Fall is the season of harvest, and what better way to celebrate than with a road trip through Patrick County, Virginia. Home to orchards, farmers’ markets, and our annual Apple Dumpling Festival, there is no better place to experience fall.

Celebrating 50 Years

Tucked into the hill of Woolwine is a small roadside market that holds a special place in its community. Wade’s Orchard has been supplying Patrick County with fresh, Virginia apples since 1975. Located just off Route 8, Wade’s is the perfect addition to any fall road trip. Wade’s Orchard is hosting a 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 27th for 10am-4pm. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy live music, apple butter, fresh apples, and more.

Apple Dumpling Festival

Spend the day in Downtown Stuart for the annual Apple Dumpling Festival and 5k. Spend the morning running along the Mayo River Rail Trail before grabbing fresh apple dumplings later in the day. Enjoy live music throughout the day. Outstanding artisans, jewelry, jellies, preserves, housewares and more….of course, delicious foods. Stock up on fresh, local apples for your own fall desserts. The Apple Dumping 5k starts at 8am and the Apple Dumpling Festival starts at 10am.

Windy Hill Orchard

Windy Hill Orchard has been in the Noonkester family for over 100 years.

Every Thursday, September – November, you are invited to come watch as the apples are pressed into apple cider. Don’t forget to leave with a fresh jug! They also sell apple cider vinegar, apple sauce, apple butter, jams, and dried apples.

Levering Orchard

Visitors to Levering Orchard are treated to pick-your-own cherries, peaches, pears, and apples in a gorgeous mountain setting.

Fall apple season at Levering lasts from September through mid-November. They provide you with buckets and ladders and send you into their expansive orchard to experience picking the fruit right off of the tree yourself.

More to Explore

Don’t forget to visit one of our many country stores, markets, and farm stands while you’re exploring the county. Spend a Friday morning at the Stuart Farmers’ Market, visit Clay and Twig in Critz, or swing by Trent Farms. With hundreds of miles to explore, Patrick County is the perfect destination for your next fall adventure.

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Family Friendly Events

First Friday Summer Jam – The First Friday Summer Jam is perfect for music lovers of all ages. Tucked behind the Stuart Farmers’ Market in downtown Stuart, First Fridays hosts some of the area’s best local bands. June’s concert features local favorite Marcy Horne and the Working Men.

Stuart Beach Music Festival – There’s no better place for some Hot Fun in the Sun! The Stuart Beach Music Festival has been rockin’ and rollin’ at Wayside Park for 43 years. All proceeds from the festival help fund community projects.

Red Bank Ruritans 70th Celebration – Spend a Saturday afternoon celebrating 70 years of volunteering and community service. The Red Bank Ruritans are a devoted group of volunteers who work to help and improve their community. Their 70th celebration will feature live music, food, face painting, and a bouncy house for kids to enjoy.

Bushels and Barrels – The perfect event for lovers of craft beer, local wine, and delicious food. Bushels and Barrels is a two-day event held at the historic Reynolds Homestead. Friday night features a carefully crafted farm-to-table dinner and live music from the jazz ensemble Jamie & Friends. Saturday features an assortment of local wineries, breweries, and food trucks with four bands performing throughout the evening.

4th of July Weekend

Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration – Don your red, white, and blue finest and head on over to one of Patrick County’s most beloved annual traditions! The Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at DeHart Park offers a full day of family-friendly activities, free games, live entertainment, and one of the best fireworks displays in the region.

First Saturday Summer Jam – Come out for a special edition of the First Friday Summer Jam series – STAR SPANGLED SATURDAY! Featuring Slick Jr & the Reactors with Thursday Night Special, this event shouldn’t be missed.

Best Swimming Spots

Dehart Park – Located in Stuart Virginia, the Dehart pool is open 11 am – 6 pm Monday – Friday, 12 pm – 7 pm Saturdays, and 1 pm – 7 pm on Sundays. Admission is free for children three and under. It is six dollars for children under six and senior citizens, and seven dollars for adults.

