15 Small Towns for Outdoor Lovers

From trail outposts surrounded by mountain vistas to sleepy seaside escapes, these Virginia towns make perfect weekend getaways for outdoor lovers. If you like spending your days hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing, but also want easy access to amenities, make note to explore these small towns with big outdoor personality.

Damascus

Damascus is known as “Trail Town USA” for good reason. Each May, Damascus welcomes 20-30 thousand hikers and major outdoor brands during their Appalachian Trail Days festival. But Dam

Damascus has endless opportunities for hiking and backpacking, mountain biking and road cycling, and wildlife watching opportunities on the Appalachian Trail, Virginia Creeper Trail, Trans-America National Bicycle Trail, Iron Mountain Trail, and Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail.

If the trails aren’t enough, Damascus also lies within a short distance of the 191,000-acre Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, home to Virginia’s highest peak and dozens of wild ponies. Several local outfitters offer bike rentals and shuttles up nearby Whitetop Mountain, where cyclists can embark on a leisurely 17-mile downhill ride back to Damascus.

• Hang: The Damascus Brewery
• Eat: Main Street Sweets & Eats for a quick pick-me-up, Wicked Chicken Winghouse & Tavern for dinner and drinks
• Stay: Local cabin rentals, Damascus Old Mill Inn, camping in Mount Rogers Recreation Area
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: Mount Rogers Outfitters, Sundog Outfitters, Adventure Damascus

Fredericksburg

Well known for its historic significance in Virginia, Fredericksburg is also emerging as an under-the-radar town for outdoor lovers. Situated along the Rappahannock River and close to hotspots for boating, fishing, and paddling like Hope Springs Marina in Stafford and Lake Anna in Louisa, Fredericksburg is a great location for fun on the water.

Go to River Rock Outfitter right in the heart of the historic district to get the scoop on rock climbing, SUP, yoga and other fitness programs in the area.

• Hang: Agora Coffee Shop, Red Dragon Brewery
• Eat: Farm-to-table delights at Foode, made-from-scratch Italian at Orofino
• Stay: Ironclad Inn
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: River Rock Outfitter, Virginia Outdoor Center, Bike Works

Insider Tip: Mix some history in your outdoor getaway by going on a bike tour of the historic area attractions, taking advantage of fitness walks at National Battlefield Parks, or learning about the 10,000 freedom-seekers who crossed the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg along the Trail to Freedom.

Lexington

Lexington is a picturesque small town in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains that's steeped in history and charm. But it’s what visitors can find as they explore the wilderness areas, rivers, parks, and attractions around Lexington that make it a premier town for outdoor lovers.

Hikers can spend hours climbing the massive boulder field at Devil's Marbleyard, or hike the Laurel Run Trail, a quick and easy stroll that rewards hikers with a great view of a waterfall.

After the hike, head over to nearby Glasgow and arrange a leisurely 4.5 mile float down the James with Wilderness Canoe Company. And, of course, don’t forget the natural geologic wonders sure to impress onlookers at The Natural Bridge.

• Hang: Breweries along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail
• Eat: Haywood's Restaurant for cocktails and live music, a variety of casual fare at Bistro on Main, American staples at The Palms Restaurant, contemporary cuisine at Southern Inn
• Stay: Hummingbird Inn, The Gin Hotel, The Georges
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: Walkabout Outfitter, Wilderness Canoe Company

Insider Tip: Stop by Virginia Horse Center on Rt. 39 to see a one of the many horse shows in June and all summer long.

St. Paul

St. Paul is a small Southwest Virginia town that’s a hub for adrenaline-pumping adventures along Spearhead Trails, Virginia’s multi-use ATV trail system.

No ATV? No problem. Rent one at Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure, or if you opt for a stay at the Western Front Hotel, an outdoor-themed hotel offering a unique blend of rustic charm and modern flair, rent ATVs directly through the hotel. 

For a more tranquil outdoor adventure, spend the day relaxing on the scenic Clinch River, one of the cleanest and most biologically diverse ecosystems in Eastern North America. Not only is St. Paul situated right on the Clinch River, but it also has the only exclusive public access points with several popular hiking and biking trails directly on the river.

Set up a tubing or paddling day with Clinch River Adventures and spend some time walking along eight miles of well-maintained hiking and biking trails in the Sugar Hill Recreation Area. 

