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Clinch Ranger District

The Clinch Ranger District, located in the Cumberland Mountains section of the Appalachian Plateau in southwest Virginia, has mountainous terrain, deep valleys, and fresh bodies of water where visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities. The district has four campgrounds, four lakes, and plenty of rivers and streams for whitewater kayaking and fishing. In addition, it has over 100 miles of multi-use trail. Some popular landmarks are High Knob Tower and Birch Knob Observation Tower, both of which provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors, if they are lucky, can spot elk, wild turkey, and eagles among its rich, biodiverse ecosystem. The closest towns to the district are Pound, Clintwood, and Norton, Virginia. The Clinch Ranger District offers recreation opportunities in Dickenson, Lee, Scott, and Wise counties, Virginia, and Letcher and Pike counties, West Virginia. 

General Information

The Clinch Ranger District office is located at: 1700 Park Avenue SW; Norton, VA 24273
276-679-8370

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 11 results

Bark Camp Recreation Area

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Bark Camp Recreation Area offers a day use area and a campground situated near a 45-acre lake that is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. A three mile shoreline trail circles the lake, offering…

Birch Knob Observation Site

Site Closed
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
Visitors to the Birch Knob Observation Tower enjoy views stretching from Virginia, to Kentucky, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Hikers are challenged by the Pine Mountain Trail that…

Cane Patch Campground

Site Closed
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Cane Patch Campground is within walking distance of Phillips Creek Day Use Area.  The campground has 35 campsites, 7 of which have electric hookups. 

Cave Springs Recreation Area

Site Closed
Picnicking Hiking
Cave Springs Recreation Area is situated within the picturesque farming community of Olinger Gap. Highlights of this recreation area include a campground, small spring-fed pond, access to Stone…

Hanging Rock Day Use Area

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Hanging Rock Picnic Area offers picnic tables, a shelter, and access to hiking on the Chief Benge's Scout Trail and fishing in Little Stony creek. The area is named for the large rock outcrop formed…

High Knob Recreation Area

Site Closed
Picnicking Hiking
The High Knob Recreation Area was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930’s. This remote and private location offers cooler summer temperatures due to its higher mountain…

High Knob Tower

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
On a clear day it’s possible to enjoy views of five states from the upper platform of High Knob Tower. Landmarks that can be viewed from the tower are Pine Mountain (Kentucky-Virginia state line),…

Last updated March 11th, 2025