See the eighth wonder of the world, and the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River. Listen for the faint voices of our rich musical heritage and visit the birthplace of country music legends, the Carter Family at Hiltons and bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley on Sandy Ridge. Visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum to see a history of Appalachian Music and the efforts to preserve the musical heritage of our area. Walk along trails such as the newly formed Guest River Gorge that call us back to our past and see rivers that once roared with early settlers and still ring as clearly today. See the beauty of the four seasons unfold in majestic color.
Spring rains bring forth fresh flora, new shades of green and a rainbow of wildflowers.
Summer holds the promise of warm temperatures and gentle breezes for a perfect family outing, hiking or camping trip. Autumn blue skies span the heavens and the mountains show off their coat of brilliant colors only an artist could hope to imitate. When the snows come they provide a fresh blanket of change and can turn the starkness of winter into a wonderland of magic. There is no place on earth that has been so abundantly blessed as the Heart of Appalachia region in southwest Virginia. This 128-mile route, which extends from Burke's Garden in Tazewell County to the Guest River Gorge in Wise County, meanders over some of Southwest Virginia's most breathtaking scenery.