Fairy Stone State Park – Fairy Stone Park is open daily 8 am – 10 pm. Lifeguards are on duty Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The swimming fee for those days is $4 for kids 3 – 12 years old and $5 for adults. Parking is $7

Deer Run Campground – This campground offers a variety of activities for families and includes an outdoor pool. The entrance fee is $5.

Goosepoint Campground – Enjoy the natural shoreline and clear waters of Philpott Lake. Whether swimming, fishing, or boating, there are endless ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Philpott Lake.

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Camping 

Sleep under the stars and disconnect from everyday life. Whether you’re staying in a yurt, RV, or a basic tent, Patrick County has something for every adventurer. Check out our Campground page for more options. Please note: the campground at Fairy Stone State Park is closed for renovations and improvements.

Nature Freak Acres – Eclectic cabin with 13 acres to explore. Nature Freak Acres offers guests a quiet getaway with numerous fun attractions nearby. 

Stargazer Park – Vintage campers minutes from Meadows of Dan and Mabry Mill. Stargazer Park perfectly blends natural beauty, vintage/boho vibes, and cozy amenities. 

The Oaks RV Park – Brand new RV park offering plenty of amenities and amazing views. The Oaks sits just off Highway 58 and is minutes from Meadows of Dan and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Deer Run Campground – The perfect getaway for families looking to spend some quality time outdoors. Deer Run is minutes from Fairy Stone State Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Goose Point Campground – The perfect alternative to camping at Fairy Stone State Park. Goose Point sports beautiful views and plenty of opportunities for swimming and fishing. 

Meadows of Dan Campground – Tranquil campground featuring RV parking, tent camping, and cabin rentals. 

Accessible Trails & swimming 

Looking for the coolest places to be on a hot day? Patrick County has you covered! For more options, check out our Beat the Heat article.

Dehart Park – Located in the heart of Stuart, Dehart Park features Patrick County’s only public pool, an accessible playground, walking trails, and a brand-new disc golf course. 

The Mayo River Rail Trail – Just outside of downtown Stuart, this paved walking trail offers great views of Bull Mountain and access to the Mayo River. 

Fairy Stone State Park – Home to the mythical fairy stones, Fairy Stone State Park is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers and families. Paddle along Fairy Stone Lake, relax on the beach-like shores, or explore one of the many hiking trails. 

Fun in the Sun 

Patrick County is home to so many amazing events and attractions. Check out our events calendar for even more fun things to do!

First Fridays Summer Jam Series – The streets of Stuart are rockin’ this summer with the First Fridays Summer Jam Series. Spend the evening at the Stuart Farmers Market and enjoy great music and dinner from the Pickle & Ash food truck.  

Red Rooster Amusement Park – Spend an evening at one of Patrick County’s newest attractions. Red Rooster Amusement Park offers delicious food, fun games, and carnival rides for kids to enjoy.

Strawberry Festival – Music, craft vendors, and tons of strawberries! The Stuart Strawberry Festival is a must for strawberry lovers. 

Dominion Valley Gospel Music – Enjoy a Memorial Day weekend full of food, fun, and fellowship at Dominion Valley Park! 

Levering Orchard – A beautiful, family-owned orchard tucked into the far western hills of Patrick County. Levering Orchard grows a variety of fruits including cherries, peaches, and apples. Grab a bucket and spend the day picking sweet and sour cherries.

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Where to Stay

Patrick County is home to many cottages, cabins, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses. Book your stay at the newly renovated campground at Fairy Stone State Park. Check out Ararat’s Wolf Creek Farm for unbeatable hospitality and beautiful views. This Charming bed and breakfast is minutes from Mount Airy NC and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For unmatched peace and quiet, check out the historic Kibler Valley Schoolhouse. This renovated schoolhouse combines modern amenities and historic charm. In Stuart, Bull Mountain Hideaway offers great views and is minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Fairy Stone State Park.

