Big Stone Gap VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Big Stone Gap, Virginia.
1. Southwest Virginia Museum
VICTORIAN HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Southwest Virginia Museum is housed in an 1890s Victorian stone mansion that has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. The museum features a collection of more than 60,000 pieces chronicling the exploration and development of the region during the pioneer period of the 1700s and the coal boom of the 1890s. Visitors can explore displays of tools, household furnishings, quilts, and exhibits about the area's coal mining history, including an interactive kiosk featuring life in the coal camps.
2. Powell Valley Overlook
SCENIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Powell Valley Overlook offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains and valley. Visitors can take in the natural beauty of the area while enjoying one of the highest-rated scenic drives in the region. The overlook provides excellent photo opportunities and a peaceful spot to appreciate Southwest Virginia's landscape.
3. Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail
APPALACHIAN MUSIC JOURNEY
The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail celebrates the rich tradition of Appalachian music that runs through Big Stone Gap. This cultural trail connects various venues and locations where visitors can experience authentic mountain music performances and learn about the region's musical heritage. The trail offers both hiking opportunities and cultural immersion into the sounds that have defined this corner of Virginia for generations.
4. Harry W. Meador Jr. Coal Museum
MINING HISTORY PRESERVED
The Harry W. Meador Jr. Coal Museum preserves the rich mining heritage that shaped Big Stone Gap and the surrounding region. Exhibits showcase the tools, techniques, and daily life of coal miners who worked in the area during the industry's boom period. Visitors can gain insight into the challenging conditions and significant economic impact that coal mining had on Southwest Virginia.
5. Greenbelt Walking And Bicycle Trail
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
The Greenbelt Walking And Bicycle Trail offers a highly-rated outdoor recreation experience through the natural beauty surrounding Big Stone Gap. The trail system provides paved paths perfect for walking, running, or cycling while enjoying the peaceful Appalachian setting. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained route that showcases local scenery while providing exercise opportunities for all skill levels.
6. June Tolliver House
LITERARY HERITAGE SITE
The June Tolliver House preserves the history connected to author John Fox Jr.'s famous novel "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine." This historic building serves as a museum dedicated to the literary work that put Big Stone Gap on the map and inspired the town's outdoor drama. Visitors can explore period furnishings and exhibits that connect the fictional story to the real-life setting that inspired it.
7. The Big Stone Gap Visitor Center
INFORMATION AND LOCAL HISTORY
The Big Stone Gap Visitor Center serves as the perfect starting point for exploring all the town has to offer. This highly-rated information hub provides maps, brochures, and expert advice on local attractions, dining options, and accommodations. Friendly staff members share insights about the area's history and can help visitors plan the perfect itinerary for experiencing Big Stone Gap.
8. John Fox Jr. Museum
AUTHOR'S HISTORIC HOME
The John Fox Jr. Museum is housed in the historic home of the acclaimed author who brought national attention to Big Stone Gap through his writing. Visitors can explore the well-preserved residence where Fox lived and worked while writing some of his most famous novels including "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine." The museum offers a glimpse into the life and creative process of one of Appalachia's most celebrated literary figures.
9. 101 Historic Traincar
RAILWAY TRANSPORTATION HISTORY
The 101 Historic Traincar preserves an important piece of Big Stone Gap's transportation heritage. This restored vintage railroad car offers visitors a glimpse into the era when rail travel connected this mountain community to the wider world. The exhibit highlights the crucial role of railways in the development of the region's coal industry and local economy.
10. Barbra Polly Theatre
TRAIL OF LONESOME PINE
The Barbra Polly Theatre hosts performances of "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine," the state's official outdoor drama based on John Fox Jr.'s famous novel set in Big Stone Gap. Audiences can experience the story that put this small town on the literary map through live theatrical performances in a beautiful mountain setting. The theater continues a tradition of celebrating local heritage through the performing arts.
11. Bullitt Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
Bullitt Park serves as a central recreational hub for both residents and visitors to Big Stone Gap. The park features sports facilities, picnic areas, and open spaces perfect for family outings and community gatherings. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Southwest Virginia while taking advantage of the park's various amenities.
12. Second Story Cafe
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
Second Story Cafe offers a welcoming dining experience in the heart of Big Stone Gap. The restaurant serves up delicious homestyle meals with a focus on regional favorites and comfort food classics. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and authentic taste of Appalachian cuisine in a cozy, casual atmosphere.
13. The Ugly Mug
COFFEE AND COMMUNITY SPACE
The Ugly Mug serves as both a coffee shop and community gathering place in Big Stone Gap. Visitors can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, specialty drinks, and light fare in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The cafe provides a perfect spot to relax, connect with locals, or plan the day's adventures in Southwest Virginia.
14. Devil's Bathtub
NATURAL SWIMMING HOLE
Devil's Bathtub is a stunning natural swimming hole located a short drive from Big Stone Gap in Jefferson National Forest. This emerald-green pool is formed by smooth rock formations and fed by a cascading stream, creating one of Virginia's most photogenic natural attractions. Visitors can reach this hidden gem via a moderately challenging hike that crosses several stream crossings before revealing the beautiful bathtub-shaped formation.
15. Natural Tunnel State Park
LIMESTONE CAVE FORMATION
Natural Tunnel State Park features a massive limestone tunnel that has been naturally carved through a mountain ridge over thousands of years. Once called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" by William Jennings Bryan, this 850-foot natural tunnel now serves as an active railroad passage while offering visitors impressive views from multiple observation decks. The park includes camping facilities, hiking trails, swimming pool, and other recreational opportunities just a short drive from Big Stone Gap.