Top picks of places to see or things to do in Wise County

In no particular order...

High Knob /Jefferson National Forest

Sight seeing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and hunting...



High Knob Observation Tower


High Knob Observation Tower, at an elevation of 4,162 feet, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the mountains of Southwest Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia and North Carolina. The octagonal tower, built in a clearing atop the mountain, has a fieldstone base level and two wooden levels circled by observation decks. Mountain ranges in the distance are visible for miles. Two trails are marked with yellow paint at the tower entrance. A 1.3 mile trail leads to High Knob Lake at the Recreation Area. Or for the more adventuresome, a 19.2 mile trail leads Hanging Rock Recreational area on the Mountain Fork Trail.



High Knob Recreational Area


In Wise County, 7 miles S of Norton. 1 dbl./13 single sites, no hookups, waste disposal station, flush toilets, central water hydrants, 300' swimming beach on 4 acre cold water lake.

Benges Rock


Ancient Indian prayer site named after the last warrior of any consequence of the Cherokee Nation



Though their tactics were objectionable, Benge and the Chickamaugas were lashing out against a force that rendered them all but powerless. Their freedoms and possessions were gradually taken away so that didn’t even notice until it was too late. A violent uprising was all they had left after broken treaties and back room deals had stolen their livelihood.

Flag Rock Recreational Area

From the City of Norton, Flag Rock can be seen as a rock outcrop capped with an American Flag, thus the name "Flag Rock". The recreation site sits over 1,000 feet above the City's elevation of 2,350 ft. The site offers twenty-five acres of recreation area with spectacular views, hiking trails, a fishing area, playground equipment and 18 camping slots. Bath houses have hot and cold water. Two large shelters and several smaller ones are available for picnicking. There are over 50 picnic tables with grills. Primitive camping is also available. Tow large shelters are available by reservation only, for a fee of $40.00 per shelter. Camping sites with electricity are $12.00 per site, per night. Camping site without electricity are $10.00 per site, per night.






Guest River Gorge Trail





Red Fox Trail Pound, VA



Powel Valley Overlook







Southwest Virginia Museum Big Stone Gap, VA

Four-story mansion contains exhibits dealing with life in Southwestern Virginia during original coal boom of the 1890's; also Native Americans of the area and early pioneers.


Trail Of the Lonesome Pine Drama/June Tolliver House



Festivales and Rallies

Best Friend Festival - Norton - June
Clinch River Days - St. Paul - June
Coal/Railroad Days - Appalachia - August
Guest River Rally - Coeburn - Labor Day Weekend
Home Craft Days - Big Stone Gap - October
Pound Heritage Days - Pound - May
Wise County Famous Fall Fling - Wise - October

Virginia-Kentucky Fair and Horse Show

Wise County Fairgrounds Wise, VA 24293

Good old fashioned county fair with midway rides, food, live music, horse show, beauty contest, ATV and Motocross races and exhibit center. Event time may vary for each day.