Get Your Groove On

Patrick County is filled with great music this March. Whether you’re heading over to the Star Theatre or spending a Friday night at the Willis Gap Open Jam, you’ll find something to tap your toes to while visiting Patrick County. Grab your dancing partner and spend the evening square dancing with Big Fat Gap on March 7th. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Celthix and Kinnfolk on March 17th. Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon with the Mount Airy Ukulele Invasion on March 22nd. Get your groove on with Alicia B & the Now on March 27th.

For bluegrass lovers, catch the Twin Creek String Band at the Patrick County Music Association’s free March concert. Join the weekly jam at the Coffee Break and Willis Gap Community Center and play with some of the county’s best musicians.

Explore the Outdoors

Spend a sunny spring day exploring one of the many trails in Patrick County. Stroll along Stuart’s Mayo River Rail Trail or explore the trails at Rotary Field. Meet with a ranger and discover the magic of Fairy Stone State Park. Spend the day hunting for fairy stones or exploring one of the park’s many trails. Explore the expansive trail system in Rock Castle Gorge. The full ten-mile loop stretches between Woolwine and the Blue Ridge Parkway, making this trail the perfect challenge for experienced hikers.

Wildflower Watch

As the days get warmer, spring flowers are emerging all over the county. Native ephemerals are the shining stars of spring. These unique flowers come in many striking colors. Deep reds, electric blues, and bright whites peak through the winter brown weeks before the trees begin to bud. Bloodroot, trillium, Virginia bluebells, ramps, and dwarf iris are just a few of the unique flowers found in our area. These flowers thrive in the shallow, rich soil and limited sunlight on the forest floor. Lucky adventurers may find lady slippers or ghost pipes growing in the loose, leaf-covered soil. The county’s heavily wooded trails are great places to look for these rare flowers.

Updated 3/3/2026

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Brimming with must-see museum exhibits, road trip-worthy music performances, and adventurous outings, Patrick County, Virginia offers something for every bucket list.

Whether you have resolved to see more, learn more, move more, or simply indulge more, Patrick County, Virginia is your destination for 2025.

New Stops for 2025

Check out some of the new additions to Patrick County. The Blue Ridge Tap House is the newest restaurant on Stuart’s North Main Street. They feature a variety of craft beers, margarita flights, delicious food, and more. The Ye Olde What-Not Shoppe and The Depot Station are located in downtown Stuart. These two stores sell a variety of decor, furniture, and other items. They are within walking distance of the newly renovated Tony’s Pizza. Stop by Olivia’s Goodie Shop for delicious cupcakes and other sweet treats. Over in Ararat, The Red Rooster Amusement Park and Cafe offers fun rides and great food. This fun attraction will open for the season in April. Hike the newly opened trails at the Stuart Rotary Club and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Take in Arts and Culture

Rose Window Studio is a charming art gallery with a large selection of stained glass art. Gather a group of friends and schedule a beginner-friendly stained-glass class. Call 276-930-2102 for more information and opening hours.

For beautiful art and great food, head over to Pickle & Ash. From the beautiful Lady Appalachia Mural outside to the paintings and photographs inside, Pickle & Ash showcases the amazing artists in Patrick County and beyond.

If you love live music you’ll love the Historic Star Theatre in Downtown Stuart.

Race fans should make the Virginia Motorsports Museum And Hall Of Fame and the Wood Brother’s Racing Museum must-see stops this year. See how moonshine was made and hear the fascinating story of how this business led directly to the birth of NASCAR racing. Both museums are a part of the new Moonshine Heritage Trail.

The Coffee Break serves up delicious food and great music every Tuesday morning. Owned by Patrick County Music Association founder Denny Alley, the Coffee Break is an iconic piece of Stuart’s North Main Street.

Every Friday night in the beautiful community of Ararat visitors can experience a unique piece of The Crooked Road. The Willis Gap Community Center hosts an open jam for anyone who plays, sings, or wants to listen. Whether you’re local or just passing through, the community jam is a perfect place to stop to get a taste of The Crooked Road.

Try the View from the Top

If you are looking for somewhere to sit and relax and take in a beautiful view stop by Angel Overlook and see the magnificent views of the mountains. Angel Overlook is located near many of Patrick County’s most famous attractions such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Primland, Laurel Hill, and Doe Run Farm.

