Nestled within the coronary heart of Southside Virginia, Henry County beckons outside fans with a community of scenic trails stuffed with wildlife and pure surprise. Martinsville’s trails are additionally steeped in historical past, every path weaving by the wealthy tapestry of the town’s previous. Discover the luxurious greenery, uncover hidden gems, and embrace the outside tradition that defines this charming area.
The Smith River
Discover scenic river views on the Smith River Path System, a community that encompasses all native trails, together with a 1.5-mile out-and-back path from Laurel Mountain Protect in Bassett, VA. This unpaved path alongside the Smith River is right for fowl and wildlife fans, providing glimpses of historic factories alongside the best way.
A preferred path inside this method is the family-friendly Dick & Willie Passage Rail Path. Weaving by Martinsville and Henry County, this paved path is ideal for walkers and bikers alike. With six entry factors and two sections spanning 6.5 miles and a couple of.5 miles respectively, trekkers and prepare fans can uncover the native historical past of the previous Danville and Western Railroad. Excitingly, the path is actively increasing, with the D & W’s latest part connecting the 2 current sections creating an 11-mile one-way path expertise.
Favor water exploration? The Smith River Blueway gives 10 entry factors in Martinsville-Henry County, whereas Philpott Lake boasts its personal blueway, together with the famend Philpott Dam and charming waterfalls. Notably, Philpott Dam clinched the title of “Finest Fishing Spot” within the 2023 Better of Blue Ridge contest.
Extra to Discover
Historical past buffs rejoice in Martinsville-Henry County! The Textile Heritage Path in Fieldale unveils the area’s textile manufacturing legacy, connecting to the unpaved Fieldale Strolling Path alongside the Smith River. Discover Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Protect‘s 75 acres, the place the Jones Cliff Path gives self-guided excursions delving into early 1900s tobacco farming and the Burgess Household plantation of the 1800s.
For some indoor historical past enjoyable, the Bassett Historic Middle, Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Middle & Museum, and the Virginia Museum of Pure Historical past are all nice choices. There’s additionally a customer heart and museum at Philpott Lake that has displays on native wildlife, the dam’s development, and the previous cities within the space.
Wrap up your historic exploration at Scuffle Hill Brewing Firm, serving a dynamic menu of native brews rooted in historical past. For outside fans, Papa’s Pizzeria and Railway Café are favored spots with outside seating, conveniently located close to river entry factors in Bassett.
