ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS BLUEWAY

The Alleghany Highlands Blueway is not a typical blueway. The Alleghany Highlands Blueway combines two rivers and two beautiful lakes to offer visitors many different kinds of water recreation. Kayaking and canoeing on the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers can range from a peaceful float to Class II and III rapids. Douthat Lake and Lake Moomaw offer many miles of shoreline to explore as well as camping and excellent fishing. Plan your visit at alleghanyhighlandsblueway.com, where you’ll find maps, outfitters and FAQs.

Green Pastures*: Call Forest Service for directions and times of operation. 540-962-2214 (James River Ranger District) Rich in history and beauty. Constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp Camp F24. Biking, hiking and horseback riding are permitted. The four main trails are considered difficult, but afford the visitor possible sightings of deer and turkey as well as flowers, rock cliffs and ridgetops.

Lake Moomaw*: Take Exits 14 or 16, I-64, follow signs to Rt. 220 N. to VA 687 and follow signs to Lake; OR take Exit 10, I-64, follow signs to Lake. 540-962-2214 (James River Ranger District) · Several miles of trails where hiking and biking are permitted with some trails affording beautiful views of the lake; no horseback riding.

TransVirginia Bike Route: transvirginia.org · A 550 mile gravel bikepacking route from Washington DC to Damascus, VA, that traverses a variety of remote areas in Virginia’s beautiful mountains, national forests and phenomenal gravel roads.

Canoeing/Kayaking/River Floats

Contact the chamber for updated rental information.

Alleghany Outdoors*: 1903 Dressler Drive, Covington · 540-969-1800 alleghanyoutdoors.com · Hours: 9am to 5pm April - October Offering kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and bike rentals on the scenic Jackson River. All trips by reservations.

Covington Farm & Fuel*: 121 N. Alleghany Ave., Covington · 540-962-1983 Kayak rentals and transportation to and from river locations.

Hunting/Fishing

The Jackson River is rated #25 in Trout Unlimited’s Guide to the Top 100 U.S. Trout Streams and voted Blue Ridge Outdoor’s Best Public Fly Fishing Spot, or try your luck in one of the many lakes, streams, and rivers. For information on regulations and seasons, visit www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting.

Alleghany County Circuit Court: (fishing licenses) Courthouse, 266 W. Main St., Covington · 540-965-1730 Alleghany Sportsman: 1023 Highland Ave., Covington · 540-962-2116 Commonwealth Arms: 840 Mallow Rd., Covington · 540-962-0007

Escatawba Farms*: (guided tours available/fly fishing in creek or ponds) Alleghany County · 540-962-6487 for detailed directions and info www.escatawba.com

Michael Michie’s Guns*: 5704 Forty Two Rd., Clifton Forge · 540-969-9830 Mountain Top Hunting & Fishing Supplies: 212 N. Monroe Ave., Covington · 540-962-4868 Walmart: (fishing licenses) 313 W. Thacker Rd., Covington 540-962-6670

Snow Skiing

The Homestead*: 540-839-1766 · www.thehomestead.com · Seven ski trails and bunny slopes. Snowboarding, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing and an ice skating rink. Private lessons are offered for all ages.

Water Sports/Other Facilities

Covington City Pool*: West end of Main Street, Covington 540-965-6369 (in season) or 540-965-6360 · Pool (handicapped accessible), shower and restrooms. Open June through Labor Day. Swimming lessons and pool rentals for private parties upon request.

Douthat State Park*: 540-862-8100 · www.virginiastateparks.gov 50-acre lake, sandy beach, bath houses, boat rentals

The Jackson River Recreation/Sport Complex & River Rock

Amphitheater*: Edgemont Dr., Covington · 540-965-6360 · Playground, open turf sports (soccer, flag football, field hockey); 5 lighted tennis and basketball courts; baseball; outdoor fitness equipment; putting range; picnic shelters; restroom facilities. Amphitheater has free concerts each Saturday night in summer.

Lake Moomaw*: 540-962-2214 · 2530-acre lake, sandy beach, bath houses, boating, fishing, boat rentals Overlanding/Off-Roading Experiences: ridebdr.com · transamtrail.com For more information on these experiences, please contact the

Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism at 540-962-2178. Thunder Alley: 104 Mall Rd., Covington · 540-962-5500 thunderalleyva.com · Bowling center with full-service snack bar & game room.

YMCA*: 101 YMCA Way, Covington · 540-962-YMCA(9622) www.alleghanyhighlandsymca.org · Indoor pool, exercise classes, aquatics, indoor track, wellness center, and child watch