The Sugar Hill Loop Trail links to the Guest River Gorge Trail for an intermediate 16-mile biking or hiking adventure.

• Hang: The Coffee Station
• Eat: Fat Boy's BBQ, El Palenque Mexican Grill, Puerto Nuevo at the Western Front Hotel
• Stay: Camp Mountventures
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: Clinch River Adventures

Wachapreague

Wachapreague is one of the rare small coastal towns with water access on the ocean side of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. With only 200 permanent residents, this sleepy coastal Virginia town is sure to offer a quiet and authentic throwback to simpler days.

Mornings here can be spent hanging around the marina and harbor, while afternoon kayak adventures await. Set up a trip with one of the local, certified eco-tour guides and spend the afternoon trying your luck at clamming or venturing out to exploring the Atlantic coastline and the remote barrier islands.

Fishing enthusiasts can charter inshore and offshore fishing boats or put their boats in at the free boat ramp. In the evenings, watch the sunset while cooking up your daily catch, or grab a fabulous dinner at the Island House Restaurant.

• Eat: Island House Restaurant
• Stay: Teasers Fisherman’s Lodge, Wachapreague Inn, many local vacation rental properties.
• Outfitters: Seaside Ecotours, Broadwater Bay Ecotours, Daytrippers Wachapreague

Luray

Luray is known as “Cabin Capital of Virginia” due to hundreds of cabins and home rentals in the area. Luray is home to the spectacular Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the East, and is a gateway town into Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest.

Spend a week in a cabin and have your pick of day trip options with more than 500 miles of National Park hiking trails, local paddling outfitters along the Shenandoah River, and underground wonders at Luray Caverns. Enjoy leisurely biking around town on the Hawksbill Greenway.

• Hang: Speakeasy at The Mimslyn Inn
• Eat: Gathering Grounds Patisserie and Cafe for breakfast and lunch, Triple Crown BBQ, Flotzie’s Soft Serve for a sweet treat
• Stay: Hundreds of cabin rentals to choose from, The Mimslyn Inn
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: Shenandoah River Outfitters, Appalachian Outfitters, Shenandoah Mountain Guides, Page Valley Fly Fishing Service

Insider Tip: Sample some of Virginia's delicious wines and craft spirits along the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop.

Norton

Technically, Norton is not a small town, but Virginia’s smallest city definitely has a small town feel. Flag Rock Recreation Area boasts 25 developed acres including High Knob Observation Tower and Lost Creek Trail. There's also the 1.8-mile Sugar Maple Trail, part of the mountain bike trail system Flag Rock Area Trails, a stacked loop system with options for different fitness levels. 

Get a workout with a vigorous hike at Legion Park, a public park located at the base of the mountain near Highway 23. The trail is only 1.5 miles, but it climbs about 1,000′ in elevation to the overlook at Flag Rock, so even experienced hikers will get their heart pumping.

Anglers can spend the morning at the Upper and Lower Norton Reservoir, just a few hundred feet higher on the mountain.

• Hang: Central Drive-In
• Eat: FishTales to feed the whole family, Snack Shack for burgers and dogs
• Stay: High Knob Lake Campground, Flag Rock camping facilities 
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: Colgard Outdoor Sports, Home Hardware & Furniture Co.

Altavista

Altavista is a hidden angler’s paradise nestled alongside the Staunton River. The under-the- radar fishing spot is full of Striper Bass, Walleye, Small Mouth Bass, and even Catfish. Bird watchers and hunters will also enjoy the bounty of the river and its adjacent bottomlands.

Canoeists can experience the challenging Fish Trap (Class III) and Cat Rock (Class II) rapids. In addition, an abundance of flat water is available for those individuals seeking a more relaxing trip down the river.

After a day on the water, boaters can get out at English Park in Altavista and ride, walk, or run the trails before hanging out for the evening in this quaint riverside town.

• Hang: Two Sisters Tap Room
• Eat: Main Street Café & Coffee for breakfast and lunch, vintage drive-in restaurants like Dairy Freeze and Chef’s Drive-In, steak and seafood at Perky’s Place.
• Stay: Bed & Breakfast in the loft space above the Altavista General Store that looks over the quaint downtown area, camping

Cape Charles

A small coastal town on the southern tip of the Eastern Shore peninsula, Cape Charles is reminiscent of railroad glory days, with Victorian architecture throughout town dating back to 1886.

