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Floyd Area

About Floyd Area

Floyd County is a mountainous, rural area in southwest Virginia blessed with a convergence of beautiful terrain, hard-working citizens, and skilled artists, musicians, and craftspeople along with a cadre of progressive and inventive business managers. From this mix of natural beauty and creative residents, Floyd County has slowly evolved from a primarily farming community into a popular destination for visitors seeking entertainment, fun, beauty, and relaxation.

Residents are proud of their association with the Blue Ridge Parkway, the popular and dynamic Crooked Road Music Trail, the growing Round the Mountain trail of talented artisans, and the natural beauty created by mountains, hills, valleys, trees, and flowing streams.

With some 40 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway within its borders, Floyd County boasts the longest stretch of the Parkway located in Virginia. The most photographed place on the Parkway, Mabry Mill (Milepost 176), and the highly popular Rocky Knob area with its campground (Milepost 167), picnic area, and hiking trails are also within the County.

Area Visitor Centers

Lodging, Dining, & Things to Do

Stories from Floyd Area

Multicolored fireworks light up the night sky in Gatlinburg, TN.
Ring in a Blue Ridge New Year
December 28, 2021
Seasonal, Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Local Food, Luxury, Arts & Culture
Visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway for the holidays (or lucky enough to be a local) and looking for unique ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve? We’ve got your guide for seeing in the New Year at one of these celebrations in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Winter lights in the shape of quilt squares are brightly lit at night at the North Carolina Arboretum.
Celebrate Winter in the Blue Ridge Mountains
November 18, 2021
Family-friendly, Seasonal, Skiing, Arts & Culture
Spending the holidays in the Blue Ridge Mountains brings to mind cozy fireside nights under homespun quilts, a brisk family outing to find the perfect Christmas tree on a local farm, and the very the best slopes for skiing and sledding. We've rounded up all this and more in our guide to festive winter fun in the communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
A retriever lies in front of the LOVEwork in Wytheville which highlights trains, hot air balloons and the town's location at the crossroads of I-77 and I-81.
Virginia is for Photograph Lovers
September 16, 2021
Driving Tour, Family-friendly, Budget-Friendly, Motorcycle-Friendly, Road Trip
Virginia's creative and sometimes whimsical LOVEworks are a wonderful photo opportunity. Why not start a new tradition and make some family memories finding and photographing a few LOVE signs while enjoying the out of doors this year?
Two volunteers clean a sign at Rocky Knob along the Parkway.
13 Free Things to Do on (or near) the Blue Ridge Parkway
June 17, 2021
History & Heritage, Education & Classes, Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, Sunset Views, Sunrise Views, Get Involved, Stargazing, Live Music
Many activities in the regions surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway are available year-round for free. Special events, hiking, live music, volunteering and lots more are included in this article.
Polly Woods hosted early travelers in her single story log home near the Peaks of Otter Lodge.
Discovering History & Heritage in the Blue Ridge
February 24, 2021
History & Heritage
A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is literally a trip through time. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself.
Numerous motorcycles are parked in the gravel lot in front of Big Walker Lookout's multistory tower.
8 Tips for Planning Your Parkway Travels
January 25, 2021
Caves & Caverns, Gems & Minerals, Native American Culture
The last Tuesday in January is National Plan for Vacation Day. Academic research shows that trip planning and anticipation bring positive effects. Here are some tips for planning your upcoming Parkway travels.
A purple women's sweater hangs over a black shirt and necklace in a store.
Tis the Season to Shop Online
December 4, 2020
Online Store, General & Country Stores, Apparel, Gems & Minerals, Home & Garden, Local Food
Many of the businesses along the Blue Ridge Parkway remain open year-round and offer such eclectic merchandise that you can shop for everyone on your holiday gift list from the comfort of your home and have the gifts delivered to your door or directly to the recipient.
A breakfast cookbook sits behind a plate of fruit, waffles, omelet and bacon with a glass of orange juice and a pitcher of syrup.
Romantic Getaways Across the Blue Ridge Parkway and Beyond
November 16, 2020
Romantic Getaway, Nature & Outdoors, In Town, Road Trip, Complimentary Breakfast
Even while staying at home we still seem to be busy. Maybe this season you'll want to slow down and make time to take a getaway with your significant other. Regardless of when you choose to enjoy a romantic getaway along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have some options and ideas for you to consider.
Blue Ridge Farm Museum offers a view of a historic farmstead including structures and gardens.
Exploring Farms & Orchards Along the Blue Ridge
August 26, 2020
Farm Stay, Farms & Agriculture, Farming Heritage, Working Farm
The Blue Ridge Mountains are dotted with farms producing everything from Christmas trees to trout. Fruit, flowers, herbs, jams, jellies, pies, wreaths and other crafts are all produced right here in the mountains. And what better way to get outside this year than to enjoy the fresh air of a mountain farm?
Two rows of Ferraris are parked in an overlook on the Foothills Parkway in Tennessee.
Motorcycle (or Sports Car) Touring in the Blue Ridge
July 1, 2020
Motorcycle Attraction, Motorcycle Rental, Motorcycle Route, Motorcycle-Friendly, Motorcycle-Friendly Lodging, Motorcycle-Friendly Lodging & Dining, Road Trip
Along with the 469 miles of glorious scenery winding along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the parkway, there are several other motor routes in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia that are popular with motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts.

Recommended Itineraries

Several campers relax in chairs in front of an Airstream trailer in a shaded campsite.
RVing the Plateau Region
Region: Virginia
Duration:2 - 3 days
Picnic, Live Music, History & Heritage, Interpretive Programs, Farms & Agriculture, Hiking Trails
A two-day trip along from Roanoke (Milepost 120) South to the Virginia state line (Milepost 216) is highlighted by intensive exposure to the Blue Ridge cultural landscape. The rural experience on the Plateau Region of the Parkway and on adjacent lands highlights mills, music, and agriculture, demonstrating how people have interacted with the landscape over time. The opportunity to camp overnight in two iconic Blue Ridge towns will make this a memorable visit.