Starry Night

For the ultimate challenge – as in, no beginner trails here – bring your SxS to Lee County for miles upon miles of blue and black trails that are carved out of the sandy mountain. Experience nine of the most breathtaking overlooks you will see anywhere. Î 34 miles of challenging trails Î 0% Green, 89% Blue, 10% Black, 0% Yellow Î Trailhead: Pennington Gap (Lee County)

BEFORE YOU TAKE IT OFF-ROAD, HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW TO MAXIMIZE THE FUN:

 Permits are mandatory to ride

an ATV on the Spearhead Trails, even for passengers. Purchase a one-day or annual pass from retailers and rental outfits across the region.

 Helmets are required and motor

vehicle laws must be followed at all times.

 Adult supervision is required for

riders under age 18.

 To maximize the trail experience,

wear gloves, eyewear, boots and protective gear.

For more info on the Spearhead Trails, including maps, trailhead addresses and a link to purchase an annual permit to enjoy the trails year-round, visit spearheadtrails.com. 

Imagine sleeping under a massive sky full of stars, far from the intrusive lights of the big city.

It's easy to do in the Heart of Appalachia. Read on and snuggle up in your sleeping bags, nature lovers.

Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure,

Grundy - There are five cabins, as well as 19 pull-through RV sites and a wideopen space for primitive tent camping. It's a great place to lay your head after a full day spent off-roading on the Coal Canyon Trail. It's also a primo destination for stargazing.

Jessie Lea RV Park & Campground,

Big Stone Gap - Situated on the banks of the Powell River, this scenic RV park and campground has 39 RV sites, as well as an open field for tent camping. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the river, then take a walk into Big Stone Gap on the Greenbelt Trail.

Thunder River Campground, Haysi

Set on the Russell Fork River, this campground is your gateway to adventure. You'll find 20 camp sites, including 10 full hook-up sites, 10 primitive tent sites and plans to double in size. The campground sits on the site of a former coal community that was reclaimed and cleaned up by the state.

Trailhead ATV Resort, Bluefield - Ride ATVs and dirt bikes all day, then settle in around a campfire at night. You'll find 14 one- and two-bedroom cabins, as well as nine full hook-up RV sites and three primitive tent sites. Enjoy access to the Original Pocahontas Trail and on-site UTV rentals.

Leeman Field RV Park & Campground,

Pennington Gap - This campground is open year-round with 21 full hookup sites for RVs and tents, as well as primitive tent sites. Leeman Field is less than two miles from the iconic Stone Face Rock, a natural rock formation, and allows easy access to the Stone Mountain Trail.

Clinch River Family Campground,

Duffield - This family-owned campground on the Clinch River wows with riverside tent sites, a newly renovated bathhouse and hiking trails across the property. There's even a shuffleboard court and a horseshoe pit. Have a picnic on the banks of the Clinch River or drop in your kayak or canoe at the launch.

RiverBend Campground, Cleveland

This peaceful campground is set on the renowned Clinch River. Stroll along a scenic half-mile walking trail and boardwalk that connects the campground to Town Park. Take a walk to Tank Hollow Falls or stop by the colorful mural on the side of the Town Hall building for a gram-worthy photo.

For the complete list, visit heartofappalachia.com 

HISTORY MEETS HIGH THRILLS

Situated at the intersection of the historic and the exhilarating, Pocahontas, Virginia is a destination that attracts a variety of visitors to Tazewell County and the Heart of Appalachia region. Home to the Pocahontas coal mine that once fueled homes across the country – even the United States Navy – the Town of Pocahontas is today equally known for its thrilling ATV trails and its storied coal mining legacy.

The town, conveniently located near two of the region’s premier ATV trail systems – Spearhead Trails and Hatfield-McCoy Trails – boasts an impressive collection of outdoor recreation opportunities and miles of riding enjoyment. It has become a go-to destination for adrenaline chasers and families alike.

Choose family-friendly green trails or dare to be challenged on rugged black trails. Revel in scenic vistas, curious wildlife and canopied forests throughout the rough and remote terrain. Whether you power through the deep mud holes or take the high road around them, our mountains of adventure await you.

Less than one mile from the town center, Real McCoy Cabins offers lodging with authentic Appalachian charm. After a long day of exploration, park your ATV, then kick back and relax around the fire pit. On-site at the Real McCoy Country Store and Kitchen, enjoy a fabulous home-cooked meal, stock up on your favorite snacks and drinks, pick up travel necessities or buy souvenirs. Order a sack lunch to enjoy on one of the trails or plan to have a delicious post-ride meal waiting in your cabin.

Just outside of town limits in Boissevain, Trailhead ATV Resort offers the perfect friends and family lodging location for ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts with a selection of cabins, cottages and camp sites. A fleet of Polaris RZRs lets you extend your adventure by renting a Polaris Slingshot for an exhilarating three-wheeled ride.

Park your ATV and travel back in time by venturing underground at the Pocahontas Exhibition Mine and Museum, one of the town’s most popular attractions. A registered National Historic Landmark, the mine is accessible from the Original Pocahontas Trail. Here you'll learn about coal’s rise to power as a fossil fuel and how the industry shifted with industrialization over the last two centuries.

With attractions for the whole family, Pocahontas is a destination suited for everyone – including you! Escape the stress of daily life and make your way to Tazewell County and the Town of Pocahontas where the only question you’ll be entertaining is “What should I explore today?” Plan your trip at visittazewellcounty.org. 