Nature

Mother Nature lavishes both exceptional beauty and a bounty of resources on Southwest Virginia – crystal rivers and streams, hazy blue mountains, cool nights and green valleys. If you want a glimpse of rare species, this is the place to come – we have one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world.

Part of that is our geology. While the New River runs north, most other rivers run south. Prevailing winds bring cool and warm breezes, and northern and southern species thrive side by side. Our ample rainfall buffers climate differences, and microclimates cascade up mountainsides, with the highest resembling Canadian growing conditions.

Explore Southwest Virginia's nature preserves and national and state parks and forests, with thousands of protected acres. Explore our lakes and rivers, from Flannagan Lake to the New River, from the Russell Fork to the Clinch.

But beyond the richness of our biological diversity is the sheer beauty of our countryside, from quiet coves and blue mountains and pleasant valleys to the landmarks and streetscapes of our cities and towns.

Click on the stars on the map to find out more, and plan your visit to scenic Southwest Virginia.