More Than Just a Race 

The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon (JRSTM), a Boston Marathon qualifier race, will be held on Saturday, June 13, with a half marathon, 10K, and 5K also taking place. Each year, the event brings hundreds of people from across the country together in the picturesque Alleghany Highlands. Visitors can stay and enjoy the unique lodging experiences, local dining options, and a wide range of outdoor attractions. 

Built on an old railroad bed, The Jackson River Scenic Trail (home of the JRSTM) is mostly flat and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and river.  On top of that, the trail is made of finely crushed gravel and covered by natural shade, making it the perfect course for a long, grueling race. The Alleghany County Parks and Recreation team works extensively to maintain the trail and keep it in top shape for residents and visitors alike.  

Whether you are a competitive racer or just looking for a personal challenge, the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon is the event for you. Register for the race: jacksonrivermarathon.com 

Trails for Every Traveler 

Get ready for some hiking! With over 100 miles of trails located in and around peaceful forests, stunning mountains, and beautiful waterways, the Alleghany Highlands is the perfect destination for outdoor exploration. The trails are kept in wonderful condition thanks to the Alleghany Highlands Trails Alliance, a group of volunteers dedicated to maintaining the trails and keeping them open to the public.    

Specifically, Douthat State Park offers a wide variety of trails with varying difficulty levels. If you’re looking for an easier trail that still offers wonderful views, Heron Run Trail is a great option, as it runs by the lake shore and is fairly flat. More experienced and daring hikers may want to tackle the Blue Suck Falls Trail, which passes by a gorgeous waterfall and leads to a spectacular scenic overlook of the mountains. 

If exploring on foot isn’t for you, many of the trails in the Alleghany Highlands are accessible by bike and horseback. 

Check these trails out here: visitalleghanyhighlands.com/uniquely-alleghany/alleghany-highlands-trails/ 

Water Adventures for Every Explorer 

The Alleghany Highlands Blueway consists of the region’s various waterways, which include the Jackson River, Cowpasture River, Lake Moomaw, and Douthat Lake. Whether you prefer paddling, boating, fishing, swimming, or camping, visitors are free to explore the Blueway however they choose and at whatever pace they prefer.  

In a destination full of outdoor opportunities, the most important feature should be accessibility. If you’re looking to rent equipment to traverse the Highlands, Alleghany Outdoors offers canoes, kayaks, tubes, stand-up paddle boards, and more, plus shuttle service along the Blueway. Located at the Intervale Trailhead of the Jackson River Scenic Trail, Alleghany Outdoors is the premier outdoor outfitter of the Alleghany Highlands Region.  

Want to explore more of the Alleghany Highlands Blueway? Learn more here: visitalleghanyhighlands.com/uniquely-alleghany/alleghany-highlands-blueway  

For more information on Alleghany Outdoors, visit: alleghanyoutdoors.com/ 

The Heart of the Highlands

Spend some time exploring the charming downtowns of Covington and Clifton Forge, where historic architecture, locally-owned shops, unique dining, and small-town hospitality create an experience that feels both welcoming and authentic.  

In Covington, visitors can stroll through a growing downtown district featuring local restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and community events, all surrounded by the scenic beauty of the mountains. Just a short drive away, Clifton Forge offers a vibrant arts and culture scene with galleries, studios, live performances, and beautifully preserved historic buildings that reflect the town’s railroad heritage. Together, these downtowns offer the perfect opportunity to slow down, discover hidden gems, meet friendly locals, and experience the heart of the Alleghany Highlands beyond the trails and overlooks.  

Discover more of what this community offers: visitalleghanyhighlands.com/things-to-do/  

Plan a Visit 

Find out why this part of Virginia is Uniquely Alleghany!  

Plan your trip: visitalleghanyhighlands.com