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Blockhouse
Gathering
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Scott
County Attractions
For additional information on attractions, events, lodging, and recreational opportunities, please visit www.explorescottcountyva.com.
NATURAL
TUNNEL STATE PARK called the "Eighth Wonder
of the World" by William Jennings Bryan, has been attracting
visitors to the mountains of Southwest Virginia for more than
100 years. Today, it is the focal point of Natural Tunnel
State Park, an 850-acre park owned and operated by the Commonwealth
of Virginia. The 850-foot-long Natural Tunnel is more than
one million years old. The Norfolk Southern Rail System uses
the track that winds through the natural tunnel on a daily
basis. Visitor access to the tunnel is by a hiking trail or
a chair lift. Once you make the 530-foot descent, a 500-foot
boardwalk and observation deck are provided-both accessible
to physically-challenged visitors.
Natural Tunnel State Park has a lot to offer that will keep
you busy and entertained. Such offerings include: campground,
swimming pool, hiking, chair lift, picnic area, canoe trips,
cave exploration, campfire programs, geo-ranger programs,
a visitor center, and amphitheater. One of the newest features
of Natural Tunnel State Park is the Cove Ridge Educational
Center. Cove Ridge is a beautiful lodge equipped with meeting
rooms and classrooms that are ideal for school groups, retreats,
etc. Dorm-style lodging accommodations are connected to the
main building. A huge deck on the back of the lodge affords
guests and visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains.
For more information, please contact the park at (276) 940-2674
or 800-933-PARK.
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HOMEPLACE MOUNTAIN FARM AND MUSEUM is a collection
of authentic structures and artifacts that were assembled
here from their original locations throughout Scott County.
The buildings have been completely restored and furnished
to period. This is a replica of a working 1860's farm that
brings to life the stories of yesteryear. For more information,
please call (276) 386-7027. |
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BUSH
MILL celebrated its 100th birthday in October, 1996.
The mill is situated on Amos Branch in the Nickelsville section
of Scott County. The mill has a 30' diameter and 4' wide metal
wheel that generates approximately 30 horsepower at maximum
operation capacity. The mill has been restored to full operation
capacity and operates at select festivals or by request. When
the mill is operating, a bag of stone ground corn meal may
be purchased for consumption or as a souvenir. For more information,
please call (276) 479-2320.
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THE
CARTER FAMILY FOLD AND MUSEUM offers families
a retreat to bluegrass music. The "Fold" as it is
affectionately called, is operated to honor Scott County's
famous folks - the Carter Family, A.P., Sara, and Maybelle
- pioneers in country music. The
festivals and events hosted at the Fold are family oriented
and no alcohol is permitted. One such event is the annual
music festival held the first weekend in August each year.
For more information, call the Carter Family Museum at (276)
386-6054.
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KILGORE
FORT HOUSE was built by Robert Kilgore whose family
was early settlers along the famous Wilderness Road, the Kilgore
Fort House is the last standing structure of twelve forts
extending from Castlewood, Virginia to Cumberland Gap serving
as a refuge for early settlers from roaming bands of Indians
during the late 1700's. The Fort is now privately owned; however,
it can be viewed from the roadside.
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RECREATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES abound. In addition to the above
attractions, visitors can take advantage of our abundant
natural resources by hiking, camping, swimming, canoeing,
fishing, golfing, or just relaxing under a shade tree. Scott
County is also well-known for arts and crafts, and annual
community events that reflect that "home town"
atmosphere.
CLINCH RIVER
The beautiful Clinch River flows through Scott
County. Click here for a map of Scott Co. Clinch River Access
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DANIEL
BOONE WILDERNESS TRAIL is one of the nation's
most historic routes. The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail was
blazed by the legendary frontiersman in 1775 from Long Island
of the Holston at what is now Kingsport, Tennessee, through
Scott and Lee Counties and Cumberland Gap of Virginia into
Kentucky. It would become the route for hundreds of thousands
of settlers of the western frontier. For more information,
call (276) 452-4520.
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