Virginia
Hiking Scenic Southwest Virginia
Program No. 22828RJ
Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the striking scenery of Southwest Virginia on a hiking adventure that includes Appalachian culture, music and more.
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We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
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800-454-5768
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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Mar 31 - Apr 4, 2025
Starting at
1,159Sep 8 - Sep 12, 2025
Starting at
1,159Oct 6 - Oct 10, 2025
Starting at
1,159Oct 20 - Oct 24, 2025
Starting at
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
5 days
4 nights
11 meals
4B 3L 4D
3
Creeper Trail Hike, Free Time, Barter Theater
Abingdon, VA
4
Channels Hike, Farewell Dinner
Abingdon, VA
5
Program Concludes
Abingdon, VA
At a Glance
Revel in the feeling of freedom as you explore scenic Southwest Virginia by foot. Alongside local experts, discover beautiful stretches of the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Appalachian Trail, state parks and nature preserves. Each hike will have you basking in the breathtaking beauty of trailside mountain streams, lush forests and memorable mountain views.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Activity level varies by date. Outdoor: Spirited dates involve hiking up to 6 miles per day over varied terrain; plan for possibly cold, possibly wet conditions. Outdoor: Challenging dates involve hiking up to 10 miles per day over varied but technical terrain; plan for primitive trailheads and water crossings.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Enjoy hikes led by local experts on the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Appalachian Trail and in nearby state parks and national forests.
- Explore centuries-old architecture and history in the picturesque small town of Abingdon. Now adorned with boutiques, restaurants and galleries, Abingdon was once an important destination among settlers bound for the new American frontier.
- Learn about Appalachian culture and musical traditions while enjoying a private performance by local artists.
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for light exercise, interaction with the local community, a farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event and a value-priced room.
Suggested Reading List
(10 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Hiking Scenic Southwest Virginia
Program Number: 22828
Hiking Through: Finding Peace and Freedom on the Appalachian Trail
After losing his wife to breast cancer, Paul Stutzman decided to make some big changes. He quit his job of seventeen years and embarked upon a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,176-mile stretch of varying terrain spanning fourteen states. During his nearly five-month-long hike, he battled brutal trail conditions and overwhelming loneliness, but also enjoyed spectacular scenery and trail camaraderie. With breathtaking descriptions and humorous anecdotes from his travels, Stutzman reveals how immersing himself in nature and befriending fellow hikers helped him recover from a devastating loss.
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America—majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaining guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way—and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in).
Big Stone Gap
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the tiny town of Big Stone Gap is home to some of the most charming eccentrics in the state. Ave Maria Mulligan is the town's self-proclaimed spinster. She lives an amiable life with good friends and lots of hobbies until the fateful day in 1978 when she suddenly discovers that she's not who she always thought she was. Before she can blink, Ave's fielding marriage proposals, fighting off greedy family members, organizing a celebration for visiting celebrities, and planning the trip of a lifetime-a trip that could change her view of the world and her own place in it forever.
Becoming Odyssa: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail
After graduating from college, Jennifer isn't sure what she wants to do with her life. She is drawn to the Appalachian Trail, a 2175-mile footpath that stretches from Georgia to Maine. Though her friends and family think she's crazy, she sets out alone to hike the trail, hoping it will give her time to think about what she wants to do next. The next four months are the most physically and emotionally challenging of her life. With every step she takes, Jennifer transitions from an over-confident college graduate to a student of the trail, braving situations she never imagined before her thru-hike. The trail is full of unexpected kindness, generosity, and humor
Washington County
Washington County provides an intricate visit to yesteryear, with over 200 historic scenes of this rural region. Highlights include beautiful photos of The Virginia Creeper trains and the communities of Damascus, Meadowview, and Glade Spring.
Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail
Emma Gatewood told her family she was going on a walk and left her small Ohio hometown with a change of clothes and less than two hundred dollars. The next anybody heard from her, this genteel, farm-reared, 67-year-old great-grandmother had walked 800 miles along the 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail. And in September 1955, having survived a rattlesnake strike, two hurricanes, and a run-in with gangsters from Harlem, she stood atop Maine’s Mount Katahdin. There she sang the first verse of “America, the Beautiful” and proclaimed, “I said I’ll do it, and I’ve done it.”
Virginia Highlands
This book highlights the history of the local region, including Wythe, Smyth, Grayson, and Washington Counties.
Prodigal Summer
Prodigal Summer weaves together three stories of human love within a larger tapestry of lives inhabiting the forested mountains and struggling small farms of southern Appalachia. Over the course of one humid summer, these characters find their connections to one another and to the flora and fauna with whom they share a place. Prodigal Summer demonstrates a balance of narrative, drama and ideas that is characteristic of Barbara Kingsolver's finest work
The Virginia Creeper Trail Companion
With photos, historic train schedules, and detailed maps, this guidebook enables the user to understand the Virginia Creeper Trail’s origin as an important railroad. Also included are essays on the region’s geology, trees, wildflowers, fish, birds, and mammals. The combination of the historical perspective and the modern natural science in The Companion will enhance the trail experience for anyone who travels the Virginia Creeper Trail. This book is available at the SWVA 4-H Educational Center to read.
Abingdon, Virginia - Then and Now
This book contains around 200 historic photographs taken over the past century of Abingdon’s many well-known town entities, personalities, and businesses. The Stonewall Jackson Female Institute, Martha Washington Inn, and the Barter Theatre are all included in this beautiful celebration of Abingdon’s heritage.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
5 days
4 nights
What's Included
11 meals (
4B, 3L, 4D
)
1 expert-led lecture
3 expert-led field trips
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
4 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Abingdon, VA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center
Activity Note
Check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Dinner:
In the 4-H Center Dining Hall, we’ll have a buffet dinner.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. in the lower level of the Dickenson Conference Center. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Pinnacle Nature Preserve Hike, Nature Talk, Performance
Location:
Abingdon, VA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center
Activity Note
This hike at the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve will be appropriate for all levels.
Breakfast:
In the 4-H Center Dining Hall, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet. We will also make our own bag lunches.
Morning:
Our first hike will be at the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve in Russell County, Virginia. Located at the confluence of the Clinch River and Big Cedar Creek, the preserve's namesake and centerpiece is the Pinnacle, a dolomite formation rising 400 feet (120 m) above the creek.
Lunch:
At a scenic spot on the trail, we’ll have the bag lunches we made for ourselves this morning.
Afternoon:
We will shuttle back to the 4-H Center with some time to freshen up and relax. Later in the afternoon, we’ll gather in the downstairs level conference room for a nature talk given by a local expert.
Dinner:
Dining Hall buffet.
Evening:
We’ll be joined by local musicians for a concert exclusively for our Road Scholar group.
Day
3
Creeper Trail Hike, Free Time, Barter Theater
Location:
Abingdon, VA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center
Activity Note
Hiking approx. 5-mile walk on a well-groomed, cinder trail with gradual elevation changes.
Breakfast:
Dining Hall buffet. We will also make our own bag lunches.
Morning:
After breakfast we’ll depart for our 5 mile hike along the Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Watauga section. The paths on the Virginia Creeper Trail are through cool forests, stone cliff outcrops, alongside creeks, and over historic wooden railroad trestles.
Lunch:
At a scenic spot on the trail, we’ll have the bag lunches we made for ourselves this morning.
Afternoon:
Return to the 4-H Center for some free time to rest and get ready for evening activities.
Dinner:
Dining Hall buffet.
Evening:
We will ride in to Abingdon and attend a professional theater performance at the renowned Barter Theatre, the State Theater of Virginia. Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment. Founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, it was called the Barter Theatre because so few people had money to spare and could pay the equivalent of 40 cents in bartered goods for admission. Today, it is one of the few remaining professional resident repertory theaters in the U.S. operating year-round.
