WanderLove: Ultimate 6-Day Road Trip Itinerary in Southwest Virginia's Heart of Appalachia
Experience the irresistible pull of WanderLove—Virginia's unique take on wanderlust—with an unforgettable road trip through the stunning landscapes of Southwest Virginia. Even as travel evolves, this epic journey showcases endless natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming locales.
Discover the Heart of Appalachia in Southwest Virginia with our expertly curated six-day itinerary. Packed with thrilling off-road trails, delectable dining, and scenic drives, it's the perfect escape into Virginia's majestic mountains.
Days 1 & 2: Mountain View OHV Trail System; Saint Paul & Coeburn
Launch your backroads adventure in Wise County where the pavement gives way to excitement. Nestled just off US 58 ALT W from Abingdon, the picturesque town of Saint Paul serves as your ideal basecamp. Explore Spearhead Trail's renowned Mountain View Trail System via ATV, side-by-side, or dirt bike.
Leave daily stresses behind and check into the Western Front Hotel, a boutique gem offering modern comforts and authentic Southwest Virginia hospitality. Streamline your arrival with their online ATV reservation and permitting system. Arriving with your own off-highway vehicle? Ample parking awaits.
Once settled, savor comfort food elevated beyond pub standards at Sugar Hill Brewing Company. Craft beer lovers rejoice in their extensive on-site brews.
Day two dawns with early trails. Saint Paul's ATV-friendly vibe shines—grab a map from the hotel, ride through the quaint downtown to the Mountain View trailhead. Opt for green or blue trails for easy-to-moderate shaded rides, or black trails for adrenaline-fueled mud and rock challenges.
Whichever path calls, steer toward Coeburn for lunch at Frosty Bossie, a local favorite for top-notch eats.
Post-meal, stroll Coeburn's historic downtown: admire the Crooked Road Mural evoking the town's 19th-century past, relax on the giant rocking chair, and pose with the LOVEworks sign by the old train depot.
Return via Coeburn trailhead for more mountainside exploration, then unwind at Fat Boys Barbeque for generous portions of unforgettable BBQ in a welcoming spot.
Cap the evening at Western Front with s'mores by the campfire.
Day 3: Backroads of the Cumberlands’ Tomahawk Route; City of Norton & Town of Wise
Day three unleashes thrills on the Backroads of the Cumberlands' Tomahawk route, boasting unmatched mountain vistas. Start at Spearhead Trails in Coeburn for personalized advice and the essential Backroads map.
Fueled by roadside breakfast, dive into Tomahawk. Options abound: hike or bike Guest River Gorge Trail; marvel at Little Stony National Recreation Trail's waterfalls; ascend High Knob Observation Tower for panoramic views; or enter Flag Rock Recreation Area's 'Woodbooger Sanctuary.'
Mountain bikers: Tackle 10 miles at Flag Rock through rhododendrons, boulders, cliffs, and hardwoods. Serious hikers: Chief Benge Scout Trail's 16.6-mile (one-way) path offers rare flora and fauna, lakes, streams, and waterfalls with multiple access points.
Tailor your pace—two hours or two days. Camp under stars at High Knob Recreation Area.
Hungry? Descend to Norton for dining, or Wise for pizza at Moon Dog Brick Oven or Roma’s Restaurant & Pizzeria.
Relax at The Inn at Wise. Revived, visit Mountain Rose Vineyard, Wise County's pioneering winery on reclaimed mine land. Its mineral-rich soil and elevated climate yield fruity, complex wines like the 'mines to wines' Jawbone and Pardee.
Day 4: Backroads of the Cumberlands’ Thunderstruck Route; Town of Big Stone Gap
Stay put at The Inn at Wise—today loops back. Pack light and breakfast at the Corner Diner's classics like pancakes, biscuits and gravy, or bologna-egg biscuits.
Hit US 23 S to Thunderstruck route via Powell Valley Road (4WD required). Navigate hairpin turns to 'the Valley's' pastoral scenes, leading to Big Cherry Reservoir recreation area.
Follow your Backroads map to this 2,200-acre haven: fish the 250-acre lake, hike/bike trails, scenic overlooks, hunt. It's your playground.
Extend to Fort Blackmore's Devil’s Bathtub: a strenuous 1.8-mile trail to crystalline pools. Prepare for stream crossings and rocks; check conditions at Clinch Ranger District (276-328-2931).
Evening in Big Stone Gap: Dine at Curklins or enjoy live music at Big Stone Gap General Store & Café. Stroll the Powell River Greenbelt, visit Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park or Harry W. Meador Jr. Coal Museum.
Explore Adriana Trigiani's Big Stone Gap Series at the Visitor’s Center. End at Powell Valley Overlook for sunset and stargazing.
Day 5: Backroads of the Cumberlands’ Lovelady Route; Pennington Gap & Ewing
Lee County's history via Cumberland Gap awaits. From Wise, take US 23 S/US-58 ALT 26 miles to SR 621 (Lovelady route) along Jefferson National Forest. Camp at Cave Springs (seasonal) or cabin/yurt at Natural Tunnel State Park.
Lunch at Charly’s in Pennington Gap, then to Ewing for Wilderness Road State Park's living history museum and 8.5-mile trail to Cumberland Gap National Park.
Hike 3.9 miles from Thomas Walker Civic Park to Sand Cave's colorful, sandy expanse.
Dinner at Rooster’s Pub; catch a show at Lee Theatre.
Day 6: Duffield & Pennington Gap
Cross to Duffield via US-421 S. Breakfast anytime at Red Stone Drive-In.
Explore Natural Tunnel State Park's 850-foot wonder via chairlift. Visit Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center for westward expansion insights.
Reflect at Axe Handle Distilling's log cabin tasting room, sampling bourbon and rye while planning your return.