For those who enjoy amenities, it's all there—inns, restaurants, art studios, handmade jewelry shops, and a lovely boutique hotel. But adventure awaits at wildlife refuges, parks, and waterways with some of the best kayaking on the East Coast.

Paddling enthusiasts can spend the day on the scenic marshes, barrier islands, and coastal creeks of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Those who want laid-back beach time can enjoy recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay at Cape Charles Beach or Kiptopeke State Park.

Birders can explore coastal beach, dune, and maritime forest habitats along the Atlantic flyway, one of the most important avian migration funnels in North America, at the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge and the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve. During fall migration, the forest abounds with migratory songbirds and raptors resting and feeding before continuing their journey across the Chesapeake Bay.

• Hang: Cape Charles Coffee House, Chatham Vineyards, Cape Charles Distillery, Cape Charles Brewing
• Eat: The Shanty for seafood, bistro eats at Hook at Harvey, sweet treats at Brown Dog Ice Cream 
• Stay: Kiptopeke State Park, Hotel Cape Charles, Bay Creek Resort, Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles, The Northampton Hotel
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: Southeast Expeditions

Insider Tip: Stop for a photo op at the Cape Charles LOVEwork.

Clarksville

Virginia's only lakeside town, Clarksville offers quaint shops, restaurants, and lodging along the shores of 50,000 acre Buggs Island Lake/John Kerr Reservoir, one of the best spots for crappie, catfish, and bass fishing in Virginia.

Across the water from Clarksville is Occoneechee State Park, a beautiful park with camping, cabins, hiking, lake access, and a marina that offers boat and kayak rentals year-round. The park’s Panhandle Multi-Use Trail is a secluded 15-mile (7.5 miles each way) hiking trail along a long peninsula jutting into Kerr Lake. Take a stroll to admire the park’s wildlife and birds. With appropriate licenses, hunting is allowed in season and fishing is allowed year-round.

• Hang: Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Winery, Buggs Island Brewing
• Eat: Restaurant at Cooper's Landing Inn
• Stay: Cabins at Occoneechee State Park, North Bend Park Campground, Cooper’s Landing Inn, Blue Heron Lodge
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: Clarksville Water Sports

​Insider Tip: Extend your visit with a paddling trip along the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway. Consisting of three rivers and two lakes spanning Halifax and Mecklenburg counties, the blueway offers more than one hundred miles of navigable river, leading to 1,200 miles of lake shoreline.

Martinsville

Martinsville, Virginia, is well known for NASCAR racing at Martinsville Speedway, but there are many other ways to get your heart pumping in this small town in southern Virginia.

Pleasure boaters and paddlers will love exploring nearby Philpott Lake. Hidden waterfalls, scenic rock outcrops, eight campgrounds, six beach areas, nine boat launches, and three islands are among the gems you can find along the lake’s 3,000 acres and 100 miles of shoreline. Fishing includes walleye, smallmouth bass, carp and largemouth bass. 

Deer Island, the largest of the three islands, offers nightly campsite rentals that are only accessible via boat. The Smith River Trail System includes a 44.5-mile section of the Smith River and 10 river access points, as well as 20+ miles of greenway. Leisure cyclists can bike the paved 4.5-mile Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail.

• Hang: Hamlet Vineyards; Two area festivals are perfect for music and outdoor lovers - Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival and The Smith River Fest.
• Eat: Hugo's Uptown Restaurant & Sports Bar; Dippers Ice Cream; 3rd Bay
• Stay: Philpott Campground; Fairy Stone State Park; area B&Bs.
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: Smith River Outfitters

Insider Tip: Two area festivals are perfect for music and outdoor lovers—Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival and The Smith River Fest.

Floyd

Most notably known for the Friday Night Jamboree, art studios, and free-spirited locals, Floyd may not seem like a spot for outdoor lovers. But travel just a few minutes out of town along the Blue Ridge Parkway and you’ll see Floyd is just as rich in outdoor opportunities as it is in music and art.

