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 Concierge - Outdoor Activities

Highland County is still one of the most remote locales in Virginia.  Activities can be spread out across two states.  We will use an approximately 60 minute driving rule to tell you of activities in our area. Click on highlighted subjects for more information.

A good place to start enjoying the outdoors in Highland County is to visit the Virginia WMA in Highland County. There are two main Wildlife Management Areas; part of Jack Mountain about five miles from Monterey and the Bullpasture River Gorge area which is about 11 miles south of McDowell.  The above website link will also provide you with a map to go along with the description of the areas.  If you are not a hunter, keep track of hunting season as this would not be the best time for a hike.  Some gates are open seasonably for cars but low water crossings are usually involved and should be used with caution.  Hiking is best.  You can swim at the Gorge although the water will be pretty cool even in high summer.   The pedestrian suspension bridge at the Gorge keeps your feet dry if you are hiking.

The George Washington section of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests makes up a good portion of Highland County.  The eastern part is managed by the Deerfield Ranger District which includes the Confederate Breastworks on Shenandoah Mountain which is a good place for a hike (and restrooms).  The western part along with Highland County's Laurel Forks Special Management Area is managed by the Warm Springs Ranger District.  The Warm Springs District maintains a very nice website that will give you activities and information from Lake Mooma and Bolar Mountain in Bath County all the Way to the Laurel Forks SMA.  Laurel Forks was the home of the 2004 Capitol Holiday Tree, a huge red spruce. The drive alone to Laurel Forks makes visiting this special area more than worthwhile, but it is remote and not the first choice for casual hikers.

Excellent information on Nature Trails, Wildflower Trails and Birding Trails can be found on the Chamber's Nature Trails Page.

Vista Valley Outdoor Adventures can give you a hunting and fishing experience on the Bull Pasture River and also has stocked ponds if you don't have a fishing license.  Another guide service is Virginia Highlands Fly Fishing which does several streams in Highland County.  If you want to do some caving or rock climbing check out Highland Adventures (468-2722).  For other hunting, fishing or supplies checkout the Chamber's Fishing & Hunting Directory.

Thinking about a horseback trail ride?  Bull Pasture Mountain Ranch has spectacular views. In Bath County River Ridge Ranch is adjacent to the National Forest.

Locally, golfers play at Needle's Eye Golf Course but you need to call and get permission before going.  The Homestead Courses including the PGA Cascades course in Bath County were ranked #4 in the nation by Golf Digest.  Some of our guests like to stay with us and visit the Homestead in one direction and drive a little further and visit Canaan Valley for golfing in the other direction, about 70 miles from Monterey.

Swimming in Highland County can be a "refreshing" experience considering the water temperature.  As mentioned above there is a swimming spot at the Bullpasture River Gorge. The Bath County Pump Storage Station maintains a seasonal 325 acre recreation site just south of the Highland County Line on CR 600.  A swimming lake has a beach and can be used for a nominal fee.  You may just see Debbie and our girls out there when the weather is nice.  The link will also tell you about this unique power generating station.  Since 9/11 the station itself is no longer accessible.

How about a Spa instead? The Jefferson Pools operated by the Homestead are on the site of the long gone Warm Springs Hotel.  This is truly a historic soak as the mens bath house is the same building used by Thomas Jefferson.  An hour soak is about $15 and is only about 30 miles from the Inn.

Winter sports in our area include downhill skiing and snowboarding and cross-country skiing.  Laurel Forks Special Management Area is used by cross country skiers and the Homestead Winter Activities have skiing with their guests having priority.  We are about halfway between Staunton at Interstate 81 and Snowshoe Mountain.  We get several winter guests that will break up the 96 mile mountain trip by stopping with us for the night.  Some will stay with us and visit both Snowshoe and Canaan Valley.  Here is a link with directions from the east to Snowshoe.

Ready for a train ride? You have two choices within a 50 mile drive.  Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a regular attraction and day trip for our guests.  Just north of Cass and a little closer to the Inn is the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Both railroads have something different to offer, so check them both out.  Between Durbin and Cass is The Green Bank National Radio Astronomy Observatory. The NRAO has a new visitors program and just wait until you see the world's largest fully steerable single aperture antenna!

 The Monongahela National Forest offers the Spruce Knob - Sceneca Rocks National Recreation Area just across the Virginia border into West Virginia.  Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia while Sceneca Rocks is one of the most magnificient rock outcroppings you will see.  Another popular day trip for our guests.

The Highland Inn
Post Office Box 40
68 West Main Street
Monterey, Virginia 24465-0040

Telephone: 540-468-2143
Toll Free: 888-466-4682
info@highland-inn.com

© 2006 Old Dominion Hotels, LLC