go west for a really long time in Virginia, a point that’s driven home when you set out to explore the Clinch Valley.

Go Deep: Reminiscent of a southern Utah slot canyon, the highlight of Channels Natural Area Preserve and surrounding state forest is descending into a mountaintop via maze-like passages winding through ancient sandstone.

Go (Farther) West: Explore the Clinch and Powell River watersheds in the lightly visited westernmost tip of Virginia. “This area reminds me of what the southern Appalachians would have looked like hundreds of years ago,” says Clinch Valley team member Ronald Lambert. “We offer hiking, biking, canoeing and caving that the whole family can enjoy.” Two destinations with excellent public access are Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Natural Tunnel State Park.

Eat & Drink: “After a trip to The Cedars, there is nothing like a visit to The Dutch Treat for a fresh-made sandwich on homemade sourdough bread,” Ronald says. The towns of Damascus, Abingdon and St. Paul (on the Clinch River) are all home to craft breweries and locally sourced restaurants.