This is especially true at Buffalo Mountain (elevation 3,971 feet), one of Virginia’s hidden outdoor gems. If the summit’s panoramic views aren’t impressive enough, then the unique environment of the mountain is—a treeless summit provides sub-alpine vegetation reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains and the south face of the mountain contains grassy, prairie-like openings more typical to the Midwest.

Even more, nearby Rocky Knob Recreation Area offers access to the 10.8-mile Rock Castle Gorge trail, which descends over three miles into the backcountry camping area in the bottom of the gorge before the 7.3-mi ascent back out. It’s a strenuous climb, but the thick mountain foliage, stream, and high open meadows make it worth the effort. For those looking for a leisurely activity, arrange a float on the Little River with On The Water in Floyd, a local outfitter offering guided trips, fishing excursions, boat rentals, and primitive camping.

• Hang: Floyd Country Store, Five Mile Mountain Distillery
• Eat: Wood-fired pizzas at Dogtown Roadhouse, elevated Southern cuisine at Chateau Morrisette
• Stay: Hotel Floyd, Oak Haven Lodge
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: On the Water, New River Fly Fishing

Front Royal

A small town gem in the Shenandoah Valley, Front Royal is home to the northern entrance of Shenandoah National Park and is known as the “Canoe Capital of Virginia” because it’s situated near the junction of the North Fork and the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Several area outfitters make canoe rental easy and Shenandoah River State Park offers the best of river access and scenic mountain views. Go underground for geologic wonders at Skyline Caverns or take in the beauty of the Valley on horseback at Marriott Ranch.

Get a bird’s eye view of the mountains and rivers with Blue Ridge Hot Air Balloons. Hike or camp in the George Washington National Forest in Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area.

• Hang: Chester Gap Cellars, Glen Manor Vineyards, Linden Vineyards
• Eat: Apple butter cinnamon donuts at The Apple House, lunch and all-day breakfast at The Daily Grind, Spelunkers for burgers and shakes, The Main Street Mill Restaurant for classic American eats
• Stay: Many small motels, chain hotels, and area rental homes and cabins
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: Front Royal Canoe, Downriver Canoe Company 

Marion

With a population of about six thousand residents, Marion is a small Southwest Virginia mountain town with easy access to Hungry Mother State Park, one of Virginia’s original six state parks. If scenic drives are more your speed, don’t miss the Back of the Dragon, a scenic 32-mile mountain drive with more than three hundred curves perfect for motorcycles and sports cars.

• Eat: Pub eats at The Wooden Pickle, Dip Dogs for corn dogs and ice cream
• Stay: Cabins and camping at Hungry Mother State Park, General Francis Marion Hotel
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: Hungry Mother Outdoor Adventures

Insider Tip: Catch a live performance of traditional Appalachian music at The Lincoln Theatre, one of three existing Art Deco Mayan Revival-style theaters in America.

Abingdon

Abingdon is a southwest Virginia town that’s a perfect hub for adventure. Within an hour of town, there are dozens of options for day trips to area lakes, rivers, trails, and parks.

The Virginia Creeper Trail—a 34-mile rail-trail that is considered one of the best bike trails in the nation—is a must-visit. Set up an excursion with a local outfitter offering bike rentals and shuttle service to Whitetop Station inside Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Here begins the 17-mile gradual downhill bike ride to Damascus. Pack your fly rod, too, as Whitetop Laurel Creek, one of the best fly fishing streams in Virginia, runs alongside the Virginia Creeper Trail.

After a day outdoors, treat yourself to a spa treatment, a soak in the hot tub, or a swim in the heated indoor pool at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa, a luxurious and historic 4-star hotel in a beautiful 1830s property. Hotel guests can take advantage of The Martha’s shuttle van to Damascus, too.

• Hang: Sweetbay Brewing Co., Barter Theatre, Abingdon Vineyards
• Eat: Juice and grab-and-go snacks at White Birch Juice, classic eats at 128 Pecan, The Tavern, casual fare at Rain Restaurant, The Peppermill Restaurant for comfort food
• Stay: The Martha Washington Inn & Spa, Creeper's End Lodging, area B&Bs
• Outfitters & Gear Shops: Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop, Virginia Creeper Fly Shop

Want more suggestions for outdoor fun in Virginia? Check out our picks for Virginia mountain towns and nine vacation ideas for lovers of the outdoors.