Discover Giles County: Nature, River and History
Accommodation in Giles County
Giles County combines the landscape of the Appalachians with the New River, historic sites and a variety of opportunities for active and culturally oriented days away. Between waterfalls, forests, museums, historic districts and regional cuisine, you can shape your stay according to your own rhythm. Families and travel groups will particularly appreciate that nature experiences, short excursion opportunities and historical discoveries can be combined into different daily itineraries.
Water, Forest and Trails in the Appalachians
The New River shapes the region in a special way. Giles County includes 37 miles of the New River Water Trail®. This makes the river an important scenic reference point for anyone who wants to combine their stay with water and river landscapes. The Greater Newport Rural Historic District also highlights the county’s natural side: across 21,000 acres, the landscape is shaped by mountain ridges and valley tributaries of the New River.
Several very different destinations are available for days in nature. Mill Creek Nature Park borders the Jefferson National Forest and offers four waterfalls as well as opportunities to fish for native trout. The Jefferson National Forest covers 92.4 square miles in Giles County; hunting is also recommended there. The Mountain Lake Conservancy complements this range of activities with hiking, mountain biking, trail running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, geocaching, a high ropes course and wildlife observation.
Individual excursions can also be clearly distinguished by their format. You can reach the Cascades in Pembroke via a four-mile round trip to a 69-foot waterfall. A one-hour guided tour to Bald Knob leads to the highest point in Giles County and offers a 180-degree view of the Appalachians. Anyone looking to bring together different age groups and interests can choose between a guided scenic tour, a waterfall route, forest landscapes and other outdoor activities without limiting the holiday to just one type of activity.
History, Museums and Places with Their Own Character
Giles County also offers many points of connection with culture and history. The Andrew Johnston House serves as a museum and honours the Johnston family and its contribution to the county’s history. At the Giles County Museum, you will find agricultural equipment and historic vehicles; the museum also offers special tours led by a local historian.
In Pearisburg, the historic district with 17 buildings is listed both in the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. The Newport Historic District comprises approximately 66 buildings, 53 of which are significant to its historic character. Walker’s Creek Presbyterian Church is a well-preserved, single-storey church in the Gothic Revival style. It was completed in 1898 on Big Walker Creek in western Giles County.
Other notable examples include the Q.M. Pyne Store, which is considered one of the most remarkable and best-preserved examples of a general store, as well as the Sinking Creek Covered Bridge. The bridge welcomes visitors and has a guest book. In Narrows, the town developed along the Cumberland Gap Turnpike; its route formed the two main streets of the Narrows Commercial Historic District.
Regional Impressions and the Right Accommodation Location
The local economy is also part of the county’s character. Doe Creek Farm is a commercial apple orchard and livestock operation that was established in 1883 and continues to be used for apple production. In the Village of Eggleston on the banks of the New River, a historic general store has been converted into a contemporary Appalachian restaurant. Such destinations add a regional culinary touch to a day of hiking or a museum visit.
When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Giles County, you should first decide which of these experiences should shape your stay. For nature-focused days, the river, waterfalls, forest and outdoor activities take centre stage; culture-oriented trips can combine museums, historic districts, churches and distinctive buildings. If you want to combine several focuses, plan the location of your accommodation around your personal daily goals and the desired mix of activity, history and regional discoveries.
Places for Further Holiday Planning
For more targeted guidance, you can also visit the pages for Pearisburg, Narrows, Norfolk and Rich Creek. This allows you to connect your search for suitable accommodation with the places that are particularly interesting for your travel planning.
For the higher-level travel overview: Virginia.
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