The Scenic Drive In Virginia That Runs Straight Through The Charming Small Town Of Clintwood
By Melanie Johnson|Published August 01, 2023
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Melanie Johnson
Author
I am a nature lover and self-proclaimed foodie wrapped in one package. In my previous life, I was an Accountant, but numbers were boring and writing is the only thing that fuels my soul. So, I write because it's my freedom...it brings me joy. When I'm not writing dope articles for OnlyInYourState, I am writing and editing articles for my online blog on Medium.com. Or, when I get the chance, I am off on a trip with my family chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring the great outdoors. My mantra is to always find the best part of every day and bask in it.
At less than 50 miles long, the Route 611 Cumberland Mountain Scenic Drive through Dickenson County might not sound like too much of an adventure. But what this scenic highway lacks in length it makes up for in attractions. As one of the most scenic drives in Virginia, it’s perhaps our best-kept secret and it has a lot to offer. From mountains to valleys to picturesque overlooks to stunning lakes to natural wonders, and more, you’ll love everything along the way. Plus, it leads to the charming small town of Clintwood, where there is more adventure that awaits. Hop in the car and let’s cruise the open road on this scenic byway in Virginia.
My love for small-town adventures in Virginia has brought me to the Route 611 Cumberland Mountain Scenic Drive.
The winding route will begin at the Breaks Interstate Park and traverse through mountains, rolling hills, and forests and features several attractions along the way.
Though the drive is less than 50 miles including the attractions and should take approximately 2 hours to complete, you'll want to reserve a few hours to guarantee that you witness the best the route has to offer.
Road trip warriors will be delighted by the winding cruise through the Cumberland Mountains. It's an adventure all by itself.
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Since the journey will begin at Breaks Interstate Park, we recommend that you explore the attractions and the sites. Home to the breathtaking Breaks Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the South", this natural wonder is too beautiful for words.
Breaks Interstate Park, 627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA 24607, USA
Tucked inside Pine Mountain, the park offers hiking trails, a waterpark, scenic overlooks, and everything in between. Operated by both Kentucky and Virginia, it's one of the few interstate parks in the country, so we highly recommend it.
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From the park, you'll drive on Route 80 toward the quaint town of Haysi. The downtown square would be a great stop along the way.
It's home to the Flannagan Dam and Reservoir, which is located on Route 611. Completed in 1964, this 1,100-acre V-shaped reservoir is nestled inside a rugged section of the Cumberland Mountains.
Featuring campsites, hiking trails, fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, and more, there is a lot to explore at this scenic lake in Virginia.
After exploring the gorgeous lake, continue on this picturesque drive to Birch Knob Tower. High above the rolling hills, you'll need to drive on an unpaved one-lane road and climb over 150 steps to get to this hidden gem.
Birch Knob Observation Tower, Birch Knob Dr, Clintwood, VA 24228, USA
But once you complete the trek, you'll agree that the reward was worth the journey. The views from this overlook are astoundingly beautiful, no matter if you're witnessing the sunrises or sunsets during any of the seasons. Take some time to bask in all its glory.
After you've marveled at the stunning views, it's time to head into the charming town of Clintwood. With approximately 1,500 residents, this town has everything that I love about small-town Virginia.
Expect to find historical sites, a walkable square with local boutiques, restaurants, and more in this quintessential Appalachian Mountain town.
While in Clintwood, stop by the museums as well as the art center for a unique cultural experience. If you get hungry there are a few restaurants that locals and visitors love. You can't go wrong with Valentino's or La Casa Mexicana.
In addition, outdoor adventure is abundant in this mountain town as it offers several hiking trails, recreational parks, water attractions, and so much more.
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If you would like to extend your time in the gorgeous Appalachian Mountains, there are hotels as well as delightful bed and breakfasts in the area.
There's no doubt that you'll find tons of adventure for a second day of exploration in Clintwood.
Have you ever driven this scenic byway in Virginia? If so, which of the attractions did you explore? And did you visit the charming town of Clintwood? Tell us all about it in the comments below. To learn more about this Virginia Scenic Byway, visit the Cumberland Mountain Scenic Drive website.
Before you hit the highway for your trip, be sure to check out our previous article featuring our choices for the best road trip snacks.
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