If tiny towns, rushing rivers, and unexpected roadside stops are your kind of adventure, this Highland County road trip belongs on your Virginia bucket list.
Part of its charm comes from its remote setting along the West Virginia border, where quiet backroads and wide mountain views stretch across one of Virginia’s least populated counties.
Along the way, you’ll climb high above the valleys, uncover Civil War stories, cross an old footbridge, and discover places many Virginia travelers drive right past.
Pack some snacks and keep your schedule flexible because the best part of this route is never knowing what might appear around the next mountain curve.
1. Monterey
Monterey, the county seat of Highland County, sits where U.S. Routes 250 and 220 meet, surrounded by winding roads, farms, and forested mountains.
Start your visit with trout tacos, burgers, or meatloaf at High’s Restaurant, then head to Big Fish Cider Co. to sample craft cider made with locally grown apples.
If your trip falls in March, catch the Highland County Maple Festival, where you can tour maple sugar camps, watch syrup being made, and even try maple doughnuts.
With fewer than 200 residents, this small town makes a charming stop and a convenient starting point for exploring nearby trails and countryside attractions.
2. Sounding Knob Fire Tower
Just a 10-minute drive from Monterey, Sounding Knob offers sweeping views of Highland County’s mountains, farms, and thick forests from high above.
You can easily reach the lookout by driving 1.3 miles up gravel Sounding Knob Road, where more than 100 steps lead you to the top of the tower.
It can feel a bit steep if heights make you nervous, but finishing the climb is worth it for a completely different perspective of the surrounding area.
For an extra colorful experience, plan your visit for fall when the mountains glow red, orange, and gold, while spring and summer bring lush green scenery.
3. McDowell & Highland County Museum
After taking in the mountain views, drive about 15 minutes to McDowell, a tiny, beautiful community where local history takes center stage.
The highlight here is the Highland County Museum, which sits inside an 1851 home that served as a hospital during the Civil War Battle of McDowell.
Inside, you’ll find a room dedicated to the battle with a documentary filmed in McDowell, plus local exhibits and artifacts that tell Highland County’s story.
Before leaving, drop by the Sugar Tree Country Store to pick up some maple syrup, apple butter, jellies, honey, and handcrafted gifts for the trip home.
4. McDowell Battlefield
With the museum’s Civil War stories fresh in your mind, drive 5 minutes to McDowell Battlefield, where the battle you just learned about took place on May 8, 1862.
About 6,500 Union troops faced 6,000 Confederates here, resulting in General Stonewall Jackson’s first victory of his famous 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign.
For a closer look, tackle the 1.5-mile hike up Sitlington’s Hill, where the steep slopes help you understand how soldiers moved and fought across the terrain.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, explore at your own pace, and appreciate the scenery surrounding you.
5. Hayfields State Park
From McDowell Battlefield, drive another 15 minutes to Hayfields State Park, where you can explore more than 1,000 acres of Virginia countryside.
Opened as Virginia’s 44th state park in 2025, it sits between Bullpasture and Jack Mountains with forested hills, a river, and a historic 1800s farmhouse.
Once you’re ready to hike, choose from four miles of trails, including the easy Riverside and Bear Pond loops or the tougher Eagles Rest Trail.
For a slower visit, try catch-and-release fishing in the Bullpasture River, have a picnic in the open fields, or bring binoculars to spot deer and songbirds.
6. Mill Run Suspended Bridge
Just a 10-minute drive from Hayfields State Park, the iconic Mill Run Suspension Bridge makes a fun roadside stop and a nice change of pace.
This old-fashioned footbridge stretches about 162 feet across the Bullpasture River, with a narrow wooden walkway suspended above the rushing water by steel cables.
Walk across slowly to take in the quiet setting below, then look for photo-worthy angles of the structure framed by leafy trees, rocks, and wooded banks.
It only takes a few minutes to explore, offering a quick but worthwhile break from the drive before heading to your final destination.
7. Bullpasture Gorge
Last but not least is Bullpasture Gorge, where the Bullpasture River winds through a rugged stretch surrounded by steep mountain walls.
Drive along Route 678 to experience the three-mile gorge, where you can stop at public access areas to watch the rapids or carefully wade along calmer sections.
And depending on when you visit, the scenery can look completely different, with faster water and fresh greenery in spring and bright fall colors in October.
All of these natural sights make this a perfect place to wrap up your drive and look back on everything you experienced across Highland County.
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