Patrick County: Blue Ridge, Trails, and History

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the western border of Patrick County, offering campgrounds, hiking trails, historic sites, and overlooks. The area also has places where you can experience its landscapes, history, and cultural life in different ways. When planning your trip, it’s worth organizing these experiences around the themes that interest you most.

Trails, Water, and Views

Fairy Stone State Park combines nature with a distinctive geological history: its name comes from the cross-shaped staurolite crystals commonly found in the park. Eleven hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails range from easy to challenging. The lake also offers a variety of activities: you can swim, paddle, and fish there. This lets you make trails or time by the water different focuses of your visit.

For a short outing, the Round Meadow Trail is an easy loop with an estimated walking time of about 20 minutes. It passes under the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge and offers a view of the underside of the structure. In downtown Stuart, the 1.8-mile paved Mayo River Rail Trail follows the route of the Danville and Western Railway; it’s suitable for walking and cycling. There are parking areas at both ends, including accessible spaces. Nearby, the Jamison Mill Trail System offers a different experience: its 6.25 miles of interconnected loop trails are intended for hikers and cyclists.

Nearby, swimming is permitted at designated areas of Philpott Lake, which also has ten public boat ramps. Fred Clifton Park offers views of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains and the Patrick County valley. Lovers Leap Scenic Overlook is right next to it. The restored wetland at I.C. DeHart Memorial Park, with its boardwalk and detailed interpretive panels, offers another way to experience nature.

History in Homes, Museums, and Buildings

Built in 1843, Reynolds Homestead has been restored to its 19th-century condition and preserves many original family furnishings. The grounds include the LEAF Trail. The grounds are open year-round from sunrise to sunset. At the Patrick County Historical Museum, more than two hundred years of county history come to life through objects such as spinning wheels, old photographs, and handmade items.

Architecture and historic sites also tell stories of different chapters in Patrick County’s history. Historic Patrick County Courthouse was completed in 1822 and features characteristics of courthouses inspired by Jefferson. Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge was built in 1914. Laurel Hill is the birthplace of Civil War general J.E.B. Stuart. The grounds at Laurel Hill have paved walking paths and interpretive panels. The Hollow History Center’s historic site includes four log cabins and a picnic shelter.

Motorsports history also has a place in Patrick County. The Virginia Motorsports Museum and Hall of Fame preserves and documents the county’s racing history. It also explains how moonshine production directly contributed to the creation of NASCAR racing. The Wood Brothers Racing Museum is also located in Patrick County; Wood Brothers Racing is NASCAR’s oldest continuously operating team.

Music, Markets, and Seasonal Experiences

You can enjoy music at the Appalachian Acoustic Open Jam at Willis Gap Community Center, held Friday evenings at 6 p.m. and featuring old-time, bluegrass, country, and gospel music. A Civil War encampment is held annually at J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace on the first weekend in October. If you plan to attend one of these events, check the latest dates before your trip.

Markets also offer a glimpse of what’s available locally. Stuart Farmers Market features locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, eggs, meat, crafts, and flowers; the amphitheater hosts music and entertainment. From May through October, the Monday Market at Fairy Stone State Park offers local produce, baked goods, eggs, honey, jams, bread, soap, crafts, and food from vendors on Mondays. You can check the dates for this seasonal market in advance. In the fall, visitor activities at Doe Run Farm include a six-acre sunflower maze, hayrides, pumpkin bowling, and a field where you can pick your own sunflowers. The farm opens each fall for the maze; check the current operating schedule and bloom dates before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Ararat, Woolwine, Floyd, Mecklenburg County, Albemarle, Pittsylvania County, King William County, Mathews County.

For the main travel overview: Virginia.