Day
4
Channels Hike, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Abingdon, VA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center
Activity Note
This hike will be approximately 6 miles in the Channels Natural Area Preserve.
Breakfast:
In the 4-H Center Dining Hall, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet. We will also make our own bag lunches.
Morning:
The first hike will be at the Channels Natural Area Preserve located in Rosedale, Virginia. Walk among the boulders and through the stone mazes tucked in the nearly 5,000 acre Channels State Forest.
Lunch:
At a scenic spot on the trail, we’ll have the bag lunches we made for ourselves this morning.
Afternoon:
Returning to the 4-H Center, the remainder of the afternoon is free. You might like to take a walk around the grounds, go into downtown Abingdon, read a book, or just relax.
Dinner:
We’ll gather in the Dining Hall for our Farewell Dinner.
Evening:
Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning. Enjoy a free evening of relaxation before your departure.
Day
5
Program Concludes
Location:
Abingdon, VA
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Check-out 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
Dining Hall buffet. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
11 Meals
4 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
- Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025
- Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
- Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
- Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 11 Reviews
Sort By:
Loved this hiking experience in a beautiful area of the USA. Experienced two famous trails, the Virginia Creeper Trail and a portion of the Appalachian trail. Very doable.
— Review left September 22, 2024
Gorgeous part of the state. Abingdon is a neat town. Are lots of lots of outdoor activities there.
— Review left September 13, 2024
This was a fabulous trip. The Southwest Virginia 4H Center was a really nice place to stay. The rooms were not fancy but comfortable and clean and we had a great lounge area where we could hang out at night and early in the morning. The employees of the 4H Center went above and beyond to make our stay a great one. I hope to do this trip again and stay a couple extra days at the end of the trip.
— Review left April 13, 2024
When choosing a walking and hiking tour make sure you have an under standing of the description. Elevation hiking consists of rugged terrain with switch backs along with climbing through and over rocks. The under standing of the vegetation that one will be hiking in.
— Review left September 28, 2023
Second time my brother and I have done this particular program and enjoyed it both times. Interesting hikes, yoga classes taught by a good instructor, one night theater, one night dinner at a very well known local restaurant (but the music was too loud for me). Adequate facilities and I thought the food was well prepared at least I always found enough food to eat. Self prepared lunches were quite good. Friendly staff. A good price. 3 levels of hikes each day. A program to consider.
— Review left May 26, 2019
Beautiful country and good hiking. Choose your own pace worked very well on this trip. Food choices are limited and accommodations clean. Town of Abingdon is very near with lots of restaurant options. Barter theatre evening, music program and restaurant outing were pluses that made this trip special.
— Review left May 10, 2019
This Road Scholar hiking trip was wonderful. So many "Wow!" moments like feeling like I had arrived at the top of the world, seeing the wild ponies, hiking to the very unique Channels, and meeting some "through hikers" on the Appalachian Trail. The guides were all great - patient and encouraging. I challenged myself and I'm so glad I did.
— Review left May 10, 2019
The website is set up very nicely. It is easy enough to navigate for somebody like me, who is not completely computer savvy.
— Review left April 30, 2019
If you like to hike in beautiful state parks on well-maintained trails, this trip is for you. With 3 levels of difficulty to choose from, you will find what's right for you. We did one at each level and enjoyed them all.
— Review left April 29, 2019
A wonderful experience for my first Road Scholar program. The Choose Your Pace trip was perfect for not knowing what to expect and having options. Meals were delicious, locally grown and fresh. Daily hikes through beautiful woods trails offered daily sightings of deer and wild flowers - lunch spots on the trail overlooked mountain vistas and lakes.
Two yoga classes, a naturalist talk and a live theater performance rounded out a most enjoyable week.
— Review left April 26, 2019
If hiking in beautiful country with excellent leaders, small group and a choice of difficulty is your thing, consider Hiking Scenic SW Virginia.
It was a perfect program! And the food is wonderful.
— Review left April 20, 2019
