Hometowns of the Clinch
The Clinch is home to a number of increasingly vibrant communities. The region has a rich heritage and this most recent transformation testifies again to the bounty of the region. Visit. Get to know some of the good people along Virginia’s Hidden River.
Tazewell
At the headwaters of the Clinch, the Town of Tazewell’s
historic architecture and mountain heritage complement
a relaxing outdoor experience. Boat, paddle or fish at
either Cavitt’s Creek or Lincolnshire Park and visit Crab
Orchard Museum’s Pioneer Park to experience stories of
the region’s early settlement.
Honaker
Lewis Creek passes through Honaker prior to meeting up
with the Clinch. Cyclists on the TransAmerica Trail know
the Redbud Capital of the World for its easy hospitality,
in stark contrast to the physical punishment of Big A
Mountain. And for drivers, it’s hard to pass this compact
community without wanting to stop, take a walk through
the downtown listed on the VA Register of Historic Places, and enjoy a home-style meal at one of several restaurants.
Cleveland
Explore a broad and gentle section of the Clinch in this
Russell County community. Once the center for the movement of livestock, lumber, and coal, Cleveland is now a quiet hamlet surrounded by natural treasures. Sit on a mossy rock by a waterfall. Learn about the globally rare plant species protected nearby. Listen to traditional music at a riverside park. Cleveland is a perfect place to launch or end a day of great paddling.
Dungannon
It’s easy to see why land-seeking Scots-Irish and English
immigrants settled on this broad flat stretch along the Clinch in Scott County. For outdoor lovers, it’s a good choice for a day visit. Launch or take out here on your floating adventure. Enjoy the community and showmanship at Scott County Horse Park. Or, travel the Dungannon and Clinch River Driving Tour and learn more about the area.
A moving river experience flows throughout the Town of St. Paul. This ecological and commercial hub is at the geographic center of the Clinch in Virginia and offers hiking trails, summertime tube floats, kayaking, off-road recreation, and a riverside disc golf course. But it’s okay to sit still too; perhaps after a hike on Bluebell Island or atop Sugar Hill, while bird watching at Wetlands Estonoa, or over a cup of coffee in a local restaurant. Market Square is abuzz on Wednesday and Saturday with the Farmers’ Market in season. There's lots to love in St. Paul where it's alway a great day!
St. Paul
Cedar Bluff
A restored gristmill nestled among the hills where Indian
Creek meets the Clinch is just one of the great photo
opportunities in Cedar Bluff. For more, hike to the top of
Overlook Trail, study the unique geology of The Cut, or
quietly watch for wildlife in a riverside park. Get to know
the Clinch even better; ask a local resident for directions
to the swimming hole.
Richlands
Even the pronunciation of the name of this Tazewell
County economic hub stresses the importance of the nat
ural resources, rich-LANDS, indeed! From coal boom
town to cultural center along the Clinch, Richlands offers
a unique look at late 19th century architecture and several dining opportunities. Stretch your legs along the Town of Richlands’ Williams Field greenway path and let the young explorers loose at the Critterville Playground.
The Clinch River Valley Initiative (CRVI) is a pioneering effort to invigorate local economies in the coalfields of Southwest Virginia, focusing on the Clinch River. Building on a vision for the Clinch River Valley, five action groups are currently developing substantial actions around five goal areas as part of the Initiative. By 2020, the Clinch River Valley will be a global destination based on its unique biodiversity, natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor opportunities. This collaboration will bring measurable economic, environmental and social benefits to the region’s communities while protecting the Clinch’s globally rare species.
This information was provided by the Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority. For more information about this and much more, visit HEARTofAPPALACHIA.com or call 276-762-0011.