Nestled On Virginia's Appalachian Trail Is A Postcard-Perfect Town With Endless Outdoor Adventure

The Appalachian Trail winds its way through over 2,000 miles of American wilderness. Stretching from Georgia to Maine, it's the most iconic hike in the US. And whether you are tackling it for the first time, or are a seasoned pro, the fact remains that the AT not only takes you through tremendous countryside, but tremendous towns as well. One such town is the postcard-perfect Narrows, Virginia which offers endless outdoor adventure for anyone who visits — hiker or not.

Nestled in the hills of southwestern Virginia near the border with West Virginia, Narrows gets its name from the narrows cut into the landscape by the New River where it meets confluence with the East River and Peter's Mountain. Settled in 1778, it's one of Virginia's older communities and maintains the character of a historic small town set against the backdrop of blue rivers and verdant mountains. It's also a proud Appalachian Trail Community.

Owing to its relative remoteness, arriving at Narrows for a vacation's worth of outdoor adventures is an adventure in itself. Nearly four hours from Richmond — Virginia's capital and one of those underrated American cities you should consider visiting — and almost three hours from Charlotte, North Carolina, driving to Narrows is a task, though not unreasonable. If you're hiking the AT, however, when you get to Narrows depends on what direction you're headed, and how fast you hike.

While the AT may be the main draw to Narrows, Virginia owing to its name recognition, it's hardly the only outdoor adventure to have in town. Narrows is surrounded by woods and streams, making it an ideal location for anyone looking to experience the wilder side of southwestern Virginia. The fun begins directly in town at "The Boom" (the local name for Narrows Town Park). While you can typically see a football or soccer game happening here each weekend, the park also has spots for swimming, volleyball, basketball, and picnicking. However, the real draw to the outdoors is outside downtown.

The Mill Creek Nature Park is 140 acres of wooded trails that connect Narrows with Jefferson National Park. Whether you are on-foot or riding a mountain bike, you will be able to pass through pristine woodland, beautiful waterfalls, and an old, hand-cut stone dam that dates back to the 1780s! You can also fish for native trout in the creek with the appropriate state license.

Speaking of waterways, the New River Water Trail heads eastward from the under-the-radar New River Gorge National Park to Narrows and multiple nearby towns. The NRWT is great for fishing, paddling or tubing. Kayaking or canoeing along the river, surrounded by rolling hills, this special area of Virginia is one of the most beautiful places anyone could hope to visit. 

As a resource for hikers, Narrows is part of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Appalachian Trail Community program. Recognized as a town that promotes and protect the AT, local Narrows businesses like Grant's Supermarket, the Irish Brammer Public Library, and historic MacArthur Inn welcome hikers and help support the trail. It makes for a very neighborly feeling when you hike your way through town. 

Downtown Narrows is an excellent place to visit whether hiking the AT or not. On Fridays and Saturdays from April to October, the Narrows Farmers Market is open for business. This is a great opportunity to meet local farmers and artisans selling produce, baked goods, and locally-made crafts. Further into town, you have Creekside Classics, which specializes in antiques and primitive furniture pieces. Visiting the two is a great way to spend the morning in this small mountain town.

As far as places to eat, you can assemble a hiking or picnic lunch at the Farmer's Market, or the aforementioned Grant's Supermarket. If you are looking for a sit down dinner, the MacArthur Inn offers meals for guests, and Anna's Restaurant on Monroe Street is the place to be if craving some good ol' country cooking. A great town for visitors and hikers alike, Narrows is not to be missed on a trip through southwestern Virginia.