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Lee County Virginia
Where Virginia Begins
Stone Mountain Spearhead Trail
The Stone Mountain system will offer 30 miles of challenging intermediate to advanced level OHV trails with nine stunning overlook vistas never before offered to the public. Many of the overlooks have rest areas and picnic tables for outdoor dining with unmatched views.
Considered to be a “technical trail,” Stone Mountain is a “Blue and Black” rated system that will appeal to intermediate riders with families, but also offers challenges for the hard-core enthusiast. The system offers easy to moderate climbs with loops, allowing riders to branch off and test their skills on steep technical challenges.
Cumberland Gap National Park
For tours and caving opportunities please visit: http://www.nps.gov/cuga/index.htm
Fishing, Boating
Powell River has plenty of redbreast sunfish, rock bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and musky. There are two public access points on the Powell River: Dryden Fishing Hole & Boat Ramp & Powell River Public Access (Hwy 58)
To purchase Virginia fishing licenses click here!
The Powell River
begins in Wise County, flows through Lee County, and then enters Tennessee. Lee County has 68 miles of beautiful river. A bridge crossing a river where a canoe or small boat can be slid into the water is a public access. Anglers and floaters launch and take out at crossings, including US 58, Alternate 58, and VA 421, as well as several secondary roads. The Yokum Station access ramp is located near Dryden at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Hwy and Powell River Road.
Martins Creek in Rose Hill
Martins Creek and the North Fork of the Powell River are both stocked with trout. Martins Creek is located off of Martins Creek Road in Rose Hill.
Hiking & Horseback
Chadwell Gap Trail (Hiking & Horseback)
Chadwell Gap Trail is a point-to-point trail located near Ewing, Virginia that features a waterfall, sand cave and a beautiful view from the White Rocks. The trail is rated as difficult but rewarding. Chadwell Gap Trail can also lead to Hensley’s Settlement (3.8 miles of difficult but rewarding terrain) http://www.nps.gov/cuga/planyourvisit/upload/CUGAmap1-3.pdf
HORSES
Horses are welcome at the Wilderness Road State Park trail and Cumberland Gap National Park trail at Chadwell Gap and Thomas Walker Civic Park.
Fees, Permits, etc.
Located in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. No permits or fees required for day hiking. Permit needed from main park visitors center if camping in the backcountry. There is a trail register along the way. Dogs need to be on a leash.
After the Hike
Thomas Walker Civic Park (Sandcave & White Rock Overlook)
Medium difficulty (8.2 miles round trip)
It is a loop hike up side of Cumberland Mountain. You will enjoy a beautiful and peaceful view off of the White Rocks and a natural wind carved Sand cave! Be sure to pack a lunch and enjoy a view of Lee County that few have experienced.
Before you start the trail be sure to enjoy the shelter at the Park. The shelter is a beautiful venue for any event.
Route Description
Route is a loop hike formed by taking 3.6-mile Ewing Trail up to Ridge Trail, west over to spur to Sand Cave, then back east to White Rocks overlook. Finally, return along Ridge Trail to 0.5-mile shortcut down on White Rocks Trail to finish with Ewing Trail.
Walk through picnic area past covered pavilion to trail leading into the woods. First section is narrow hiking path until it reaches the wider horse trail. Continue up and up through series of switchbacks. Once up on top, the trail will descend some on other side until Ridge Trail is reached. Take right until you see several horse hitching posts. Across the way is the spur trail to Sand Cave (in Kentucky), which drops down some big steps. Just before the cave the trail breaks into several options. Far left on the steps may require some creek hopping during wet weather, while the right is a narrow ledge to cross. Enjoy lunch at Sand Cave. Backtrack up to Ridge Trail. Take left to follow Ridge Trail (passing sign for White Rocks backcountry camping area) until another set of horse hitching posts. The sign here says only "200 ft" to overlook but it involves a climb up a crevice to reach White Rocks. Return back to trail signs to take left on White Rocks Trail down to Ewing Trail. Continue back down to vehicles.
Typical Conditions
Being a national park, the trails are fairly well maintained. Varies from narrow hard packed hiking-only trail to wide roadway/horse trail. The path is very rocky at times with loose gravel. Another challenge is diverting water off the trail, thus many water bars. After a rain, several water crossings will be encountered which might have few well placed stepping stones in place (or not). Access to White Rocks overlook a steep climb up a crevice. Although most of the trail route can be used by horses, there were no piles of evidence of recent use; however, hoove prints could be seen in the clay.
Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail
The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail is the first statewide program of its kind in the United States. Three phases (Coastal, Piedmont, and Mountain) of the trail link wildlife viewing sites throughout the state. The Mountain Phase features expansive mountain vistas, endless forest trails, large inland reservoirs and a taste of the western Piedmont. There are 34 loops in the Mountain Phase, including the Daniel Boone Loop, which crosses Lee and Scott Counties.
Daniel Boone Loop Birding & Wildlife Trail
The Daniel Boone Loop of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail far western trail site is located in the Cumberland Gap's National Historical Park's Wilderness Road Campground in Gibson Station. The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail website offers the following description of Wilderness Road State Park: "Located in the park is Martin Station. The station is a premier living history site offering visitors a picture into the daily lives of settlers on the Virginia frontier of 1775-1776. It is the most authentic reconstructed frontier fort in America. The station is brought to life with a stockaded fort, tavern, blockhouse, cabin, livestock and costumed interpreters. The site also features a small buffalo herd. The park accommodates picnickers, hikers, history buffs and nature enthusiasts. It also offers meadows and open fields where blooming Black-eyed Susan and Queen Anne's Lace attract skippers, fritillaries, and a variety of sulphurs and hairstreaks. Eastern bluebird, eastern kingbird, and barn swallow are in constant aerial display during the summers, with singing indigo bunting and sparrows making their appearances near brushier or wooded vegetation.
Wilderness Road Trail
an 8.5-mile hiking, biking and equestrian trail, is registered as a stop on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. Indian Ridge Trail, a .77-mile self-guided, is a natural heritage trail.
For enhanced maps and video tours of Wilderness Road's trails visit
http://www.virginiaoutdoors.com/parks/activities/wilderness-road-state-park/Hiking/
Rock Bottom Horse Camp
276-445-6676
A Campground for Equestrian Campers
RV & Tent Campers Too!
Rock Bottom Horse Camp is located in Ewing, Virginia at the east end of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Park trails are a short ride from the campground and offer views of the White Rocks, Sand Cave and Hensley Settlement.
The park offers 70+ miles of backcountry riding with three equestrian style campsites and over 85 miles of hiking trails.
Enjoy the stunning views of the White rocks of
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
