Life is Sweet in Highland County, VA

Located in peaceful mountains on the western edge of the Commonwealth, the area’s outstanding views are matched by the rural charm of its family-friendly experiences, annual events, locally owned restaurants, and serene accommodations. As the least populous county in Virginia, there is room for you. Come discover the great outdoors and enjoy mountain life in Appalachia.

Elevate your travel experience with local attractions. The Sounding Knob Fire Tower is an easily accessible restored fire tower just east of the county seat of Monterey. Climbing over 100 steps will give you a lasting memory of one of the best views in Virginia – and maybe even some wobbly legs!

Virginia’s 44th State Park opened in 2025 and is ready for you. Visit Hayfields State Park, just south of the quaint village of McDowell, for 1,034 acres with fishing access and four miles of hiking and biking trails. Close by, the pristine McDowell Battlefield has a hiking trail with interpretive Civil War signage for a unique outing. Search for 80 colorful wooden squares and the stories behind them along Virginia’s first Barn Quilt Trail. Highland County is also known for its dark, night skies, which makes it one of the best places on the East Coast for stargazing. Discover the area’s rich history with two museums from spring to fall. From handmade crafts to music, immerse yourself in the work of local creative talents, or pursue your own artistic ambitions. Sometimes, the best way to travel is to do nothing – Highland County is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and recharge amidst the tranquil, quiet scenery.

No matter the season, the community features events that are fun for all ages. Since 1959, visitors have been drawn to the area to tour real maple sugar camps for a cultural and culinary adventure at the annual Highland County Maple Festival. In 1999, The Library of Congress designated it a “Local Legacy.” In 2014, the Governor of Virginia signed a bill into law designating the festival as the “official maple festival of Virginia.” Each year, tens of thousands of travelers celebrate the “opening” of the trees and observe the process of maple syrup-making alongside all-you-can-eat pancake meals, artisans, and entertainment during the second and third weekends in March. Later in the year, grab your bicycle to climb over 10,000 feet during the annual Mountain Mama Road Bike Challenge in August. Have fun at the 75th Highland County Fair during Labor Day weekend. Celebrate the beauty and bounty of fall by transporting yourself to working farms full of freshly made apple butter and cider amidst outstanding foliage at the Hands & Harvest Festival in October. Slow your pace, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the holiday season at Wintertide in December. In 2026, various events celebrate America’s 250th anniversary like the 18th Century Trades Fair.

From High’s Restaurant to Big Fish Cider, Highland County offers big eats and great drinks! Stock up on fresh-baked bread, local produce, and meat from nearby farms at The Highland Roots Market. Enjoy American fare from BBQ to local trout to delicious coffee at dining establishments like the Blue Grass Mercantile, Claire’s Cakes & Café, The Curly Maple, the Highlander, or Outpost. Whatever your tastes, Highland County has something fresh and local to satisfy.

Discover a variety of places to stay, from rustic cabins to historic bed and breakfasts to modern Airbnbs. Unique shopping opportunities dot the landscape with locations in century-old general stores and Main Street establishments.

Make your move to Highland County, Virginia!