Lover’s Leap and Fred Clifton Park offer some of Patrick County’s most stunning views. Located along Highway 58, both overlooks are minutes from Stuart and Meadows of Dan.

Live Life in the Fast Lane

The 10-mile loop of Squirrel Spur packs enough twists, turns, and drops to top every motorcyclist’s bucket list. A casual drive will give you a glimpse into the rural countryside with cow pastures, tobacco fields, and pumpkin patches. For most riders, the view will be a blur of color as you ride through a thrilling series of turns, switchbacks, steep climbs, and sharp drops.

Possibly the most famous stretch of the Jagged Edge, Bootlegger’s Run packs more than 100 curves into its 30-mile drive between the towns of Floyd and Ferrum, passing through Woolwine along the way. This run gets its name because it goes through the heart of one of Appalachia’s most notorious moonshine trails. If this unique piece of American history is not enough, the ride boasts some of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ most spectacular views.

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1. Charming Towns

Explore the picture-perfect towns scattered throughout our county. Start your day in the Town of Stuart: home to the Historic Star Theatre, The Mayo River Rail Trail, and two beautiful LOVEworks. Stop by Mattie B’s, The Hatteras Pearl, and the Honey Pot for unique gifts, decor, and more. Avoid construction on Highway 58 and enjoy a scenic drive through Woolwine on your way to Meadows of Dan. Walk around this small community and visit unique shops like Poor Farmer’s Market, The Concord Corner Store, and Poppy’s. For chocolate lovers, Nancy’s Candy Company has something to satisfy any sweet tooth.

2. Historic Sites

Discover Rock Churches, restored homesteads, grist mills, and more in Patrick County. Visit the Birthplace of Civil War General JEB Stuart and watch history come alive at the annual Civil War Encampment. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and discover Olean Puckett’s Cabin, a Bob Childress Rock Church, the Groundhog Mountain Overlook, and Mabry Mill. Stroll through Jacks Creek Covered Bridge in Woolwine, the last remaining covered bridge in Patrick County. Tour the Reynolds Homestead and discover the fascinating history of the Reynolds Family. Check out these 20 Must See Stops for History Lovers to learn more about our county’s historic sites.

3. Great Food

Enjoy farm-to-table meals, fresh baked goods, and charming diners as you explore Patrick County. Check out The Coffee Break, Howel’s Grocery, or Stuart Family Restaurant for a cozy atmosphere and delicious food. Head over to Jane’s Cafe, Poor Farmer’s Market, or Poor Farmer’s Farm in Meadows of Dan for a home-cooked meal along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check out Pickle & Ash in Stuart for fresh, farm-to-table meals and craft cocktails. Snag some fresh pancakes and buckwheat cakes at theMeadows of Dan Pancake Days on October 19th and 26th.

4. Farms and Orchards

Farmers’ markets, farmstands, and orchards are scattered all over Patrick County. Visit Levering Orchard for fantastic mountain views and pick-your-own apples. Spend a Friday morning at the Stuart Farmers’ Market for fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts. Swing by Wade’s Orchard, Trent Farms, or H.C. Harold Orchard for bushels or pre-picked apples. Read our Guide to Apple Season to learn more about apple orchards in Patrick County!

5. Fall Festivals & events

Looking for something fun the whole family can enjoy? Lose yourself in the Doe Run Farm Sunflower Maze, a multi-acre maze in Ararat. Doe Run Farm also offers hayrides, slides, pumpkin bowling, and other fun activities for kids to enjoy. Spend the day at Fairy Stone State Park for guided hikes, fairy stone hunts, and other fun activities. Head to Stuart for the Annual Apple Dumpling Festival and enjoy live music, shopping, and tasty apple dumplings. The Patrick County Music Association is hosting the Songwriter Circle and a free concert. Get your groove on at the Historic Star Theatre with three great shows this month. For a Halloween you won’t forget, gather your ghouls and goblins for the Stuart’s Spooktacular.

