EXPLORE the rivers, lakes, historical sites and beautiful terrain of Southern Virginia.  

Rich in history and exquisite beauty of our natural terrain, this region will provide you a constant array of explorations that you will never forget.  Gazing at the stars from an observatory at Primland or kayaking along the river by the Crossing of the Dan – you can gaze into our past or future from the beauty of our area.

Museums, historical homes and battlefields, and plays and re-enactments will enrich your appreciation of our region’s past – which birthed the future of our great nation.  The beauty of our parks, lakes and rivers will endear you to the region forever.  You may also want to browse the button for day trips and memorable excursions that our residents call their own.

American Armored Foundation (AAF) Tank Museum

The AAF Tank Museums is a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. The AAF Tank Museum's purpose is to educate the general public as to the sacrifices made by so many military men and...

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434-836-5323
Appomattox Battlefield

The American Civil War was the defining event in our nation’s history. Between 1861 and 1865 10,000 battles and engagements were fought across the continent, from Vermont to the New Mexico Territory, and beyond. The four-year struggle between north and...

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434-352-8987
Bike Martinsville Henry County

The Bike Barn, a program of the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA is open for the season. New bikes of varying sizes, some with training wheels and others without, have been purchased for our young riders. We have added new seven...

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276-632-6427
Blue Ridge Parkway

A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a...

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828-348-3400
Booker T Washington Memorial Park

Booker T. Washington National Monument is a place where people visit and come to remember and reflect on this time in American history. The park's goals are described in the Park's interpretive plans and include the following: To preserve and...

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540-721-2094
Buggs Island Lake/John H. Kerr Reservoir

Buggs Island Lake is the largest lake in Virginia and one of the most scenic in the south. Clarksville is the only incorporated town on this 50,000 acre lake (or any Virginia lake for that matter). Created for flood control...

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434-374-2436
Coates Bark Park

Coates Bark Park is a playground for dogs and one of the few places in the city where your dog can enjoy themselves without being leashed. Located behind Coates Recreation Center off Westover Drive, the dog park includes separate areas...

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434-799-5150
Dan Daniel Park

One of the more popular parks in Danville, Dan Daniel offers park goers an array of activities including ball fields, walking and nature trails and much more. Amenities include picinic shelters, mountain bike/hiking trails, Riverwalk trail, soccer/football fields, little league...

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434-799-6215
Dan River

The Dan River is a stream for all seasons and the choice of a variety of anglers. It’s hard to imagine while standing on the banks of John. H. Kerr Reservoir that there are four counties to the west. The...

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434-525-7522
Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is Danville, Virginia's center for self-expression and stories of the self through the study and creation of fine arts and history. The museum's mission is to promote art and history in the...

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434-793-5644
Danville River District

The River District is home to a number of locally owned restaurants. From a casual, neighborhood atmosphere to upscale dining, the River District has an option for every preference! Whether you enjoy running a 5k, listening to regional artists perform,...

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434-791-0210
Danville Riverwalk Trail

The Riverwalk on the Dan may define the City of Danville for the 21st century. Historically, the Dan River was used as a catalyst for industry. Now, the river's value rests in its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. With the...

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(434) 799-5215
Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail

The Dick and Willie Passage Rail Trail is located along the former Danville and Western Railway in Martinsville and Henry County. Facilities include: 4.5 Mile hiking, walking and biking trail, Restrooms, Benches, Signage along the trail about the history of...

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276-634-4640
Fairy Stone State Park

In the late 1920s various groups across the commonwealth began working towards the establishment of state parks in Virginia. It wasn't until 1933, however, with the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that the state was able to begin...

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276-930-2424
High Bridge Trail State Park

High Bridge Trail is 31 miles long and ideally suited for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Once a rail bed, the trail is wide, level and generally flat. Its finely crushed limestone surface and dimensions make it easy to enjoy....

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434-315-0457
Hyco Lake

Fishing has always been and will always be one of the favorite pastimes on Hyco Lake. Avid fishermen can be seen during all types of weather, all seasons, and at all times of the day and night.

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336-599-4343
Leesville Lake

Leesville Lake, VA is part of the Roanoke River Basin. It serves as the lower reservoir for the Smith Mountain Lake hydro-pumped storage facility owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, a unit of American Electric Company. Leesville Lake, VA...

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434-818-1177
Mabry Mill

Mabry Mill is a watermill located at milepost 176.2 of Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd County, Virginia. It is a tourist attraction mainly for the picturesque views of the mill itself. A short trail around the mill connects historical exhibits about life in rural Virginia. The...

