Covington, Virginia
Top Spots in and near Covington
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Hot Springs, Virginia
Explore Falling Spring Falls in the Alleghany Highlands
4.2Just nine miles north of I-64, this viewpoint is not one to be missed if you’re in the area. According to the information post at the overlook, “The site was once visited by [Thomas] Jefferson to survey the falls and he mentions it in his manuscripts ‘Notes on the State of Virginia’ written in 1...Read more -
Eagle Rock, Virginia
Hike Roaring Run Falls
4.72.4 miFrom 615 (Craig Creek rd) you turn on to 621 (Roaring Run rd) and about mile down is a little gravel road on the left that you turn down. Go down this gravel road a little ways to reach the parking area, you'll know you're there when you see a big gate held up by two stone pillars. Once you are r...Read more -
Hot Springs, Virginia
Backpack around Lake Moomaw
5.06.6 mi / 1200 ft gainOn your way to the trailhead don't forget to pull off the road at the scenic outlook to take in the vast expanse of Lake Moomaw (you won't miss it!).Start off your adventure by parking at the end of Twin Ridge Drive (37.976545, -79.985582). From this point, hike down the little paved driveway int...Read more -
Millboro, Virginia
Hike Blue Suck Falls and the Tuscarora Overlook
3.47.2 mi / 2200 ft gainIn Douthat State Park, park at the Discovery Center/Amphitheater parking lot near the children's fishing area. The Blue Suck Falls trail head will be towards the dam on the left side and is well-marked.Note: A trail map is highly recommended for this trail! It is fairly well-marked with blue blaz...Read more -
Eagle Rock, Virginia
Canoe or Kayak the Upper James River
4.3Put in at the Horseshoe Bend Boat Ramp near Buchanan, VA. The pin on the map will take you right there. Takeout will be at the boat ramp in downtown Buchanan, approximately 9 miles down river. This ramp is located just above the Rt. 11 bridge.Twin River Outfitters uses this ramp also, so there's ...Read more -
Troutville, Virginia
Tinker Cliffs via Andy Lane Trail
4.87.15 mi / 1844 ft gainLooking for a day trip? Look no further than Tinker Cliffs, tucked away in Virginia. This trail provides a workout that is loaded with flowers, bridges, rocks, and views that will leave you inspired to explore more! The Trail There are no restrooms located at the parking lot or along the trail....Read more -
Renick, West Virginia
Explore Beartown State Park
4.30.6 mi / 50 ft gainFrom Rt. 219 about 7 miles south of Hillsboro, West Virginia, there are well-marked signs for Beartown State Park. This narrow road winds about a mile until the small parking area for the state park. The boardwalk trail starts to the left of the bathrooms, and it is encouraged to walk the trail...Read more -
Lexington, Virginia
House Mountain Trail
4.08.93 mi / 2733 ft gainHouse Mountain provides two amazing views via two out-and-back hikes, for a combined hike of 8.75 miles. If you’re short on energy and/or time, the 6 miles round trip to Big House Mountain is (in my opinion) the better of the two overlooks. Either way, keep in mind that this hike covers a great...Read more -
Daleville, Virginia
Hay Rock
4.67.48 mi / 1276 ft gainIf you're looking for a hike in the Roanoke area without the crowds that McAfee Knob draws, but still want a challenging hike with great views, try hiking to Hay Rock. This 7.5 mile round trip hike begins at the Park and Ride just off I-81 at the US-220 Troutville/Fincastle exit (150B). The gra...Read more -
Salem, Virginia
Mountain Bike at Carvins Cove
5.030 mi / 750 ft gainCarvins Cove draws attention from all over the mountain biking community, and has so much to offer both the beginner and expert alike. The best place to access the trails is from the Bennet Springs parking lot on Carvins Cove Road...the pin on the map will take you right there. There is a $2 dail...Read more -
Roanoke, Virginia
Canoe or Kayak at Carvins Cove
5.0Part of the attraction to the Cove is that you can literally leave work at 5pm and be in the water paddling in plenty of time to catch the sunset. Catching a sunrise is slightly more difficult just because the boat landing doesn't open until 6:30am. However, it's still possible to paddle out and ...Read more -
Salem, Virginia
McAfee Knob
4.77.79 mi / 1296 ft gainIntro McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed and picturesque locations along the Appalachian Trail. Once you reach McAfee Knob, you'll have almost 270 degree views of the the Roanoke Valley to the East, Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, and Tinker Cliffs to the North. Due to t...Read more -
Catawba, Virginia
Dragon's Tooth Trail
4.94.44 mi / 1394 ft gainFrom I-81: Exit 140 and take Highway 311 north for 11 miles towards New Castle. Dragon’s Tooth parking lot is on the left, just past Catawba Grocery. LAT 37.3787 LONG -80.1563 Ready to tackle the Dragon? This 4.6 mile, out and back, trail provides one with a true hiking experience. The hike wil...Read more -
Catawba, Virginia
Virginia Triple Crown
5.029.24 mi / 5531 ft gainThe Virginia Triple Crown is a combination of three of the most spectacular and popular hikes in the region. It combines the Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee’s Knob, and Tinker Cliffs hikes into one long multi-day hike along the Appalachian Trail. It makes for an excellent 2 day backpacking trip, with many...Read more -
Buchanan, Virginia
Hike to Apple Orchard Falls
4.05.6 mi / 1000 ft gainThere are a few different ways that you can do this hike. One way is to start at the North Creek campground (37.54244, -79.58531) and do a loop hike that's about 6 miles, which will take you to the falls up along a stream with some swimming holes and nice campsites. I did it the other way, which ...Read more -
Goshen, Virginia
Hike Goshen Pass
4.35.6 mi / 1200 ft gainThe parking for the trailhead is down an unmarked gravel/dirt road about 1.5 miles upriver from the Virginia Wayside rest area on Route 39 West. You'll see the swing bridge out across the river and the road will be immediately after this on your right. The road goes back about 200 yards to the pa...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Covington
Hot Springs, Virginia
Morris Hill Campground
Overview
Morris Hill is a peaceful, rustic campground for groups of family and friends. The family campground is a family-friendly destin...
Hot Springs, Virginia
Coles Point
Overview
Coles Point Picnic Shelters are tucked in a small opening surrounded by a hardwood forest. Opportunities abound for hiking, phot...
Eagle Rock, Virginia
Craig Creek Recreation Area
Overview
Craig Creek Recreation Area provides old-fashioned, rustic group camping for those that require few amenities. The large open fi...
Covington, Virginia
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
Overview
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is a great destination for visitors looking for a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides p...
Covington, Virginia
Mcclintic Point
Overview
Enjoy the easygoing, peaceful vibe of McClintic Point's rustic campground set among scattered trees and open fields. This angler...
Eastern, West Virginia
Lake Sherwood
Overview
Lake Sherwood Recreation Area is a complete family destination offering a wide variety of activities and camping options. Standa...