Big Stone Gap is a town located in the state of Virginia, United States. It is situated in Wise County, in the southwestern part of the sta…
Best for you if…
Big Stone Gap is a strong pick for hiking & scenic drives — plan about 3-5 days. Peak season: Summer.
Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 70/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈8.4 km span)
High season: Summer
Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · September · October
50°F - 70°F
50°F - 70°F
70°F - 90°F
30°F - 50°F
If you are traveling from a distant location, the most convenient way to reach Big Stone Gap is by air. The nearest major airport is Tri-Cities Airport (TRI), which is approximately 80 miles away from Big Stone Gap. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach your destination.
If you prefer to drive, Big Stone Gap is easily accessible by car. The town is located at the intersection of US Route 23 and US Route 58. If you are coming from the north or south, you can take Interstate 81 and then exit onto US Route 58 towards Big Stone Gap. If you are coming from the east or west, you can take Interstate 40 or Interstate 64 and then connect to US Route 23 towards Big Stone Gap.
If you are traveling on a budget or prefer public transportation, you can reach Big Stone Gap by bus. Several bus companies, such as Greyhound, provide services to the town. You can check the schedules and book your tickets in advance.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Big Stone Gap. The nearest Amtrak station is located in Bristol, which is approximately 50 miles away. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Big Stone Gap.
If you are an adventure enthusiast or prefer eco-friendly modes of transportation, you can reach Big Stone Gap by biking or walking. The town is connected to various scenic trails, such as the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Guest River Gorge Trail, which can be accessed by bike or foot.
Regardless of your chosen mode of transportation, reaching Big Stone Gap is relatively easy and offers various options to suit your preferences and needs.
Big Stone Gap is a town located in the state of Virginia, United States. It is situated in Wise County, in the southwestern part of the state. The town is nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking landscapes. With a population of approximately 5,300 residents, Big Stone Gap offers a close-knit community atmosphere where neighbors know each other by name.
The town has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. It was founded in 1856 and quickly became an important hub for the coal mining industry. Big Stone Gap played a significant role in the development of the region, attracting miners and their families from all over the country. Today, remnants of the town's coal mining heritage can still be seen in the form of old mines and historical landmarks.
Big Stone Gap is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The town is home to the Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama, the longest-running outdoor drama in the state. This popular theatrical production brings to life the story of John Fox Jr.'s novel, set in the surrounding mountains. The drama attracts visitors from far and wide, adding to the town's charm and economic vitality.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Big Stone Gap boasts a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The nearby Jefferson National Forest provides ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. The Powell River, which flows through the town, offers fishing and kayaking adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
7 places mapped for this destination
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
~0.9 km · 3 places
~1.2 km · 2 places
~1.8 km · 4 places
~1.2 km · 2 places
~12.9 km · 7 places
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
~0.9 km path
~4.3 km path
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Big Stone Gap, United States.
High season is typically Summer.
Travelers often find better value in March, April, September, October.
Big Stone Gap suits Hiking, Scenic Drives, Historical Sites, Outdoor Activities.
A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.
Don't forget to pack comfortable hiking shoes.
Add Big Stone Gap and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.
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