Summer Starts Here: May in Virginia’s Alleghany Highlands
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Summer Starts Here: May in Virginia’s Alleghany Highlands
There’s something about May in Virginia’s Alleghany Highlands that feels like a beginning.
The mountains are fully awake again. Lush, green, and stretching toward long, warm days. The rivers run clear and steady. Trails dry out just enough to invite you a little farther. And everywhere you turn, there’s a sense that something is about to happen.
Because it is.
May is not just another month here. It is the start of summer.
Where the Season Begins: On the Water
If there is one place to feel May come to life, it is along the water.
The Jackson River flows cool and clear, creating some of the best fly fishing opportunities in Virginia. Whether you are experienced or trying it for the first time, there is something special about stepping into a quiet stretch of river and casting into the rhythm of the mountains.
Not far away, Lake Moomaw begins to shift into summer mode. Calm mornings turn into full afternoons on the water. Boating, paddling, swimming, or simply taking in the views of one of Virginia’s most scenic lakes.
For a slower pace, the Alleghany Highlands Blueway offers peaceful stretches perfect for floating, kayaking, and exploring at your own speed.
Trails, Rides, and Mountain Air
By May, the trails are ready.
The Jackson River Scenic Trail stretches 16 miles through the heart of the region. It is a ride or walk that feels as scenic as it is accessible. You can start your morning outdoors and end it in one of the region’s welcoming downtowns.
For those looking for a challenge, the mountains deliver.
The Middle Mountain Momma mountain bike race returns to Douthat State Park on the first Sunday in May. Riders from across the region take on trails that are widely considered some of the best in Virginia. Even if you are not racing, it is an exciting time to experience the energy and beauty of Douthat.
Cyclists will also take on one of the region’s most iconic road races with the Agony in the Alleghanies Gran Fondo. It is a challenge that draws participants from across the country and showcases these mountains in a way few experiences can.
Moments That Define a Place
Some places you visit. Others stay with you.
In the Alleghany Highlands, a few stops are simply part of the experience.
Humpback Bridge stands as one of the oldest covered bridges in Virginia. A quiet place where time slows down just enough to take it all in.
Just down the road, Falling Spring Falls offers one of the most photographed views in the region. Water cascading 80 feet below with the mountains in the backdrop, creating a moment you will not forget.
These are not just places to stop. They are part of what makes the experience here feel different.
A Season Full of Events and Celebrations
May is when the calendar fills up and the region comes to life in a whole new way.
The first weekend of the month brings energy to Clifton Forge with the Mayfaire event, filling downtown with vendors, music, and activity. Around the same time, the Middle Mountain Momma race adds excitement to Douthat State Park.
As the month continues, the Alleghany Highlands Triathlon challenges participants with a unique course and draws visitors into the community for a full weekend experience.
In Covington, the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration brings music, food, and a lively atmosphere to downtown.
Memorial Day weekend builds even more momentum. The Veterans at the Park summer kickoff event welcomes families and visitors to the Jackson River Sports Complex for a full day of activity.
That same weekend, the C & O Railway Heritage Festival returns, along with the VA250 Out of Many, One Mobile Museum. This traveling experience highlights America’s story in a powerful and interactive way, adding a meaningful layer to the celebration.
Throughout the month, numerous additional events are planned, continuing to round out a calendar that offers something for everyone.
Downtowns That Welcome You In
May brings a renewed energy to the downtowns of Covington and Clifton Forge.
Shops open their doors. Restaurants fill with both familiar faces and first time visitors. Outdoor seating returns, live music picks up, and the sense of community becomes part of the experience.
It is the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon exploring and feel like you have discovered something real.
Stay a Little Longer
If May marks the beginning of summer, it is also the perfect time to turn a visit into a full getaway.
From charming bed and breakfasts to unique stays tucked into the mountains or along the rivers, lodging here becomes part of the experience.
Wake up to mountain views. Step outside to fresh air. End your evening under a sky full of stars.
It is not just where you stay. It is part of why you come.
The Start of Something Bigger
What makes May so special is not just what is happening now. It is what it leads into.
A full season of outdoor adventure. Signature events. Long days on the water and trails.
From the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon in June to summer days at Lake Moomaw and beyond, everything builds from this moment.
And it all starts in May.
Plan Your May Getaway
Whether you are looking for a weekend escape or the start of a summer tradition, there is no better time to experience Virginia’s Alleghany Highlands.
Come for the views. Stay for the experience. And discover why summer starts here.
Plan your trip: visitalleghanyhighlands.com
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