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Big Walker Mountain National Forest
Scenic Byway
Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway is 80 miles west of Roanoke, 90
miles north of Winston Salem, NC, 60 miles east of Bristol and only 20
miles south of Bluefield, WV in southwestern Virginia. It begins
west of Bland at the junction of I-77 and US 52. It follows US 52 and VA
717 for a total of 16 miles and reconnects with I-77. The two-lane paved
roads remain open year-round and are suitable for all types of vehicles.
The Byway showcases the natural beauty of southwest Virginia
and the history of the area. The byway passes through 16.2 miles of
national forest and private land in Bland and Wythe Counties. Travelers
will find it easily accessible from Interstates 77 at Bland or I-81 at Wytheville, VA. It can be a refreshing alternative to interstate driving
for those who might like to leisurely enjoy some scenery.
Big Walker Scenic Byway takes the traveler over some of the area's most scenic
land and through forests of oak, hickory, and white pine as it
ascends Big Walker Mountain. In the winter, the sun hitting the frozen
tree tops creating a spectacular winter
wonderland. In spring colorful wildflowers bloom, beseeching your
admiration. Flowering trees compete with the wildflowers, adding their
own dash of color to the landscape. During the summer you are embraced
by the lush green forest with occasional beak-a-boo views of the valleys
and distant mountains. In fall the byway is painted in beautiful colors
of red and gold. Among the trees within the mountains, one finds a
diversity of wildlife. White-tailed deer can sometimes be seen along the
byway, usually in the early morning or evening. Wild turkeys, Grouse and
Bobwhites tend to be more secretive, but they occasionally allow
themselves to be seen. The numerous songbirds inhabiting the area
joyfully sing their songs of welcome to visitors as this is a Virginia
Birding Trail and rapture migration route. Meandering creeks along the
byway add to the symphony with their bubbling and gurgling sounds. What
an excellent and joyous adventure to enjoy camping,
hiking, hunting and picnicking along the byway.
The area surrounding the byway is rich with history, some of which
can be read on roadside markers. There are stories of Civil War battles,
The Big Four and legendary people, such as Dr. Thomas Walker, Daniel
Boone, preacher Bob Sheffey and Mary
"Molly" Tynes and legendary areas like the Great Valley of
Virginia and The Wilderness Road and the road through the Cumberland
Gap.
Once atop Big Walker Mountain at the byway overlook, visitors will
find a privately-owned 100-foot tower open to all for a small fee. The
view from here is spectacular, encompassing the surrounding
densely-forested mountains and wide open valleys.
The trail to Monster Rock is a 1/4-mile nature trail that guides you
among the trees and flowers to a cliff above the forest where the entire
northern valley opens for your view. A little further on and a
southern overlook treats you to an unspoiled mountain-valley scene.
A side trip on FSR 206 near the tower will take you to the Big Bend
Picnic Area, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the
1930s. Set amidst orchard grass under a canopy of oaks, the picnic site
offers vistas of the ridge and valley terrain to the south. This is a
good spot to take a break and breathe in the surrounding landscape.
Description of Route
The byway begins at the intersection of Route 717 and Interstate 77
about 5 miles north of Wytheville. Proceed west on Route 717. Keep track
of your mileage to match the 12 sites highlighted below You will drive
16.2 miles if you cover the length of the byway. This description starts
at exit 47 of I-77 and is from south to north. Of course, to
travel from exit 52 at Bland, just read from bottom - up.
Drive 1.1 miles
to an old road that provides access to Stony Fork Creek. You may enjoy
fishing or hiking the Seven Sisters Trail.
Another 0.4 miles
farther at the left, is the site of Buck and Ollie Astins' home. It is
used as an access point to Stony Fork Creek. Buck Astin and his wife
Ollie lived on this site from the early 1900's until the 1970's, cutting
trees for mine props and skidding the logs out with horses and mules.
They dug and marketed ginseng, a native herb valued as a medicine. Like
many other settlers in the area, they also used whatever else the land
would provide them in order to subsist.
Drive 2.3 miles
to the entrance to Stony Fork Campground, on the left. This is a Forest
Service campground. Stony Fork Creek runs through the campground,
providing recreation such as fishing. Take a walk along the nature trail
in the campground or the adjoining Seven Sisters Trail.
In another half
mile, Route 717 intersects U.S. 52. Here, the byway turns right and
ascends Big Walker Mountain.
Drive 0.4 mile,
where U.S. 52 intersects with Route 686. This State road passes the
privately-owned Deer Trail Park campground.
Go 3.1 miles to
the site of Big Walker Lookout. The Lookout is a privately-owned
business started by Stuart and Abigail Kime in the early 1950's, when
US. 52 was a new highway Located here is a 100-foot tower, at the top of
which is a spectacular view of several States. You are now at about the
halfway point of the byway
Big Bend Picnic
Area is 4 miles from U.S. 52 on Forest Service Road 206, which is to the
right of Route 52. Big Bend is set amidst orchard grass under a canopy
of oaks at an elevation of 4,000 feet. This site offers vistas of the
ridge and valley terrain to the south. It is open all year and there is
no fee.
Two historical
markers are next to Big Walker Lookout. One marks the route of a raid on
the town of Wytheville by Colonel John Toland, July 1863. The other sign tells
about the forming of Wythe and Bland counties and marks the boundary
between the two.
Drive 2.7 miles
to a sign marking the home place of S.H. Newberry. He was a member of
the "Big Four" in the Virginia Senate just after the Civil
War. Many interesting stories exist about their influence on postwar
Virginia.
In another 2.2
miles, U.S. 52 intersects Route 615. This State road is an access point
for the Appalachian Trail.
If you're ready
for a picnic, go another 0.1 mile. There is a roadside table on the
right side of the road.
Drive 2.8 miles,
where U.S. 52 crosses Interstate 77. The byway ends here. At this point,
you may want to try another unusual travel experience - a tunnel more
than a mile long. To reach it, take 1-77 south for about 41/2 miles.
Attractions and Features along the Byway and Nearby
Wythe County Shooting Range
Day Area
Buck and Ollie Astin Home Site
Stony Fork Creek access and CG
Big Walker Mountain Scenic Overlook
Monster Rock Hiking Trail
Seven Sister's Hiking and Biking Trail
Big Bend Picnic Area, Day Area and Overlook
Toland's Raid Historical Route Marker and Civil War History
Three historical
markers are next to Big Walker Lookout. One highway marker relates the
route taken by Colonel John Toland, July 1863 as he proceeded to Wytheville to
destroy the railroad. The other highway marker tells about the
forming of Wythe and Bland counties and marks the boundary between the two.
The third is the Civil War Trails marker thet gives details of the Toland's Raid
and leads one to the next markers on the route to Wytheville.
Molly Tynes Legend
Big Four Historical Marker
Appalachian Trail
Big Walker Motel
Bland Community
Wolf Creek Indian Village
Big Four Historical Marker
Sign marking the home place of S.H. Newberry. He was a member of the
"Big Four" in the Virginia Senate just after the Civil War. Many
interesting stories exist about their influence on postwar Virginia.
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