2 Must See Spots in Southwest Virginia
This 2 Must-See Spots in Southwest Virginia post has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RoadTripOil #CollectiveBias
2 Must See Spots in Southwest Virginia
We’re officially into the hottest months of summer and I don’t know about you all but sometimes amidst all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s nice to get out of the house and take a road trip to somewhere beautiful. So today I’m sharing 2 Must See Spots in Southwest Virginia that I encourage you to take a road trip for!
Normally a typical road trip would involve driving hours away to reach some exotic location, but I’m lucky enough to currently live in what I believe is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. – Southwest Virginia!
If you’re not familiar with the area, Southwest Virginia has the most beautiful scenic mountains, breathtaking views, and is home to the Clinch River, one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world. From the hiking trails, ATV riding, river attractions, friendly and welcoming people, and one-of-a-kind restaurants and breweries, it’s hard not to fall in love with SWVA.
In addition to today’s 2 Must-See Spots in Southwest Virginia, I’m also sharing some of my other favorite spots in the region at the end of this post!
Prepping for the Perfect Roadtrip
Although both of these spots are less than an hour and a half away from me, I always like to make sure our vehicle is in great shape before hitting the road. That means getting an oil change at my local Walmart’s Automotive Care Center.
It’s so convenient to drop off my car while shopping for all our favorite snacks and drinks for the road. I also love that I can choose which oil I want used in my vehicle and both my husband and I are huge fans of the Pennzoil Platinum®: Full Synthetic Motor Oil with PurePlus™ Technology.
Pennzoil Platinum helps clean out all the sludge that lesser oils leave behind, and it’s the perfect solution for our newer vehicle. Another great option for vehicles with over 75,000 miles is Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, which helps reduce leaks and oil consumption.
Both Pennzoil products are great for keeping engines running strong! To check out the current rollbacks at your local Walmart’s Automotive Care Center, head here.
2 Must See Spots in Southwest Virginia
Now- onto two of my favorite spots that you don’t want to miss while visiting Southwest Virginia!
Breaks Interstate Park
Renowned as the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi, and often called “The Grand Canyon of the South”, Breaks Interstate Park is quite literally one of the most beautiful places on this earth. Covering over 4,500 acres, this bi-state park sits mostly in Southwest Virginia and partially in South Eastern Kentucky.
The main attraction, known as Breaks Canyon, is five miles long and up to 1,600 feet deep. Trails located throughout the park will lead you to various overlooks where your breath will be taken away from the beauty.
The park now boasts several amenities including a restaurant and conference center, waterpark, campgrounds, cabins and cottage suites, and amphitheater area where local bluegrass musicians frequently perform. Check out the website over here for more information.
Devil’s Bathtub
The Devil’s Bathtub located in Scott County, Virginia is a breathtaking pool of blue-green water in the shape of none other, a tub. Surrounded by swirls of sandstone and beautiful rocks, it’s hard not to be taken aback by all of the beauty.
Don’t let the name fool you though- the waters are ice cold and after a long-hike in the summer months are the perfect thing to take a refreshing dip in!
The trail itself is 3.6 miles total and while not overly difficult, requires caution when crossing the rocks and river area. I recommend wearing comfortable, water-proof shoes and be prepared to get a little wet. Myself, my husband, and our two boys ages 5 and 7 hiked the trail just fine, although I wouldn’t recommend it for children much younger than that simply because it takes about 2 hours on pace. I found this website to be helpful in providing guidance on the hike.
At the end of the trail, you will see a large swimming hole which most people mistake for the tub. Instead, keep going another 200 feet by carefully climbing the bank side to the right. You’ll quickly notice a large tub and alas, you’ve arrived!
The water is absolutely gorgeous and the shape of the pool is so unique!
As mentioned above, these two spots are just too beautiful not to visit! And in case you’re feeling adventurous, here’s some other places to visit while in the Southwest Virginia area!
In Russell County:
In Lee County:
In Wise County:
In Tazewell County:
Hope you enjoyed today’s post as I shared some beautiful spots in my neck of the woods! Have you ever visited or would you like to plan a visit to the area? Let me know in the comments!
P.S. Before your next road trip, don’t forget to stop by Walmart Automotive Care Center for an oil change with Pennzoil! Head here to find a store near you!
Thanks for stopping by!- Cara
These mountains are beautiful! Such great views. I didn’t know Virginia had any of this.
Thank-you! It’s truly a blessing to wake up to these views everyday. So pretty! 🙂
I love your photos and your blog. You are such a beautiful and positive spirit. Keep sharing your light 🙂
Aw thanks so much Stephanie! So sweet! 🙂
Devil’s bathtub!!! That is so cool how over time the water has created those curvy layers. I live in Raleigh and have really on been to Richmond in VA. A mountain trip may be in order.
Burly + Puff
http://www.burlyandpuff.com
You should definitely stop by on the way up next time! It’s a beautiful area! 🙂
How fun and pretty! Everything is so green!!
Thank-you! It’s even prettier in the fall when all the leaves change colors! 🙂
I used to live in NC, so I am well aware of the beauty of southern Virginia! This post totally makes me want to take a roadtrip to that part of the country again. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the heads up on the Pennzoil rollback at Walmart right now! #client
Thanks! You definitely should check these spots out! They’re beautiful! 🙂
omg such stunning places!! i love hiking to mountain tops! your photos are so beautiful!!
Thanks so much! 🙂
My sister is moving to Virginia for grad school and I can’t wait to share these places with her!
Yes, please do! Hopefully she’ll love it!
I have been hit by the wanderlust bug lately this summer. I’ve been on 2 different hikes and found that i actually love it! I even scaled a mountain wall with a rope! A rope! I am adding these destinations to my travel list.
Ah so cool! You’ll love both of these!
My husband asked me to visit Virginia, I’ve never been there but he said it’s beautiful. The photos are gorgeous and I can’t wait to be there.
It is gorgeous! The hikes and scenery are breathtaking!
I’d love to go to the Devil’s Bath Tub! It looks beautiful and I love the name. ?
Thanks Crystal! It was really neat!
i want to go!! I’ve heard such great things about Virginia!
It’s beautiful!
Great Article. We have never been to Breaks as long as we have lived in Russell County and never have been to Devils Bath Tub either. Love the pictures.
You all should definitely go! The trails are really short and easy to walk in the breaks.
So beautiful! Looks like an amazing trip.
Thanks Lynn! It was!
wow! stunning views. what a hidden gem.
Thanks Cate! It’s beautiful!
How beautiful! The views from the park are breathtaking. Makes me want to visit!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Thank-you! You’d love it! The trails in the park are very short and easy to walk and it’s beautiful to see all the overlooks.
I love how you included other places to visit as well. I haven’t been to southwest Virginia but I will add it to my list! Great job on this post, Cara!
Thank-you! We might be moving to another state, but SWVA will always hold a place in my heart. It’s small towns in the mountains but oh so beautiful.
Oh my gosh, these are beautiful places!
Thanks girl!
How gorgeous are those views! We’ve talked about stopping off and exploring VA the next time we road trip it up to CT to see family <3
Green Fashionista
There’s beautiful hikes and scenery for sure! 🙂
I have not been to the fine state of Virginia since I was a little girl. There’s so much beauty to behold there and I absolutely love your pictures!
Thank-you! You definitely should plan a visit soon. It’s absolutely beautiful! 🙂
I used to live in Bedford County, VA and it looks a lot like this. That Devil’s Bathtub though – looks tricky to climb out of! ?
We’re down at the far southwest end of the state (near the Tn border). Most people just swim in the tub! 🙂