6. Scenic Drives

Discover the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Patrick County. There are miles of scenic roads, overlooks, and trails to explore. Colors tend to peak in our county in early-mid October. For a scenic drive out of Stuart and into the mountains, travel along Route 8 towards Woolwine and the Blue Ridge Parkway. At Tuggles Gap, travel south along the Parkway through Rock Castle Gorge, a sprawling recreation area with scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and trails. Continue south for a few minutes to reach Meadows of Dan. Turn onto Squirrel Spur Road and make your way towards Ararat or stay on the Parkway and enjoy a picture-perfect drive through the mountains. Stop at one of the many Overlooks in Patrick County for stunning views.

Updated October 2025

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Discover miles of scenic roads, fun events, and tons of fall fun in Patrick County. From family-friendly festivals to secluded hiking trails, Patrick County has everything you need for the perfect fall escape. Enjoy warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights as you explore the scenic roads, trails, and charming towns in Patrick County. Explore Fairy Stone State Park with a ranger and learn more about the park’s unique history. Learn about the Town of Fayerdale, moonshining, and the mythical Fairy Stone. Visit historic sites like Jacks Creek Covered Bridge, Mabry Mill, The Reynolds Homestead, or the JEB Stuart Birthplace and learn more about Patrick County’s history.

September marks the start of the harvest season, making it a great time to visit one of our farmers’ markets or orchards. You can find fresh apples, pumpkins, and artisan goods in markets all over the county. Visit the farm animals at the Annual Patrick County Agricultural Fair on September 10-14. The 19th Annual Doe Run Farm Sunflower Maze is opening on September 28th. Doe Run Farm is home to a multi-acre sunflower maze, hay rides, pumpkin bowling, and more. Experience our music heritage and Virginia’s Crooked Road Music Trail at the Songwriter’s Circle and the Willis Gap Open Jam.

Fall colors will start coming in late September, with colors peaking in mid-October. Because of Patrick County’s varied terrain, fall colors peak in areas like Meadows of Dan earlier than in Stuart. You can find foliage reports at the Virginia Department of Forestry, Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Virginia is for Lovers starting mid-late September. Below are some of our favorite places to leaf-peep and some unique places to stay this fall.

Best Views

Angel Overlook – Angel Overlook is located along Squirrel Spur Road between Ararat and Meadows of Dan. This overlook offers stunning views of Ararat and North Carolina. We recommend visiting this overlook later in the afternoon when the sun is golden and the fall colors below are extra beautiful.

Groundhog Mountain Overlook – The Groundhog Mountain Overlook is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Meadows of Dan. With over 28 picnic tables and restrooms, this site is perfect for a fall picnic. Climb to the top of the old, wooden tower for a bird’s-eye view.

Rock Castle Gorge – Travel along the Blue Ridge Parkway past Meadows of Dan for views you won’t forget. The Rock Castle Gorge Recreation Area is home to multiple trails, overlooks, and picnic sites. This is a must-stop for beautiful fall photos.

Fred Clifton Park & Lover’s Leap – Located along Highway 58, Lover’s Leap and Fred Clifton Park offer beautiful views of the Stuart/Woolwine area. Due to construction on Highway 58, expect delays when visiting these sites.

Unique Stays

The Oaks RV Resort – This newly opened RV resort is located in Meadows of Dan, just off Highway 58. The Oaks offers stunning views of the piedmont, making it a great destination for fall travelers. This pet-friendly resort offers full hook-up RV sites, lightning-fast WiFi, deluxe amenities, and endless mountain views.

Dragon’s Beard Farm and Camp – Located in Woolwine, Dragon’s Beard is the perfect mix of creature comforts and camping. Enjoy a quiet stay in the Stargazer Tent, complete with a king-size bed, electricity, and wifi. Dragon’s Beard is minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Fairy Stone State Park.

Mountain Waves Yurt – Disconnect and unwind at the Mountain Waves Yurt. This secluded yurt is minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Meadows of Dan, and Floyd. Bring your pets and enjoy a quiet weekend in the mountains.

