7 Outdoor Destinations in Washington County, VA, to Explore

©Journal Communications/Lynne Harty

The abundance of nature in Washington County, Virginia, makes outdoor recreation a natural fit. Lush woods and idyllic rivers cover the landscape, with the Appalachian Mountains serving as a beautiful backdrop. While the area is filled with places to see and explore, here are a few of the best outdoor destinations in Washington County. 

1) Virginia Creeper Trail 

This National Recreation Trail has been a fixture in Washington County for nearly 40 years. The 34-mile-long route passes through the towns of Abingdon and Damascus as well as Whitetop Mountain, the second-highest point in Virginia. Portions of the trail were damaged in 2024 by the remnants of Hurricane Helene, but repairs are scheduled to be completed in 2026. 

2) Appalachian Trail 

The A.T. needs no introduction. It is the holy grail of hiking in this country, stretching for more than 2,000 miles from Maine to Georgia. The trail enters Washington County from the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, crossing the state line just south of Damascus, then continues into the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Jefferson National Forest. 

3) Grayson Highlands State Park 

The A.T. also cuts across a corner of this 4,500-acre park, which is nestled between the towering peaks of Whitetop Mountain and Mount Rogers. Other hiking trails within the park lead to three accessible waterfalls and numerous scenic overlooks. There also are trails for horseback riding, with a camping area that includes stables and trailer parking. 

4) South Fork of the Holston River 

Fishing is the primary lure of this section of the 136-mile-long Holston River. The South Fork is home to an annual spring migration of white bass, and trout are active most of the year. Easy access is available from Washington County Park, which has 140 campsites and a boat ramp on South Holston Lake. 

5) Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail 

Damascus recently became the first location in Virginia to be included as part of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, a free public network of river snorkeling sites. Established in part by the Virginia Chapter of the National Fish Coalition, snorkelers can start their underwater exploring from Town Park at the confluence of Laurel Creek and Beaverdam Creek. 

6) Mendota Trail 

A new addition to the outdoor offerings in Washington County, this 12.5-mile rails-to-trails project opened in 2023, connecting the towns of Mendota and Bristol. The route includes multiple creek crossings as well as 17 restored trestle bridges. Part of the trail runs alongside the Holston River, and at one point is paralleled by a 275-foot-long swinging bridge. 

7) The Channels Natural Area Preserve 

Located inside Channels State Forest about 15 miles north of Abingdon, this 721-acre preserve contains numerous rock outcrops within the heavily wooded area. A 3-mile hike along an old logging road takes visitors to the Great Channels of Virginia, a maze-like system of sandstone crevices and boulders near the 4,200-foot summit of Middle Knob on Clinch Mountain.