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View from Big Walker Scenic Byway While most travelers journey to Wytheville on Interstates 77 & 81, there are some beautiful drives that are refreshing alternatives to leisurely enjoy some scenery.

Winding through mountains steeped in history, the Big Walker Mountain National Forest Scenic Byway is a drive of natural beauty and legend. The byway passes through 16 miles of some of the area's most scenic land where year around beauty can be found. Easy on and off accessibility from Interstate 77, makes this an ideal detour on a traveler's journey. From the glistening frozen tree-tops in winter to the blanket of spring and summer flowers to the breathtaking fall foliage, visitors will find spectacular seasonal views. Those enjoying outdoor recreation will also find a wealth of camping, hiking, hunting, and picnicking opportunities in the Jefferson National Forest along the byway. History and legend can be found in these mountains, from Civil War battles to historical figures, stop at the roadside markers and learn more. Numerous hiking trails provide fresh air and interesting plants, flowers, and foliage. Many of the area's best sites on the Virginia Birding Trail can be found on this byway. From the 100-foot observation tower at Big Walker Lookout, you can have a bird's-eye view of the beauty of the Blue Ridge and you can step back in time with an adventure at Virginia City Gem Mine & Museum.

From easy to moderate to challenging, there are several hiking trails for all ages to enjoy. Ranging from under one to five miles, these include Monster Rock Trail, Polecat Trail, Seven Sisters Trail, and Tract Fork Trail. The trails showcase the beauty of the Jefferson National Forest and have interesting stories to go with their names and heritage.

To access the Big Walker Mountain National Forest Scenic Byway and other scenic byways, refer to the map on page 20-21. These loop drives are designated in special colors for easy accessibility.

The 57-mile long New River Trail & State Park follows an abandoned railroad bed along New River and provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreational experiences. With a diversity of habitats, many types of vegetation and wildlife can be observed. Activities include hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, canoeing, tubing, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, and camping.

Yellow Flame Azalea on Monster Rock Trail FISHING BRACKENS TROUT HATCHERY 238 Berea Road, Wytheville, VA 24382; 276-228-7836; Flat fee fishing, fish by the pound, stream fishing for trout. Free tackle available, and no license needed. See ad page 16. CEDAR SPRINGS FISH FARM I-81, Exit 60; Trout Farm Road; Rural Retreat, VA 24368; 276-686-4505; Scenic 500-acre working trout farm with fishing, hiking, picnicking. CEDAR SPRINGS SPORTSMAN LODGE I-81, Exit 60; 5185 Cedar Springs Road; Rural Retreat, VA 24368; 276-686-4505, Trophy trout fishing; 110-acre expanse for hikers, archers, spelunkers. RURAL RETREAT LAKE & CAMPGROUND I-81, Exit 60; Rural Retreat, VA 24368; 276-686-4331; Trophy Fishing - Muskie, Northern Pike, Bass.

HIKING TRAILS MONSTER ROCK TRAIL Route 52 north for 13 miles to the crest of Walker Mountain. Length of trail is .75 mile and is of moderate difficulty. SEVEN SISTERS TRAIL Located along the Big Walker National Forest Scenic Byway near the Stony Fork Campground. It begins on State Route 717 about 1.25 miles from Exit 47 of I-77. The trail is 4.8 miles long and is of moderate difficulty. Seven Sisters trail is known for its variety of terrain. NEW RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK 176 Orphanage Drive; Foster Falls, VA 24360; 276-699-6778. The New River Trail State Park, Virginia's longest linear state park, winds 57 miles along the New River, with approximately 20 miles of the trail in Wythe County. The park is a multi-use trail ideal for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding, as well as camping, canoeing and fishing in an historic and unspoiled area. The trail passes through such historic Wythe County villages as Ivanhoe, Austinville and Foster Falls. The headquarters for the trail is located at Foster Falls just off U.S. Route 52. Location: There are access points to the trail at Ivanhoe, Fries, Galax, Cliffview, Draper, Pulaski and Foster Falls. BIKES - CANOES - KAYAKS - RAFTS - TUBES NEW RIVER ADVENTURES, INC. Located off U.S. Route 52; Foster Falls, VA; 276-699-1034; Camping and fishing supplies, bike accessories, snacks and drinks. Mechanic on site. Guided trips. BLUE CAT ON THE NEW 2800 Wyser Hwy, Draper, VA 24324, 276-766-3729, bluecatonthenew.com, bluecat@ls.net. Canoe & kayak rentals, guided tours, shuttle service, instructions, fishing pontoons, tipis for rent. From I-81, take the VA 100 S, exit 89A. From I-77, take exit 14 toward Hillsville on 58W. Turn left on Hwy 221N, then left on Hwy 100 N. GOLF DRAPER VALLEY GOLF CLUB Located off Interstate 81, Exit 86 or 89B in Pulaski County. Follow the service road to the main entrance. 540-980-4653. One of the finest public golf courses in Virginia! GALEWINDS GOLF COURSE Located off Interstate 81/77, Exit 77, Wytheville, VA. Par 3 golf course, driving range (lit at nite), 276-228-7719. POOLS McWANE POOL 140 W. Monroe St., Wytheville, VA 24382; 276-223-3316 Open daily Memorial Day thru Labor Day. RURAL RETREAT LAKE & CAMPGROUND 276-223-6022; Jr. Olympic Pool - Open daily Memorial Day thru Labor Day.

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Wytheville Convention and Visitors Bureau

PO Box 533, 975 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, VA 24382

General Office: 276-223-3355 - Fax: 276-223-3443

http://www.visitwytheville.org - cvb@wytheville.org

Toll-Free: 1-877-347-8307

Main Exit: I-81, Exit 70