Seekout the perfect picnic spot and get an eyeful of southwest Virginia’smountain-silhouetted vistas with a cruise on the nearly 50-mile MountRogers Scenic Byway. The scenic roadway showcaseswoodland-blanketed slopes, bucolic meadows, and gushing trout streams all whileskirting Whitetop Mountain, the second highest summit in the state. One of the most memorable ways to explore the high-country wilderness of Southwest Virginia is on horseback. The area is also especially conducive to equine escapes. A network of bridle trails includes the 68-mile Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, and you’ll find equine-friendly campsites spread throughout the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. An old-fashioned fishing trip is arguably the best way to spend a warm weather day—even if you don’t get a single bite. Luckily, the chances of coming up empty-handed are slim in Southwest Virginia. The region is loaded with some of the premier fishing spots in the state, from icy trout streams lacing mountain forests to massive lakes. 5. Find the Perfect Picnic Spot Usherin warmer weather, longer days, and the seasonal rotation of flavors inSouthwest Virginia. First peruse the bounty of fresh, locally sourced offeringsavailable at the Abingdon Farmers Market. After the market, head over to the Wolf HillsBrewing Company, which also plays host to a regularentertainment line-up, including everything from live music to trivia nights. 6. Take an Old-Fashioned Fishing Trip 3. High Country on Horseback Blanketedby a generous swath of the Jefferson National Forest, dappled with an eclecticpatchwork of wilderness areas, Southwest Virginia is a veritable backpacker’sbuffet—with plenty to offer trail-lovers after more than a mere day hike.
Two women enjoy reading a book while floating on South Holston Lake near Abingdon, VA on Sunday, June 9, 2013. Copyright 2013 Jason Barnette 10. Hit the Water
Sara Reese, a resident artist, works on a new piece in her studio at The Arts Depot in Abingdon, VA on Friday, October 19, 2012. Copyright 2012 Jason Barnette
A man flyfishes near the weir dam in the South Holston River at Osceola Island near Bristol, TN on Sunday, June 9, 2013. Copyright 2013 Jason Barnette
Lakes are the ultimate warm weather escape—a refreshing dip makes for the perfect finish to a hike, ride, or run. Luckily, Southwest Virginia is not only filled with trails, the region is also scattered with several sprawling lakes. Looking for moving water instead? Southwest Virginia is also braided with runnable rivers. Paddle or float the North Fork of the Holston River with Adventure Mendota, located outside Abingdon. 
8. Hike the Appalachian Trail
A group leader watches as young backpackers admire a wild pony near the edge of Grayson Highlands State Park at Mile 493 on the Appalachian Trail in VA on Sunday, July 29, 2012. Copyright 2012 Jason Barnette InSouthwest Virginia, you can mingle with an array of local artisans—such asmembers of Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia Artisan Network, or the Arts Depot, a community-based gallery for local artists also located in Abingdon.Patronize the performing arts and catch a show at the Barter Theatre, one of the country’s longest-operating playhouses. 9. Coast the Creeper ExploreSouthwest Virginia on wheels on one of the state’s most stunning bike trails.Tracing the route used by the steam locomotives of the Norfolk & WesternRailway, the Virginia Creeper Trail runs 34.3-miles from Abington to Whitetop Station. Outfitterslike the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shopoffer bike rentals and can arrange trail shuttles for riders so you can enjoy aone-way journey downhill. Askalmost any Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and they will tell you the stretch insouthwest Virginia is one of the highlights of the entire 2,190-mile footpath.But the region is not just home to some of the trail’s most stunning scenery,Southwest Virginia is also loaded with backpacker-friendly towns and theirrenowned “trail angels.” 2. Flavors of the Season 1. Head for the Backcountry Southwest Virginia is the perfect place to while away the summer. With the state’s loftiest peaks, expansive wilderness areas, and a large chunk of the massive Jefferson National Forest, the southwest corner of the state is loaded with potential for outdoor adventure. The area is also a cultural hub, offering everything from artisan-fueled markets to legendary performing venues like the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA. 4. Get Artsy Doesyour favorite road-trip buddy have four legs and a tail? The wild spaces ofSouthwest Virginia are ideal for exploring with your favorite outdoor-lovingcanine. Best of all, dogs are allowed in all Virginia State Parks—and SouthwestVirginia is home to several of the most stunning recreation areas in thestate. 7. Dogs Days of Summer 
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