Stargazer Park – Love vintage vibes? Spend the weekend in a renovated vintage camper at Stargazer Park. Each camper is equipped with a kitchenette, shower, and air conditioning. The park is within minutes of Meadows of Dan, Mabry Mill, and Villa Appalaccia Winery.

Kibler Valley Schoolhouse – Looking for stunning mountain views and easy access to the Dan River? Stay at the historic Kibler Valley Schoolhouse and spend the weekend surrounded by the towering Pinnacles of Dan.

Updated 7/31/2025

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Hit the Water

Is there anything better than jumping into cool water on a hot day? Head over to Fairy Stone State Park for a “beach day” along Fairy Stone Lake. Rent a canoe or paddle boat and explore the serene waters. Be sure to check the park’s event calendar to see what’s scheduled for the day. There are a variety of ranger-led activities offered each month, like fairy stone hunts, guided hikes, and canoeing. Philpott Lake is another great option for families. The Goosepoint Campground features a beachy shore and playground for kids to enjoy.

Head over to Woolwine and splash in the water at the Jacks Creek Covered Bridge. This historic bridge is one of Patrick County’s most iconic landmarks. Head over to the Crossroads Cafe for lunch and enjoy delicious, made-to-order sandwiches, coffees, and smoothies.

Splash around in one of Patrick County’s many creeks and streams. Stroll along Stuart’s Mayo River Rail Trail for easy access to the Mayo River. Take a drive down into Kibler Valley for amazing views and access to the Dan River.

For a fun pool day check out Stuart’s Dehart Park. The park is only minutes away from Stuart’s Historic Main Street. Grab a lunch at Stagecoach Coffee or the Coffee Break. For dessert, pick up some sweet treats at the Harvest House Emporium or Olivia’s Goodie Shop. For dinner, check out Pickle & Ash for fresh, farm-to-table food and craft cocktails.

Coolest Accommodations

Extend your stay in Patrick County and enjoy some of the coolest accommodations in Virginia. For campers, we recommend Deer Run Campground, the Oaks RV Resort, or Goose Point Campground. These campgrounds offer swimming and other fun activities for visitors to enjoy. If glamping is your style, check out Stargazer Park in Meadows of Dan. Stargazer offers newly renovated, vintage campers with all the amenities you need.

For non-campers, we recommend Wolf Creek Farm, The Kibler Valley School House, or The Kibler Valley Cabin. Take advantage of Wolf Creek’s private pool or wade into the cold, clear waters of the Dan River in Kibler Valley. For a luxury stay tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, check out Primland Resort.

Whether you’re relaxing by the water or exploring our rugged mountain trails, Patrick County has something for everyone to enjoy. Create your own adventure and find yourself here in Patrick County, VA.

Updated July 2025

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Fun and accessible bike trails for all abilities can be few and far between. But, this is no problem for Patrick County, Virginia, where families, beginners and experts can all find the flow. 

Pack up the entire family and journey to the Mayo River Rail Trail in Stuart, Virginia, where you’ll find a 1.8-mile route that runs along the historic Danville and Western Railway. People of all abilities can enjoy this scenic trail, which offers ample handicap-accessible parking and a smooth and wide asphalt pathway that is ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, recumbent bikes and training wheels. The trail winds along the Mayo River, and features a sculpture created by a local artist through the County’s Trail H.A.N.D.S program. Cruise over to the Stuart Uptown Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for a cup of coffee at Uptown Stagecoach and stroll through town to discover beautiful architecture, museums, and many unique shopping experiences. For a special treat, head over to the 2024 Best of the Blue Ridge Nominee for best restaurant, Pickle and Ash!

Whether you are an amateur biker or just crave a leisurely ride, Patrick County’s beginner trails will have you viewing spectacular scenery while perfecting your skills. The Oak Hickory Trail at Fairy Stone State Park is a 1.1-mile trail that is ideal for beginners learning to navigate off of paved roads. This loop doubles as a self-guided nature tour, with signs along the way identifying local plants, trees, and wildlife. At the Little Mountain Trail System in the park, intermediate to advanced riders can try a mix of moderate to highly technical rides while taking in spectacular views of waterfalls, mountain vistas and lake shores. Those not ready for a technical ride can stay behind to search for the park’s iconic fairy stones. 

