Terese Hammond | Executive Director | Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce
241 W. Main Street Covington VA 24426
Alleghany Highlands encompasses 452 square miles and lies within the James River Basin. The area includes the City of Covington and the Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate. The Highlands has a rich natural resource base of water, forests and minerals. Four-fifths of the area is forested with hardwood species dominating. Our strength lies in diversity ...a central location and efficient transportation network combining with access to extensive natural resources. Located in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, the Jackson River is surrounded by mountains and valleys with beautiful, rugged scenery.
The rural area usually surprises new residents and visitors with the variety of facilities, ranging from historic manors, now operated as bed and breakfast inns, to a modern full service hospital associated with HCA Southwest Virginia, as well as various manufacturing facilities. Shopping and dining range from local specialty spots to franchised chain stores and restaurants. Within twenty miles of Covington there are two internationally known resorts, The Homestead and The Greenbrier. In addition, the area is rich in railroad history, proudly displayed at the C&O Railway Heritage Center in Clifton Forge and at the restored 1908 C&O Depot in Covington. Clifton Forge also houses the Alleghany Highlands Arts & Craft Center exhibiting and selling original fine arts and hand crafted products primarily from the area.
The Highlands provides a wide range of recreational opportunities. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Gathright Wildlife Management Area, Lake Moomaw, Douthat State Park and many clear mountain streams offer some of the finest fishing anywhere. The area also is one of the best places for hunting and wildlife viewing in the eastern United States. The new Jackson River Scenic Trail and trails at Douthat State Park and Lake Moomaw give the hiker a chance to observe some breathtaking scenery. The Humpback Bridge 5-acre State Wayside Park is a historical showplace. Humpback is the only arched single span covered bridge in America and is a favorite place for picnicking and pictures. There are three local golf courses plus those at the two resorts.
The Alleghany Highlands is Virginia's Western Gateway with Interstate 64 providing direct access to the west and many major markets. Additionally, it connects Interstate 81 and Interstate 77 that are major north/south routes.
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Riders Up! *K-Mart - 9154 WalMart |
*Alleghany County Circuit Court Escatawba Farms |
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