Scenic routes  › Virginia

Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway

Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway travels around Big Walker Mountain and through George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The mountain was named for the explorer Dr. Thomas Walker who came through the area in 1749 searching for a way into Kentucky. He also discovered the Cumberland Gap and built the first cabin in nearby Kentucky. Staying on the I77 portion of the Byway, the traveler will go through and under Big Mountain using the Big Mountain Tunnel. The US 52 portion of the route will lead travelers to Big Walker Lookout, a 100-foot lookout tower with a 360-degree view of the Appalachian Mountains. Stop by the gift shop, take a hike on the Monster Rock trail, or pack a lunch for the Big Bend Picnic Area. The area’s recreational opportunities include birding, hiking, and fishing. Stop in the Stoney Fork Recreational Area for a night or more of camping. The community of Wytheville on the Route 717 portion was named for George Wythe, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a mentor to Thomas Jefferson. The village of Bland, east of the Route 617 portion offers scenic vistas, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

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