THINGS TO DO: Outdoor Recreation

Water recreation is king in the Highlands, with two rivers, two lakes and numerous smaller streams. Enjoy paddling, tubing, boating or swimming at a sandy beach. Want more? The Jackson River is recognized as one of the top trout fishing streams on the east coast. Lake Moomaw, Douthat Lake and other streams and tributaries also offer excellent fishing.

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.

Hiking/Biking/Horseback Riding

Alleghany Outdoors*: 1903 Dressler Drive, Covington · 540-969-1800 alleghanyoutdoors.com · Hours: 9am to 5pm April - October

Alleghany Outdoors is an outfitter located at the Intervale Trailhead of the Jackson River Scenic Trail that provides both river and bike trail experiences for locals and visitors. They offer paddle trips on the 11 mile stretch of the Jackson River from Smith Bridge to Intervale. They also run bike trips on the entire length of the Jackson River Scenic Trail.

Clifton Forge Sensory Trail: Located in downtown Clifton Forge parallel to the Smith Creek Trail, the Sensory Trail is designed provide the public with a hiking and bicycle path that stimulates and engages the senses, incorporating all seven senses. This trail experience makes the outdoors accessible for all users, no matter their physical or sensory disabilities.

Douthat State Park*: 14239 Douthat State Park Rd., Millboro; Take Exit 27, I-64, near Clifton Forge. 1-800-933-PARK or 540-862-8100 dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks · Part of the Virginia Park system, Douthat has over two dozen trails, for biking or hiking and range from easy to difficult; there is one equestrian trail and Beaver Dam Equestrian Campground as well.

Eastern National Children’s Forest*: The Eastern National Children’s Forest is a unique site offering an easy hike for children and others who want an outdoor experience without an arduous and challenging hike. In 1972, over 1,000 children converged on the site from surrounding states and planted pine trees on the site. Since the planting, a diverse forest ecology has developed with species of various soft and hardwoods.

George Washington National Forest Trails*: Contact the James River Ranger District at 540-962-2214 for more details · Hiking, biking, birding and wildflower trails

Jackson River Scenic Trail*: Exits 14 & 16, I-64, follow signs to stay on Rt. 220 N. Turn left at signs reading “Intervale” and “Dressler Drive.” jacksonrivertrail.com · Developed from an old railroad bed and part of the Rails to Trails Conservancy. The trail follows the Jackson River and provides many views of the water and wildlife. Biking, hiking and horseback riding are permitted. Call Alleghany County Parks & Recreation for more information: 540-863-6622

Green Pastures*: Call Douthat State Park for directions and times of operation. 1-800-933-PARK or 540-862-8100 · Rich in history and beauty. Constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps 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.

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 dwr.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 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

Wesley Hodges Fly Fishing & Bird Hunting*: 910-578-5424 Offering authentic guided fly fishing and bird hunting experiences on the rivers and uplands of Virginia. For those looking to experience multiple days of fishing, hunting, and exploring the woods & waterways, a full-service lodge and glamping tents with all the amenities you need to feel at home in nature are available.

Snow Skiing

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

Water Sports/Other Facilities

Douthat State Park*: 540-862-8100dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks · 50-acre lake, sandy beach, bath houses, boat rentals

The Jackson River Recreation/Sport Complex & River Rock Amphitheater*: Edgemont Dr., Covington · 540-965-6360Playground, 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.

Mountain State Overland: team@mountainstateoverland.comA YouTube adventure travel video series offering overland tour services, vehicle rentals and overland equipment

ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS TRAILS

There are dozens of trails covering over 100 miles in the Alleghany Highlands. The Alleghany Highlands Trails brochure and website have compiled everything you need to know to choose the right trail for your interests and ability level. Some trails offer hiking, biking or horseback riding.

Pick up a trail guide at the Visitor Center or view it online at AlleghanyHighlandsTrails.com.

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.

Dirt Road Riding

Overlanding is a fast growing type of outdoor recreation that takes enthusiasts to some rugged and remote places. Overlanding is selfreliant adventure travel, usually on unpaved back-country roads. To enthusiasts of this activity, the journey and not the destination, is the primary focus. The Alleghany Highlands is one of the top overlanding locations in Virginia, with hundreds of miles of trails, including a long distance route that passes right through the region.