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276-952-2947
MacCallum More Museum & Gardens

Home of Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Justice Edward Wren Hudgins and his wife, Lucy Morton Hudgins and their two sons, Edward and William. A Museum of Arthur H. Robertson Native American Artifacts and local history and Art Gallery....

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434-372-0502
Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center & Museum

The MHC Heritage Center & Museum is operated by the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society. We promote an interest in the broad spectrum of history with emphasis on that of Martinsville and Henry County.

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276-403-5361
New River Trail State Park

New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail's gentle slope...

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276-699-6778
Occoneechee State Park

Named for Native Americans who lived in the area for hundreds of years, Occoneechee is on the John H. Kerr Reservoir, better known as Buggs Island Lake, and is popular with anglers and boaters. Facilities include cabins, campsites, an equestrian...

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434-374-2210
Olde Dominion Agriculture Complex

The Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex offers a dedicated location for community and agricultural events. The Foundation continues to work on expansion of the site to promote regional agriculture and ensure that youth groups have a facility for their shows and...

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(434) 432-8026
Phillip Wyatt Skate Park

The Phillip Wyatt Skate Park is an unsupervised park open from dawn to dusk, with free admission. Contact outdoor recreation to receive Skate Park rental information.

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434-799-5215
Philpott Lake

Nestled among the rolling foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge. Philpott Lake is a scenic wonderland. The lake covers 3,000 acres with 100 miles of shoreland. Visitors to the lake are always amazed at the natural beauty of the area. Most...

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540-483-3030
Pittsylvania County Dog Park

The Pittsylvania County Dog Park opened to the public in August 2018. This dog park is the first of its kind in the county and was entirely funded by private donations from the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region...

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Pittsylvania County Public Parks

Titan Park - Walking track - 7 laps is 1 mile, playground, picnic shelter and restrooms, and athletic fields* Address: 1160 Tunstall High Road, Dry Fork, VA 24549 Cavalier Park - Walking track - 8 laps is 1 mile, playground, picnic shelter...

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Ringgold Rail Trail

The Ringgold Rail Trail (also known as the Richmond and Danville Rail-Trail) follows part of the right-of-way of the old railroad of the same name, an important transportation corridor for the Confederacy during the Civil War. The railroad linked the...

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Smith Mountain Lake State Park

On the second largest freshwater lake in the state, this picturesque park is the water enthusiast's paradise. There are numerous water activities, including swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp and a universally accessible fishing pier. Families can also enjoy picnicking,...

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540-297-6066
Smith River

Along the Smith River Trail System, eleven public canoe ramps are available for use by paddlers and fishermen. If you enjoy whitewater, canoe or kayak the river during peak generation from Philpott Dam. If a relaxing flat-water paddle is more...

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276-634-4640
South Boston Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts & History

The South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History is operated for the collection, exhibition, and preservation of antiques, works of art, books, and physical items which are historically significant to the past, present and future heritage of South...

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434-572-9200
Southern Virginia Wild Blueway

Over one hundred miles of navigable river, leading to 1,200 miles of beautiful lake shoreline. Unspoiled wilderness and abundant fish and wildlife, just a short drive from major cities. Waterfront camping and no crowds, just minutes from great restaurants, hotels...

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866-464-2543
Staunton River Battlefield State Park

This park is a 300-acre Civil War historic site where a ragtag group of 700 Confederate old men and young boys beat the odds and held off an assault by 5,000 Union cavalry on a bridge of strategic importance to...

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434-454-4312
Staunton River State Park

Tucked neatly into the heart of Virginia, about 25 miles from the North Carolina border, Staunton River offers much to families and outdoor enthusiasts. The 2,400-acre park offers woodlands, meadows and shoreline along the Dan and Staunton rivers. Cabins built...

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434-572-4623
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson’s personal retreat. It is one of only two homes Thomas Jefferson designed and created for his own use. Designated a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior, today it is an exciting opportunity...

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434-525-1806
Tobacco Heritage Trail

Surrounded by unspoiled woods, tobacco farms that have been passed from one generation to the next and homey little towns, the Tobacco Heritage Trail is a path to your outdoor recreation and relaxation.  Explore the natural resources of this Southern...

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(434) 447-7101
Twin Lakes State Park

In the heart of central Virginia, this 548-acre, historic park offers many cultural, environmental and recreational activities. Overnight accommodations include a 33-site campground and 11 climate-controlled cabins. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, boating and lakeside picnicking. The Cedar Crest Conference Center...

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434-392-3435