The top five ways to get lost in the Virginia Mountains

1. Explore the Back Roads. It won't matter much if you've forgotten your map. The scenic beauty of Smyth County's rolling hills and rural meadows with a backdrop of some of the oldest mountains in the world will make you forget that you forgot. There are several extraordinary jaunts you can take. For starters, try a trip from the tourist information center at I-81 exit 35 in Chilhowie across Hwy. 107 over to the Rich Valley area. Hang a right onto Rt. 610 and eventually catch Hwy. 16 S. to end up at Hungry Mother Lake. Stop for a picnic on a grassy area along the way and enjoy the spectacular vistas from farmland to forest. Take in the ambience of farmhouse settings and spy a variety of sheep, cows, goats, and other country critters. After a walk on the beach and dipping your toes into Hungry Mother Lake, you might need an old fashioned ice cream cone. You're in luck, you can find one at the Park Place Drive-In (one of the country's few remaining drive-in move theaters), located just down the road from the lake. Other beautiful drives include Adwolfe to Sugar Grove through the Jefferson National Forest and Chilhowie to Whitetop Mountain and the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area. Get more road trip ideas (and maps, if you want) from the tourist information center.
   
   
2. Go with the Flow. Follow the water. One of Mother Nature's most amazing gifts is the waterfall. Smyth County is home to a couple that you'll never forget. The hike to Rowland Falls, a 45-foot cascading mountain shower can take a couple of hours-or six, depending on your sense of direction or your sense of purpose. If it's getting back to nature you want, you can do that here. For a less physical experience, you can't Big Tumbling Fall inside the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The fall itself is a sight to behold, not to mention the soothing sound it emanates to surround you. But, the best attraction of this particular falls is that it's actually expansive enough to walk beneath. Ceilinged by a vast natural rock shelf, the bold spirited can venture to the underside of the wide falls, which alone can give you a whole new perspective on the world.
   
   
3. Fly Fish in a Mountain Stream or Tip a Canoe. The lakes: Laurel Bed and Hungry Mother. Some of the most awesome scenery anywhere. The view of Laurel Bed Lake atop Clinch Mountain on a crisp autumn day cannot be described in words. You'll witness a vibrant color spectrum of the earth's natural palette that leaves you in what can only be called awe. Crystal blues and pine greens canvas the landscape, mixing it up with rich emerging yellows, golds, and reds. Launch a non-motorized boat and mosey to the middle of the lake. You'll never be the same. If you prefer a cozy wooded stream, the wildlife management area is plentiful or you can head over to the Hungry Mother State Park area across from the mountain. Both areas offer camping and the state park has cabins and RV camping as well. The Holston River, its three forks (North, Middle, South) running throughout Smyth County boasts some of the region's premier fly fishing. Wile away a summer day in complete satisfaction here. It doesn't get any better, anywhere.
   
   
4. Giddy Up. You. Your a)sweetheart, b)grandkids, c)best friends in the whole world, etc., follow on their horses just behind. The breeze whispers through your hair. The solid confidence of the 1,000lb beauty beneath you allows you to become one with the wind. Your tummy is pleasantly full from the picnic lunch by the stream in the meadow of new wildflowers just bursting into season. The sun warms your shoulders as you ride smiling in contentment. Then you realize: Life is about moments, and that's all. That's all we really have-just moments. And, this is one of those moments you know you'll remember fondly. A spring day in the Virginia Mountains ...being fully alive. This is where happy lives and in this moment the world is full of possibility. Disclaimer: This much pure fun is likely to make you, well, giddy ...which may be hard to explain to those who didn't take this trip with you. So, be sure to bring them with you next time so they can experience giddy too.
   
   
5. Break Out The Do Not Disturb Sign. It's true: There are still pockets in the Virginia Mountains where cell service is spotty. So, if you want to claim you were out of range inside our mountains, we promise not to tell on you. Yes, it's good to know you won't need a twelve step program to withdraw from your addiction to today's technology on your trip back into nature. You can check email, surf the net to keep with the world, and take that phone call on the spot--if you want. It's even better to know you don't really have to. We've thought of everything so you can do absolutely nothing, if that the goal. Being here is one of the best experiences you can give yourself. So, relax and enjoy some much-needed down time up in the Virginia Mountains. Your secret is safe with us.

For all your Virginia Mountain travel needs, visit the H.L. Bonham Regional Development & Tourism Center at 408 Whitetop Rd., Chilhowie, VA 24319, just off I-81 at exit 35. (276) 646-3306 - telephone, (276) 646-3301 -fax.