Virginia State Parks
Guided horseback riding tours are available in New River Trail State Park.
Words by Steve Fennell
RVers love to share stories about the interesting places they’ve visited. But among all the tales that are regaled around an RV park’s campfire, it’s often the unexpected, rural communities they ‘discovered’ that garners the most attention.
Wytheville, VA, is one such destination. Virginia in general is a beautiful state with many diverse attractions. From the sacred Arlington Cemetery in the northeast to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, driving through this region offers new experiences with every visit.
The beauty and rich history in the ‘State for Lovers’ extend to the state’s southwest corner in Wytheville (pronounced with-ville). The community was named in honour of George Wythe, a well-respected Virginia lawyer who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and few may realize that it was the birthplace of a former First Lady, it served as a strategic geographical location during the Civil War and is home to the acclaimed Wytheville Training School for African-American children that operated from 1882 to 1952.
Present-day Wytheville is still exciting. Located just off the north- and southbound I-81 and a great stopover for snowbirds travelling to and from more southern destinations, there are a variety of full-service RV parks, not to mention significant historical and natural attractions. Here are five of them to get a journey here in motion, which will no doubt create another new tale to tell around the next RV park campfire.
Virginia State Parks
The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum.
1. The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum
This is the former home of the Bolling family and the birthplace of former First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, the second wife of Virginia-born President Woodrow Wilson. According to whitehouse.gov, the First Lady was often considered the ‘secret president’ and the ‘first woman president’ due to her unusual, significant increasing role in the government after President Wilson suffered a stroke (“although she didn’t initiate programs, make major decisions, or try to control the executive branch”).
Located at 145 E. Main St. right in Wytheville, this is one of only eight historical sites in the U.S. dedicated to a First Lady. It's here where visitors can learn about her insightful and amazing life before, during and after her marriage to President Wilson.
Only limited walk-in and group tours are currently available so it’s best to check hours of operation before visiting.
Wytheville KOA
There are a variety of campgrounds including the Wytheville KOA Holiday.
2. The Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum
Route 21 through Wytheville was once known as the Great Lakes to Florida Highway as it was the primary road to the warmer, southern states, creating a constant flow of travellers through the area. However, following the construction and overlapping of the I-77 and I-81 near Wytheville, Route 21 is now bypassed. To commemorate the significance of Route 21, The Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum – located on 975 Tazewell St. in a 1926 Texaco Gas Station – showcases a variety of exhibits and memorabilia to recognize the significance of this once-popular route. www.wytheville.org
Virginia State Parks
Fishing is popular in New River Trail State Park.
3. New River Trail State Park
Approximately 30 km (about 18 mi) from Wytheville is New River Trail State Park, just one of the areas that prove how beautiful Virginia is. While only primitive camping is available and vehicle access is not permitted at the sites, campgrounds are nearby (the Wytheville KOA Holiday is 20 minutes away), providing the opportunity to enjoy great outdoor day trips.
However, the highlight of this park is the 92 km (57 mi) New River Trail, which follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way, passes through four counties, and runs along the scenic New River for 63 km (39 mi). It’s also registered as the second oldest river in the world that’s estimated to be between 10 and 360 million years old. Popular among boaters, kayakers and canoeists, there are two boat launches for easy water access and fishing is popular for many species of bass, muskellunge, walleye, and channel catfish.
Hiking and mountain biking are just as enjoyable along the river as there are a variety of access points. Skill levels range from easy to moderate. Horseback riding is available out of the park’s Foster Falls Livery and where canoes and bike rentals can also be rented.
Mountain Biking in Crystal Springs.
4. Crystal Springs Recreation Area
Outdoor enthusiasts can further discover the region by visiting Crystal Springs Recreation Area, a 728 ha (1800 ac) forested park located about 6 km (4 mi) south of Wytheville. One of the programs in the park is "Kids in Parks" Track Trails, which is organized by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and created for children of all ages to become further engaged in nature through four self-guided hikes with educational brochures. These can be found on the designated trailheads or even downloaded from www.kidsinparks.com to a smartphone. Simply sign up, go on an adventure and track the discoveries and then receive some great prizes.
One attraction a whole family can enjoy is any one of Crystal’s Spring’s seven trail systems that are roughly 1 km ( about .6 mi) and picnic facilities. Mountain biking trails are another highlight.
Beauty and floral attractions can be found at the Beagle Ridge Herb Farm.
5. Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
Those with a green thumb will appreciate the Beagle Ridge Herb Farm. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the facility spans 85 acres (210 ac) where visitors can stroll among 14 themed gardens owned by Ellen and Gregg Reynolds. Visitors can take pleasure in admiring the various plant species, most notably lavender and specialty herbs, or visit its Flying Flowers butterfly house where there are more herb and perennial collections. To commemorate its 20th anniversary, special events are planned, including various workshops ranging from growing herbs and maintaining pollinator gardens to wreath making and distilling essential oils.
Be sure to visit www.visitwytheville.com for more details and hours of operation.
Unique Wytheville: Who Says Small Towns are not Unique?
If your daily travels lead along W. Main St. in Wytheville, it’s not hard to miss the huge No. 2 pencil in traditional yellow pointing to the sign of the Wytheville Office Supply building. A large paint can is also very noticeable on 130 E. Main St just above the sign of The Paint Store. We’re not entirely sure why these structures exist, but we think we’d be right if it was to grab your attention. Wytheville is also home to Skeeter's World Famous Hot Dogs, which will give even the Coney Island variation a run for its money.