10 Best Mountain Towns in Virginia

The diversity in Virginia’s geographic regions allowed it to become a state with multiple identities. In the coastal plain, life is defined by access to the ocean or the Chesapeake Bay. In Piedmont, rolling hills and farmlands create incredible pastoral scenes that surround larger towns. Then, as you head west to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Valley and Ridge, and the Appalachian Plateau, you’ll encounter ancient mountain ranges towering over rivers, valleys, and a variety of small towns – many of which have their own unique personalities. attractions and reasons to visit.

“Virginia’s mountain towns remind me of windy roads and endless stone walls—a sense of going back in time,” says Ann Shannon, head concierge at The Clifton, a boutique hotel in Charlottesville. “I also think of eclectic shops, delicious food, the friendliest people and fresh air. It gives me a feeling of peace.”

As someone who grew up in Bedford, a small town at the foot of the Peaks of Otter, I can also vouch for this particular blend of charm, magic and nostalgia. And while fall is a particularly special time to experience it – according to Shannon, the foliage is “unparalleled with bright reds, yellows and oranges running through the mountain ranges” – Virginia’s best mountain towns are filled with year-round appeal Read more continue and discover our expert-recommended favorites.

Charlottesville

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Charlottesville may technically be a city, but it leans more toward a small town than a bustling metropolis. “Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia, is a wonderful college town,” says Shannon. “I love walking the UVA grounds or hiking the Rivanna Trails and the Saunders-Monticello Trail; you can (also) hike spectacularly in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just a short drive from Charlottesville.” After working up an appetite, you’ll be more than ready to fuel up at a neighborhood bistro or grab a bite to eat on a charcuterie board at a local winery. “The restaurants offer incredible culinary experiences, and there are more than 40 vineyards in the area,” she adds.

Harrisonburg

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If you’re traveling through the Shenandoah Valley, which lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Alleghenies, make a stop in Harrisonburg. “This prime location gives you access to most of the outdoor activities you’d want to do in Virginia: hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, paddling, hunting, fishing, off-roading and more,” says Grant Price, a guide with Blue Ridge Mountain Guides. And would you like to know more about exploring the area? He recommends visiting some of Harrisonburg’s many outfitters, including Walkabout Outfitter and Mossy Creek Fly Fishing.

Lexington

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Another college mountain town to add to your list is Lexington, home to the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. “Nestled in the mountains, Main Street welcomes visitors with quaint shops and lovely restaurants, most of which are locally owned,” says Shannon, who recommends staying at The Georges. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to leave time in your itinerary for a performance at the Lime Kiln Theater, an afternoon at Devils Backbone Brewing Company, or a full day of tubing on the Maury River or fly fishing in the nearby streams.

Galax

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Galax, Virginia scores well above average in two areas: music and mountain adventure. Not only is it a stop along “The Crooked Road,” Virginia’s musical heritage trail, but it is also known as the “Old Time Music Capital of the World.” Here, Appalachian music continues to reign supreme, and you can hear it in its many forms at the Blue Ridge Music Center, the Old Fiddlers’ Convention (held each August), and The Rex, a historic theater and live music venue in downtown the city. Galax. Before heading out for a day of hiking or mountain biking along the New River Trail, which has a trailhead in Galax, visit New River Trail Outfitters for last-minute gear or bike rentals.

Damascus

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“Simply put, Damascus is a walking town,” says Price. “In fact, it is one of only three urban centers through which the Appalachian Trail passes.” (Hot Springs, North Carolina and Hanover, New Hampshire are the other two, although this definition depends on understanding trail placement and where it falls in relation to the town.) He also notes that this mountain town is home to the 53.4-mile Virginia Creeper Trail, which many runners, walkers and cyclists use to explore the area between Abingdon and the Virginia-North Carolina border. If you’re in Damascus, be sure to visit the Appalachian Heritage Distillery for a bourbon and enjoy a meal at The Damascus Diner.

Luray

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Those familiar with the state of Virginia may associate the town of Luray with the Luray Caverns, a geological wonder and the largest cave in the eastern US, but there is much more to do in this Shenandoah Valley town. Start your trip by checking into Hotel Laurance, then put in some miles on Skyline Drive. Hiking in Shenandoah National Park is of course a must, as is a quick stop at the Luray Valley Museum and a day of family fun on nearby Massanutten Mountain. During the warmer months, the resort’s outdoor water park provides hours of entertainment with its water slides and wave pool.

Sperryville

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One of the best things about mountain towns is that they can be explored in just a day or two. Take Sperryville, for example. The small destination has two main streets and no stoplights – and it’s the perfect base camp for anyone driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking in Shenandoah National Park. “On a recent visit, I had lunch at the RPK Pizza Kitchen and everything was delicious, gourmet and fresh,” says Shannon. “Right next door is The Corner Store, a luxury supermarket stocking local produce – perfect for some freshly baked bread and a bottle of wine before dinner. Just 10 minutes north is Patty O’s in Little Washington – a real culinary treat.”

Roanoke

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“Roanoke continues to develop into an outdoor hotspot,” Price said. “A shining example is the annual Roanoke Go Outside Festival, which brings together rowers, cyclists, hikers, Frisbee golfers, tree climbers… (and all kinds of) outdoorsmen.” Those looking for a small-town feel within the city should head to historic Grandin Village, a walkable neighborhood with all kinds of boutiques, local restaurants, coffee shops, and live music performances. For travelers looking for a more exciting adventure, Price recommends the “classic sections of the Appalachian Trail like Dragon’s Tooth and McAfee Knob,” the latter of which is one of the most photographed spots on the AT.

Bedford

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Bedford is a small mountain town that holds its own in the world of Virginia tourism. It’s an easy day trip from both Lynchburg and Roanoke (about 20 and 40 minutes, respectively) and the proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains is hard to beat. It’s a short drive to the Peaks of Otter, where hiking trails, picnic tables, and the scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway await. While in town, be sure to stop by the National D-Day Memorial, grab a beer at Beale’s Brewery and shop for local art at Goose Creek Studio.