Searching for singletrack? Shred over 15 miles of challenging trails at the I.C. DeHart Mountain Bike Trail System in Woolwine, Virginia. This expert trail network contains two loops worth of rigorous rock gardens, moderate climbs, and other fun technical trail features that’ll keep even the most seasoned riders on their toes. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, take a 10 minute drive to Crossroads Cafe for a tasty sandwich and fresh smoothie to cool you down.

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Best Public Lands: Winner

The Blue Ridge Parkway – Connect to one of America’s favorite national parks and explore the sights and history of patrick county. The Blue Ridge Parkway snakes along the northwestern edge of the county, starting just above Ararat and ending in Meadows of Dan. This section of the parkway offers beautiful views, historic sites, and access to the Rocky Knob Recreation area.

Best Farmers Market: Winner

The Stuart Farmers Market – The Stuart Farmers Market is a source of pride for local farmers. Running from May to November, the farmers market is home to friendly faces, fresh produce, and unique crafts. The market is open on Friday mornings, 8am-12pm.

Best Paddling Event: Runner-Up

Kibler Valley River Run – The Kibler Valley River Run is a great event for canoers or kayakers looking to test their skills. This event is held each July and is hosted by the local Ruritan Club. Participants start at the Pinnacles of Dan power plant and make their way down the river all by enjoying the beautiful Kibler Valley scenery.

Best Winery: Nominee

Stanburn Winery – Stanburn Winery is a small, family-owned winery located just outside of Stuart. They grow and produce a variety of dry and sweet wines. You can find their products at Pickle & Ash, Food Country, Concord Corner Store, Circle K, and online. Stanburn Winery is open on select weekends or by appointment.

Best Family Friendly Festival: Nominee

Front Porch Fest – Front Porch Fest boasts a ton of kid-friendly activities each day. The children’s activity tent offers fun, engaging activities for everyone in the family. The Children’s Area staff members work hard to plan hours of engaging, creative, and educational content for young people of all ages. Children twelve and under are always free at Front Porch Fest and the staff work hard to make sure all families will feel welcomed at the festival.

Best Restaurant: Nominee

Pickle & Ash – Pickle & Ash offers unique takes on southern classics. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for date night or family dinner. Menus change often to reflect what is seasonally available. Take advantage of their backyard complete with tables and fire pits. Their food truck is open on select nights. Pickle & Ash is open Thursday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Brunch is offered on the first and second Sundays. Reservations are required for dinner and Sunday brunch.

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Starting in mid-October, the rural landscape of Patrick County comes alive with the colors of fall. Take a winding drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway for stunning mountain views, explore our backroads for off-the-beaten path scenery, or take a hike along our hundreds of miles of wooded trails. No matter how you want to capture fall, Patrick County is the perfect backdrop. 

We rounded up some of our local’s favorite spots to photograph fall leaves. Take a look at our guide to the best places to photograph fall leaves in Patrick County. 

Tag your photos with #VisitPatrickCounty on social media. Follow the hashtag to explore Patrick County from anywhere.

Lovers Leap at Fred Clifton Peak

At an elevation of 2930 feet, Fred Clifton Park provides multiple breathtaking views of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains and Valley of Patrick County. A beautiful, densely wooded area surrounds the picnic and parking areas. Lovers Leap Scenic Overlook is located adjacent to the park.

Where: U.S. Rt. 58 in Vesta, Virginia

Maybry Mill

Called “one of the most picturesque places on the Blue Ridge Parkway” by the National Park Service, Mabry Mill offers historic hiking trails, cultural demonstrations, and a decades-long tradition of Sunday afternoon music and dancing.

Where: Blue Ridge Parkway

Milepost 176

Primland Resort

This 12,000-acre private resort features luxury accommodations, private trails and outdoor sports and recreation. Rated the #1 rated resort in the Southeast U.S by Condé Nast Traveler, this private retreat offers a five-star lodge and several luxury treehouses and cottages.

