Things To Do
Crystal Springs Recreation Area
Crystal Springs is an 1,800-acre recreation area offering hiking, mountain biking, camping, backpacking, picnicking, and a Kids in Parks TRACK Trail just three miles from Downtown Wytheville. The thirteen miles of hiking and mountain biking trails range in difficulty from beginner to advanced. There is a lot of history tucked away in the mountains that make up Crystal Springs. Prior to the Town of Wytheville acquiring the property, families farmed and logged the land. The Short Cut trail and the southern portion of the Boundary trail follow an old wagon road that crossed Lick Mountain. Stories passed through the generations tell of moonshiners using this road to move their product out of the sight of law enforcement. In the 1930’s, the Town of Wytheville purchased the land to preserve the watershed, which flowed to the town, and to build a water reservoir.
Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum
Come visit the birthplace and childhood home of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson. Born and raised in Wytheville, Edith Bolling Wilson is a descendant of Pocahontas and the only Appalachian-born First Lady. As one of only eight historic sites across the country dedicated to the interpretation of a First Lady, the museum tells the story of the overlooked, yet vitally important role Edith Bolling Wilson played in the White House at a pivotal moment during World War I. Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM
Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
Southwest Virginia's premiere Lavender farm. 14 theme display gardens showcase herb and perennial collections. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy tea on the patio and watch the hummingbirds feast on the flowers. The gardens are alive with colorful plants, butterflies and birds. Walk through Flying Flowers, southwest Virginia's only walk through butterfly house. Hours: Thurs-Sun 10AM-5PM
New River Trail State Park
From Austinville to Foster Falls you will see the historic New River start moving faster as the river gradient increases creating small riffles and rapids. Along this section of trail, you will travel through a tunnel and 3.6 miles from Austinville you will pass the historic Shot Tower. It will be on the right up on the ridge. Finally, you will arrive at Foster Falls, be sure to check out the class III-IV rapid and picturesque cliffs that make up Foster Falls.
Fort Chiswell Animal Park
Fort Chiswell Animal Park is the largest zoo in Southwest Virginia. The 45 acre zoo is home to animals from six continents and located less than three miles off Exit 80 on I-81/I-77. In the Petting Zoo you'll get the chance to pet and feed goats, llamas, and deer. You can offer peanuts to the monkeys or snap a photo of the zoo's wallaby family. The hands-on fun moves to a whole new level when you board the Safari Bus for a guided ride through the Outback. The Safari Bus Tour is the highlight of the Fort Chiswell Animal Park experience and brings you nose-to-nose with camels, zebra, ostrich, antelope, buffalo, and more! Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM