Instagram-Worthy Views in the Alleghany Highlands

Instagram-Worthy Views in the Alleghany Highlands

Falling Spring Falls

This 80-foot, show-stopping waterfall radiates beauty year-round. The mountain backdrop is especially precious after a spring rain or during peak fall foliage. Then-governor of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson, visited the Falls in the 1700s and wrote “The only remarkable cascade in this country is that of the Falling Spring.”. The falls are located off of Highway 220 in Alleghany County, just five miles north of the city of Covington. The property has had extensive renovations to the overlook and grounds so that visitors can more safely stop and enjoy the view. The “hike” from your car to the overlook is only about 0.1 miles over steady terrain and is handicap accessible. 

Humpback Bridge

The Humpback Bridge, built in 1857, is believed to be the oldest covered bridge of its kind remaining in the United States. Spanning over 100 feet long with a center four feet higher than either end, there’s no mystery why it’s called “Humpback Bridge.” Near the bridge is a LOVEworks sign made of historically significant materials: the L is made of historic bricks from the area, the O is a repurposed gear from one of the machines at the WestRock Mill, the V is uniquely made of the silhouette of a tree, and the E is from old railroad ties that represent the significance of the railroad in the local area. A recent storm caused the sign’s “V” to fall, but restoration efforts are currently underway. With picnic tables, benches, a LOVEworks sign (and more!), Humpback Bridge is the perfect, quiet spot to take some flicks. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening in solitude or a family picnic, Dunlap Creek’s gentle waters and the bridge’s original wood panels cultivate the perfect vibe for any moment. P.S., this picturesque spot is just out of the way as you’re coming back into Covington from Falling Springs, so you have no excuse to miss out on it!

North Mountain (Pete’s Cave)

The North Mountain Trail offers some of the most rewarding views in the county. As you crest the ridges, you’ll see sweeping views of the Alleghany Highlands’ mountains and valleys, perfect for wide angle shots.  From the beginning, the North Mountain Trail at Tri-County Rd. travels approximately 8.6 miles through terrain that varies in elevation from 1,700 to 3,200 feet. A panoramic view of Lake Robenson and nearby Lexington, Va appears approximately 8 miles from the trailhead. Want to skip the hike? You can access the North Mountain Overlook with only .11 of hiking by taking Exit 35 off of Interstate 64, traveling west along Route 269 to State Route 770. From there, take a left and go 4.1 miles to the top of the mountain where the parking lot will be on the right. 

Five LOVEworks Signs

The Alleghany Highlands is home to five unique LOVEworks signs that were created with the region’s culture, personality, and love in mind. The newest installation, located in Clifton Forge at the Masonic Theatre’s Amphitheatre (513 Church Street), is complemented by wildflowers, a “little library”, and a charming footbridge that crosses Smith Creek. Each five-foot-tall letter represents a different aspect of Clifton Forge: L represents the thriving arts community, O honors the local railroad heritage, V symbolizes the value placed on education, and E stands for the area’s breathtaking views and outdoor recreation. The other four unique LOVEworks signs in the Alleghany Highlands can be found at Blue Spring Run Farm, nestled among blooming fields of lavender; the Visitor’s Center, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by their friendly staff; historic Humpback Bridge, where each letter reflects a part of the region’s story; and along Main Street in Covington. Covington Main Street’s LOVE sign is the centerpiece of the new “Pocket Park” (328 W Main Street, Covington VA), a small courtyard in the midst of historic downtown Covington. Each sign celebrates the Alleghany Highlands’ rich history and vibrant culture—see if you can snap a photo with them all!

Douthat State Park 

Douthat State Park is one of the most visited parks in Virginia, and there’s no wonder why. With over 40 miles of hiking trails, a 50-acre lake, and a perfect trout stream running throughout the park, it’s an obvious vacation destination for anyone looking to chill out. The park has many waterfalls: the 600-foot dam’s spillway, Blue Suck Falls, and the Kids Fishing Area. Blue Suck Falls Trail is 5.8 miles up-and-back and takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete–and the view is worth it. The trail winds through a shaded forest that is accompanied by many small waterfalls on the way up to Blue Suck Falls. The trail has switchbacks and rocky terrain that is popular among mountain bikers, runners, and hikers. Also, dogs love the cool water on this hike!

Though off-limits to adults seeking a new fishing spot, the Douthat Kids Fishing Area features two waterfalls that cascade into a large, trout-stocked pool. Framed by mountain views and tranquil waters, it’s the perfect spot to snap a photo of your child’s first catch or to just take in the atmosphere. While the Kids Fishing area is densely stocked for only youth aged 12 and under, the fifty-acre lake provides ample space for anglers of all ages to cast a line and enjoy the scenery. 

Lake Moomaw

Lake Moomaw, the second largest impounded lake in Western Virginia, was formed by the earthen Gathright Dam along the Jackson River. The lake’s water spans 2,530 acre-feet and is surrounded by limestone cliffs. If you’re lucky, you can snap a picture of one of the bald eagles, kingfishers, and maybe even migrating sandpipers. The water’s depth reaches 152 feet at its deepest, making the bottom layer cold enough for trout year round and its top layers perfect for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, several species of catfish, chain pickerel, and sunfish. Many state record fish have been pulled from Moomaw’s waters. The lake has 43 miles of undeveloped shoreline scattered with multiple beaches, campsites, and hiking trails with Instagram-worthy views.

Smith Bridge on the Jackson River

Smith Bridge once carried a Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad line that brought people from Covington to the Homestead Resort between the 1800s and 1960s. Now that the bridge is no longer a functioning railroad line, it serves as a scenic and peaceful backdrop for graduation, senior, and engagement pictures. Smith Bridge crosses over a particularly vibrant section of the Jackson River, with rustic beams draped in vines and moss-covered floorboards that add to its quiet charm. Here, the river winds through a landscape of open fields, young forests, and towering 150+ year-old sycamores and tulip poplars. Great blue and green herons, wood ducks, belted kingfishers are common bird sightings and painted turtles bask on fallen logs in the shallower water. The bridge is accessible by car via North Smith Bridge Road or by traveling approximately 7.2 miles from the Intervale Trailhead of the Jackson River Scenic Trail.

Beaverdam Falls

Located on a private 65-acre farm in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Beaverdam Falls is on VA SR-311 (Kanawha Trail) in the Sweet Springs Valley. The 40-foot waterfall is at the headwaters of Dunlap Creek and, as the name suggests, has been home to many generations of beavers. The “Stick Marsh” is an active wetland shaped by centuries of hardworking beavers. The travertine rocks and chalybeate waters make the creek a unique habitat for trout and a fascinating site for geology and nature enthusiasts alike. Beaverdam is open to day visits upon reservation or overnight stays in an a-frame, cottage, or all-inclusive tent camping. The best part: pets stay for free! 

Green Pastures

Located within the George Washington National Forest, the beautiful recreation site Green Pastures represents an important aspect of Virginia’s history. Formerly known as Longdale Furnace, Green Pastures was originally built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a recreational site for African Americans during the segregation area but was officially integrated in 1950. Douthat State Park manages the site, honoring its legacy while ensuring its continued use and preservation for future generations. A small Cowpasture River tributary flows through the park and is adorned with wayside picnic tables and small wooden footbridges that cross the creek. The creek is surrounded by luscious mountain laurel, patches of wildflower fields, and a sandy beach, perfect for an opportune photoshoot. 

Jackson River Scenic Trail

With so many spots to snap pictures along the trail, this one might take you a while. The Jackson River Scenic Trail was built along an old railroad bed and runs parallel to the Jackson River. Because of this, the 16-mile trail is incredibly flat and wide with finely crushed gravel that makes it handicap accessible! From the trail, the river is almost always in view along with farmlands, waterfalls, and rugged cliffs. The various foot bridges and picnic tables along the path create perfect backdrops for pictures or places to rest your legs. Popular among bikers, runners, people with physical limitations, and leisurely walkers, this trail has something for everyone.  And, was just named as the top ten “rails to trails” in Virginia by Virginia Tourism.