Where: 2000 Busted Rock Rd, Meadows of Dan, 24120

Reynolds Homestead/L.E.A.F. Trail

The Link to Education About Forests (LEAF) Trail is a heritage-based outdoor classroom at Reynolds Homestead. This easy trail is 1 mile long and offers beautiful views of the surrounding forests. The trail is open throughout the year from dawn until dusk and offers seasonal observers an opportunity to experience the changing habitat of native flora and fauna.

Where: 463 Homestead Ln, Critz, VA 24082

Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge

The covered bridges in Patrick County are fabulous spots for romance and are full of history making them one of the best experiences in Virginia. There is something about covered bridges that draws people to them. Maybe it’s the feel of being taken back to a simpler time, where life moved a little bit slower.

Where: 1274 Jacks Creek Road Woolwine, VA 24185

Rock Castle Gorge/Rock Castle Creek

This 11-mile moderately trafficked loop trail may be a challenge to complete but is well worth the effort. The trail has two entry/exit points. One at the base of the mountain in Woolwine at Little Rock Castle Creek and the other at the Rocky Knob Recreation Area, specifically at the campground. The trail goes through meadows, over fences, across creeks, down steep pathways, and beside abandoned mountain ruins.

Where: Fire Ln National Pr Service, Woolwine, VA 24185, US

Mayo River Rail Trail

Mayo River Rail Trail is in downtown Stuart, VA, just off Commerce Street following the path of the Danville and Western Railway (“Dick and Willie”). This 1.8 mile trail is good for walking and bicycling. It has an asphalt smooth level surface.

Where: 108 Commerce St. Stuart, VA 24171

Angel Overlook

Angel Overlook is located on notoriously curvy Squirrel Spur Road between Ararat and Meadows of Dan. This is the perfect place to pause your backroads cruise for a picnic lunch and enjoy the views of the neighboring North Carolina skyline. 

Where: Squirrel Spur Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120

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Best Spots to Swim or Splash

Go for a dip, dive or slide in one of our local swimming pools. Be sure to check out the water slide at Stuart Dehart park! Or, take in spectacular scenery in one of our off-the-beaten-path swimming holes. 

Swimming Pools

Stuart Dehart Park: Located in Stuart Virginia, the Dehart pool is open 11 am – 6 pm Monday – Friday, 12 pm – 7 pm Saturdays, and 1 pm – 7 pm on Sundays. Admission is free for children three and under. It is six dollars for children four to six and for senior citizens, and seven dollars for adults.

Deer Run Campground: This campground offers a variety of activities for families and includes an outdoor pool. The entrance fee is $5.

Lakes, Streams and Swimming Holes

Fairy Stone State Park: Fairy Stone Park is open daily 8 am – 10 pm. Lifeguards are on duty Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The swimming fee for those days is $4 for kids 3 – 12 years old and $5 for adults. Parking is $7

Goosepoint Campground: Enjoy the natural shoreline and clear waters of Philpott Lake. Whether swimming, fishing, or boating, there are endless ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Philpott Lake.

Jacks Creek Covered Bridge: There is a deep swimming hole under the bridge in the Smith River that is perfect for cooling off during the summer heat.

Mayo River Rail Trail: Enjoy the shallow swimming hole in the Mayo River, well suited for smaller children to splash around in.

Best Spots for a Paddle

For those looking to add a little adventure to their summer splashtime, Patrick County offers some of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ best spots to float along the water. 

Fairy Stone Park is a great place to fish or spend the day out on the water. The lake covers 168 acres and it is a great place to catch trout and panfish. Rowboats, paddleboats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are available for rent from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Kibler Valley at Dan River is one of the best places to access the Dan River. It’s a popular spot for kayakers, tubers, and canoers. Kibler is also home to the annual Kibler Valley River Run hosted by the Red Bank Ruitans each July.

Philpott Lake is located twenty minutes away from Fairy Stone State Park. There are ten boating ramps located throughout the lake. Motorized and manually powered vessels are allowed. All vessels MUST be operated in accordance with Federal and State laws. For online information regarding boating requirements go to www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/.

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