Patrick County: Nature, History and the Blue Ridge
Accommodation in Patrick County
Patrick County combines scenic experiences with remarkable regional history and vibrant traditions. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the western boundary of Patrick County and offers campgrounds, hiking trails, historic sites and overlooks.
Outdoor Experiences Among Trails, Water and Overlooks
At Fairy Stone State Park, the options range from eleven hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails with difficulty levels from easy to challenging to a lake for swimming, paddling and fishing. The park’s name also tells a story of its own: It derives from cross-shaped staurolite crystals that are commonly found there. From May through October, the Monday Market at Fairy Stone State Park brings together local produce, baked goods, eggs, honey, jams, bread, soap, handicrafts and food vendors on Mondays.
For walks with a manageable distance, the Round Meadow Trail is a good choice. You can plan on about 20 minutes of walking time for the easy loop trail; it also passes beneath the bridge of the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers a view of the underside of the structure. I.C. DeHart Memorial Park complements the scenic experiences with a restored wetland, a boardwalk and extensive informational signs. At Fred Clifton Park, the views extend across the northern Blue Ridge Mountains and the Patrick County valley. Lovers Leap Scenic Overlook is located next to Fred Clifton Park.
History, Music and Local Identity
Reynolds Homestead was built in 1843, restored to its nineteenth-century condition and contains many original family furnishings. The 1-mile-long LEAF Trail also runs through the grounds; the site is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Using spinning wheels, old photographs and handmade objects, the Patrick County Historical Museum presents more than two hundred years of Patrick County history.
Other historic stops include the Historic Patrick County Courthouse, completed in 1822 and featuring characteristics of courthouses with Jefferson-inspired forms, as well as the Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge, built in 1914. Visitors can cross it on foot. Laurel Hill is the birthplace of Civil War General J.E.B. Stuart and features paved walking paths and informational signs throughout the grounds. On the first weekend in October, J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace hosts an annual Civil War Encampment. Music is also part of the local character: Every Friday evening at 6:00 p.m., the Willis Gap Community Center hosts an Appalachian Acoustic Open Jam featuring old-time, bluegrass, country and gospel music.
Active Days and Relaxing Alternatives
Nearby, the Jamison Mill Trail System includes 6.25 miles of interconnected loop trails for hikers and cyclists. Swimming is permitted in designated swimming areas at Philpott Lake; the lake also has 10 public boat ramps. In Stuart, the 1.8-mile paved Mayo River Rail Trail follows the route of the Danville and Western Railway. It is suitable for walking and cycling and has parking areas at both ends, including accessible spaces.
Depending on your preferred pace of travel, you can also plan a walk along the trail at Patrick Springs Park, explore the several short loops of the Trails of Rotary or visit the swimming pool at Stuart Dehart Park, which offers recreational and competitive swimming in summer. Each fall, Doe Run Farm opens for an annual sunflower maze; visitor activities there also include hayrides, pumpkin bowling and a sunflower field where you can pick your own flowers. When deciding on accommodation, it is worthwhile to determine your priorities in advance: nature trails, water activities, historic sites or seasonal events lead to different daily itineraries.
More Places for Orientation
For further regional orientation, you can also visit the pages for Floyd, Woolwine and Ararat. This allows you to combine your search for a suitable vacation rental or vacation home with your personal interests for the trip.
For the higher-level travel overview: Virginia.
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