'America's Coolest Hometown' Is A Scenic Outdoor Haven In Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains

Marion, Virginia, has a way of sneaking up on you. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and just minutes from the Appalachian Trail, this small town of around 6,000 residents brims with natural beauty and nostalgic American charm. Known as "America's Coolest Hometown," Marion pairs old-fashioned hospitality with a surprising amount of adventure. You can start your day here hiking a mountain ridge and end it with a show at the town's historic theater.

Getting there is simple enough. Marion is just two hours north of Knoxville, Tennessee, and a little over two hours southwest of Roanoke, Virginia. It's just off Interstate 81, making it a convenient stop on an ideal Appalachian getaway. If you're flying in, Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) in Blountville, Tennessee, is the closest major airport. It's roughly 65 miles away, and from there, a scenic drive down I-81 will lead you into town.

Though small, Marion punches above its weight when it comes to personality. It's an official Appalachian Trail Community, offering a warm welcome and an authentic taste of Southwest Virginia to weary hikers. The town's historic Main Street is lined with neon signs, colorful murals, and storefronts you can't help but explore – whether that means grabbing a milkshake at Dip Dog Stand or catching a Monday night bluegrass jam at The Henderson.

If you're just dying to put your phone on airplane mode and get your boots on a trail, Marion is your basecamp. The town is absolutely surrounded by a wonderland of wilderness, with easy access to Mount Rogers National Recreation Area — the highest point in Virginia and a must for any serious hiker. The area is crisscrossed with well-maintained trails, including portions of the Appalachian and Virginia Creeper Trails. Don't forget your camera — wild ponies are known to wander these parts!

Hungry Mother State Park is another nearby must-see, just five miles from downtown. Open year-round, the park offers 17 miles of trails, a 108-acre lake for paddling and fishing, and a sandy beach for warm-weather swimming. It's great for families and solo adventurers alike, with cabin rentals and campgrounds available. Day passes start at $7 per vehicle. Check out Molly's Knob Trail, a moderate 3.4-mile loop with sweeping views that'll convince you Virginia really does have it all.

Whether you're casting a line, exploring the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, or discovering waterfalls off the beaten path, Marion is a four-season destination. Fall brings vibrant foliage. Winter offers peaceful, crowd-free trails. And spring through summer? Expect wildflowers, rushing creeks, and enough trailheads to fill an entire weekend. And after Marion, you can continue north, past Roanoke, to check out some of Virginia's bluest water at Lake Moomaw.

Marion isn't just a jumping-off point for trail-exploring and mountain-hiking. It's worth sticking around and exploring the town itself. Accommodations range from rustic cabins near Hungry Mother State Park to adorable bed and breakfasts like the General Francis Marion Hotel, a restored 1920s landmark with rooms starting around $130 a night. If you're on a tight budget, there are also several chain hotels and motels off I-81.

You can't leave Marion without catching a performance at The Lincoln Theatre, a beautifully restored Art Deco gem known for its elaborate murals and monthly Song of the Mountains concert series. Check the theatre's calendar of events while you visit; you're bound to find something cool. When all that culture gets you thirsty, just know you're in the birthplace of Mountain Dew. No joke – the neon beverage's formula was finalized here in 1961, so it's worth cracking one open in appreciation.

The best time to visit is mid-September to October, when the Blue Ridge comes alive with fall color and the weather makes for cool hikes. That said, summer offers the full festival lineup, including the popular ArtWalk and Song of the Mountains events. Whenever you decide to visit, bring your sense of wonder and a thirst for adventure (and citrusy soda). Marion will surprise you with how cool small-town living can be.