Whether you are looking for an adrenaline rush or just escaping the rush of every day, there is a destination awaiting you in Patrick County!
For the relaxing side, visit Philpott Lake, which offers excellent boat-launching facilities, swimming, beaches, hiking trails and picnicking as well as camping.
Highlights:
Nearby is Fairy Stone State Park, well known for its 168-acre lake adjoining Philpott Reservoir and its sandy beach. Take a stroll and watch the sunset or hunt for lucky fairystones, which are said to be "tears of angels." The Park's Little Mountain Falls Trail system is a multi-use trail for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Other trails for pedestrian use only are included in the Stuart's Knob system. Some of the trails allow you to see old iron mines as well as wildlife, such as the Sweet Mountain Laurel and Fairstone Loop trails.
Just minutes from Fairy Stone, hikers can enjoy Rock Castle Gorge nestled away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This extensive 10.8-mile loop trail ranges in elevation from 1,700-3,572 feet at Rocky Knob. The Lower Rock Castle Creek Trail in the community of Woolwine forms a 4.5-mile leg of the 11-mile loop called Rock Castle Gorge Trail, which follows a gated fire road alongside Rock Castle Creek. The creek features native brook trout. Camping is available but only with a backcountry permit.
Round out your trip at DeHart Park in Stuart. Play tennis, hike or play basketball. Enjoy a picnic under the shelter and breathe in the fresh mountain air and take in the beautiful scenery surrounding you!