Journey Round Each Flip in Franklin County, Va.

Calling all path riders, highway cyclists, and journey seekers to Franklin County, Va. Discover an space wealthy in lovely surroundings and tradition within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Get your journey began at Waid Park, a 500-acre park that includes over 16 miles of trails. You’ll experience sections of technical singletrack, river crossings, picket ramps, and rock gardens, plus you may take a look at your talents on a bounce line, driving abilities loop, and extra. Alongside the best way, you’ll encounter energetic farms and the Pigg River Blueway flowing via the park. You’ll be able to even hop on a bit of the Historic Outdated Carolina Street Path, a roadway settlers used within the 1700s. 

Then head out to Jamison Mill Park for an extra 300 acres and 6 miles of interconnected loop trails. Positioned on the sprawling Philpott Lake, you’ll have views for days, plus quick access to a fast quiet down within the water. You’ll be able to even keep on the campground, open from April via October, for straightforward entry to the paths. 

In case you’re on the lookout for a fast jaunt, the 1.5-mile Maurice Turner Path within the charming city of Boones Mill is the proper escape into nature. Or, if highway biking is extra your jam, the Franklin County Freewheelers Bicycle Membership can assist you discover the very best again roads round for picturesque views and difficult climbs. Franklin County hosted the 2023 USA Biking Beginner Street Nationwide Championships in June 2023. Cyclists can experience the Nationwide Championship Course via the hills of western Franklin County and evaluate their occasions to the very best on the earth.

Make your means into Rocky Mount for a cease at one of many many eating, ingesting, and lodging choices. You’ll be able to’t go improper with Rocky Mount Burger Firm or Rocky Mount Smokehouse for some much-needed dwelling cooking and NC-style barbecue. Quench your thirst with native spirits from Twin Creeks Distillery, that includes weekly old-time jams, or with freshly made cocktails from Anastasia’s Speakeasy, and a prohibition-themed expertise. For the historical past buffs, the Booker T. Washington Nationwide Monument and the Blue Ridge Institute and Farm Museum are price a go to. Wind down the day subsequent to Smith Mountain Lake with a live performance at Coves Amphitheater, world-class fishing, and lakefront lodging.