Discover the Best Trails and Craft Brews Near Philpott Lake in Southwest Virginia
Southwest Virginia's Philpott Lake is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning 3,000 acres across Franklin, Henry, and Patrick counties, this scenic lake is framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains and encircled by nearly 20,000 acres of pristine mixed hardwood forest. Remaining largely wild and undeveloped, the surrounding area features numerous recreation sites, nature preserves, and the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway—offering diverse trails for hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and paddlers.
Adding to the appeal, the region is home to exceptional wineries, breweries, and distilleries perfect for post-adventure refreshment. Here are eight curated experiences pairing top trails with local libations.
1. Philpott Lake Blueway and Twin Creeks Distillery
Explore Philpott Lake's premier water trail: the 25-mile Philpott Lake Blueway, a collaboration between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Dan River Basin Association. This flatwater paddling route connects beaches, boat launches, and natural highlights. Dan River Basin Association project manager Brian Williams recommends the quick paddle to colorful Calico Rocks or the full-day journey to Fairy Stone Falls, a stunning cascade from Fairy Stone Lake.
After paddling, head 10 minutes to Twin Creeks Distillery in Henry County. Owner Chris Prillaman, with deep roots in Franklin County—once known as the “Moonshine Capital of the World” during Prohibition—crafts spirits like the historic 1st Sugar Moonshine and smooth blackberry brandy.
2. Smart View Recreation Area and Five Mile Distillery
Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Smart View Recreation Area offers easy hikes on the 2.6-mile Smart View Trail loop. Spot cerulean warblers, white-tailed deer, and red foxes amid towering pines, and visit the historic 18th-century Trail family cabin with its sweeping Piedmont views.
Just 15 minutes away in Floyd, Five Mile Mountain Distillery occupies a restored 1940s public works building. Experience small-batch spirits made with traditional recipes and copper stills, such as Sweet Mountain Moonshine or vanilla plum moonshine.
3. Mountain Laurel Trails and Mountain Valley Brewing
In Henry County, Mountain Laurel Trails—developed over five years by local landowner Bob Norris—span nearly 12 miles of singletrack for all skill levels, weaving through rock gardens and ridgelines.
Relax 25 minutes away at Mountain Valley Brewing in Axton, the area's only farm brewery. Owners Peggy Donivan and Herb Atwell follow a “dirt-to-glass” philosophy using local ingredients for beers like Summer Sweet Raspberry Wheat, Fireflies in the Valley pale ale, and the current favorite, Kooky Rooster coconut cream ale. Enjoy pup-friendly vibes, live music, food trucks, and events with partners like Piedmont Arts and the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH).
4. Fairy Stone State Park and Stanburn Winery
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Named for rare staurolite “Fairy Stones” in Patrick County's hills, this storied park—one of Virginia's oldest, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression—boasts 4 miles of trails around Stuart's Knob and a 10-mile Little Mountain Trail system leading to waterfalls.
Unwind at Stanburn Winery in Patrick Springs for “Stanburn Stompin Saturdays” with live music and award-winning wines under the stars. Highlights include Big A Red (Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin blend), Bull's Blush semi-sweet rosé, and Highfly (Vidal Blanc and Traminette), each named for local landmarks.
5. Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve and Hammer & Forge Brewing
Overlooking Rocky Mount, this 6.6-mile trail network winds through oak-hickory forests, rare plant communities, and old-growth trees on magnesium-rich soils, protected for nearly two decades.
Refuel 15 minutes away at Hammer & Forge Brewing in Boones Mill with classics like Elder Mountain IPA or fruit-forward sours such as Lupulin Comrade Apricot. Join trivia Thursdays or live music Fridays.
6. Jamison Mill and Chaos Mountain Brewing
At Philpott Lake's northeast corner, Jamison Mill Recreation Area offers 6 miles of interconnected singletrack through forests, lakeshore, and historic mill homesites—ideal for mountain bikers.
Thirty minutes away in Callaway, Chaos Mountain Brewing atop Cahas Mountain serves Belgian blondes like Cheeky Monkey and robust 4 Mad Chefs Quadrupel. Summer weekends bring live music, food trucks, pool tournaments, and trivia.
7. Rock Castle Gorge and Villa Appalaccia Winery
In Rocky Knob Recreation Area, the 10.8-mile Rock Castle Gorge Trail—a National Scenic Trail since 1984—delivers rhododendron groves, ridgelines, meadows, and 1,872 feet of elevation gain to 3,572-foot Rocky Knob. Shorter options via Black Ridge Trail available.
Six miles from the trailhead, Villa Appalaccia Winery in Patrick County (near Floyd and Stuart) offers 27 years of Italian varietal wines like Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio from shale soils, with stunning Blue Ridge views.
8. Smith River Blueway and Hamlet Vineyards
Flowing through Franklin and Henry counties to North Carolina, the Smith River excels for trout, flatwater, and whitewater. The Smith River Trail System includes a blueway with 10 access points. Smith River Outfitters owner Brian Williams favors the 7-mile Philpott Dam to Bassett stretch, with steep, laurel-covered hills and misty “fog banks” for thrilling paddles.
In Bassett, Hamlet Vineyards pairs wines like Old Virginia Red and medal-winning 2016 Pinot Gris with bread and spreads. Enjoy summer “Wine and Water Wednesdays”: a 90-minute river float and dinner. Explore nearby Eltham Manor, a 1930s National Register landmark built by W.M. Bassett overlooking the river, tied to Bassett Furniture Industries' legacy in regional furniture and textiles.
Written by Malee Baker Oot for RootsRated Media in partnership with Patrick County.
Featured image provided by Franklin County Tourism/Matt Ross
