Things to do in Virginia

Southwest Virginia and the surrounding region offer a variety of cultural, historical, and outdoor attractions. The destinations below are grouped by approximate driving distance from Blacksburg.

On Virginia Tech’s Campus

Hahn Horticulture Garden – A peaceful on-campus garden open to visitors. (Will visit on campus tour)

Smithfield Plantation – An 18th-century plantation home offering insight into early regional history. (Will visit on campus tour)

Duck Pond – A peaceful and scenic pond located across from the Inn at Virginia Tech.

War Memorial Court – The War Memorial Chapel is located at the East end of the Drillfield and features a small chapel.  The upper level of War Memorial Court features the Pylons, one of the most memorable features of Virginia Tech’s campus.  The eight limestone pylons are etched with the names of VT students and graduates who have given their lives in battle starting with World War I.

Huckleberry Trail—15 miles of paved walking trails connecting Blacksburg and Christiansburg.

Within 1 Hour of Blacksburg

Cascades National Recreation Trail – A popular and scenic hiking trail featuring waterfalls and mountain views.

Mountain Lake Lodge – A historic mountain lodge and nature area, known for its views and outdoor recreation, site of the film Dirty Dancing.

McAfee’s Knob—Iconic hiking spot on the Appalachian Trail in Catawba Virginia featuring 270-degree views of the Catawba and Roanoke Valleys.  The 3,200-foot summit features a dramatic rock ledge that is the most photographed site on the Appalachian Trail.

1–2 Hours from Blacksburg

Natural Bridge State Park (Natural Bridge, VA) – A dramatic natural rock formation and Virginia landmark with walking trails and visitor facilities.

Blue Ridge Parkway – A nationally known scenic drive with overlooks, hiking, and picnic areas.

Virginia Museum of Transportation (Roanoke, VA) – Historic locomotives, classic automobiles, aviation exhibits, and hands-on transportation history displays.

Taubman Museum of Art  (Roanoke, VA) – Contemporary and traditional art exhibitions in a striking modern building.

Peaks of Otter (Bedford, VA) – A scenic mountain area along the Blue Ridge Parkway featuring three prominent peaks, a historic lodge, and sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

2–3 Hours from Blacksburg

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Site of the Civil War surrender with preserved buildings, museum exhibits, and guided tours.

Monticello – Thomas Jefferson’s historic home and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – One of the most visited national parks in the U.S., known for hiking, wildlife, and scenic views.

Civil War Battlefields Virginia offers a number of civil war battlefields and related museums to visit.  Most are 3-4 hours from Blacksburg.