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Virginia

Hiking Scenic Southwest Virginia

Program No. 22828RJ
Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the striking scenery of Southwest Virginia on a hiking adventure that includes Appalachian culture, music and more.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Mar 31 - Apr 4, 2025
Starting at
1,099
Sep 8 - Sep 12, 2025
Starting at
1,099
Oct 6 - Oct 10, 2025
Starting at
1,099
Oct 20 - Oct 24, 2025
Starting at
1,099
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Mar 31 - Apr 4, 2025
Starting at
1,159
Sep 8 - Sep 12, 2025
Starting at
1,159
Oct 6 - Oct 10, 2025
Starting at
1,159
Oct 20 - Oct 24, 2025
Starting at
1,159
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Revel in the feeling of freedom as you explore scenic Southwest Virginia by foot. Alongside local experts, discover beautiful stretches of the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Appalachian Trail, state parks and nature preserves. Each hike will have you basking in the breathtaking beauty of trailside mountain streams, lush forests and memorable mountain views.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Activity level varies by date. Outdoor: Spirited dates involve hiking up to 6 miles per day over varied terrain; plan for possibly cold, possibly wet conditions. Outdoor: Challenging dates involve hiking up to 10 miles per day over varied but technical terrain; plan for primitive trailheads and water crossings.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Enjoy hikes led by local experts on the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Appalachian Trail and in nearby state parks and national forests.
  • Explore centuries-old architecture and history in the picturesque small town of Abingdon. Now adorned with boutiques, restaurants and galleries, Abingdon was once an important destination among settlers bound for the new American frontier.
  • Learn about Appalachian culture and musical traditions while enjoying a private performance by local artists.

General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for light exercise, interaction with the local community, a farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event and a value-priced room.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
5 days
Program Begins
Abingdon, VA
Program Concludes
Abingdon, VA
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
11 | 4B | 3L | 4D |
Activity Level
Revel in the feeling of freedom as you explore scenic Southwest Virginia by foot. Alongside local experts, discover beautiful stretches of the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Appalachian Trail, state parks and nature preserves. Each hike will have you basking in the breathtaking beauty of trailside mountain streams, lush forests and memorable mountain views.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy hikes led by local experts on the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Appalachian Trail and in nearby state parks and national forests.
  • Explore centuries-old architecture and history in the picturesque small town of Abingdon. Now adorned with boutiques, restaurants and galleries, Abingdon was once an important destination among settlers bound for the new American frontier.
  • Learn about Appalachian culture and musical traditions while enjoying a private performance by local artists.
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for light exercise, interaction with the local community, a farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event and a value-priced room.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Activity level varies by date. Outdoor: Spirited dates involve hiking up to 6 miles per day over varied terrain; plan for possibly cold, possibly wet conditions. Outdoor: Challenging dates involve hiking up to 10 miles per day over varied but technical terrain; plan for primitive trailheads and water crossings.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (10 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
5 days
4 nights
What's Included
11 meals | 4B | 3L | 4D |
1 expert-led lecture
3 expert-led field trips
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
4 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Dinner:
In the 4-H Center Dining Hall, we’ll have a buffet dinner.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. in the lower level of the Dickenson Conference Center. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
This hike at the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve will be appropriate for all levels.
Breakfast:
In the 4-H Center Dining Hall, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet. We will also make our own bag lunches.
Morning:
Our first hike will be at the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve in Russell County, Virginia. Located at the confluence of the Clinch River and Big Cedar Creek, the preserve's namesake and centerpiece is the Pinnacle, a dolomite formation rising 400 feet (120 m) above the creek.
Lunch:
At a scenic spot on the trail, we’ll have the bag lunches we made for ourselves this morning.
Afternoon:
We will shuttle back to the 4-H Center with some time to freshen up and relax. Later in the afternoon, we’ll gather in the downstairs level conference room for a nature talk given by a local expert.
Dinner:
Dining Hall buffet.
Evening:
We’ll be joined by local musicians for a concert exclusively for our Road Scholar group.
Activity Note
Hiking approx. 5-mile walk on a well-groomed, cinder trail with gradual elevation changes.
Breakfast:
Dining Hall buffet. We will also make our own bag lunches.
Morning:
After breakfast we’ll depart for our 5 mile hike along the Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Watauga section. The paths on the Virginia Creeper Trail are through cool forests, stone cliff outcrops, alongside creeks, and over historic wooden railroad trestles.
Lunch:
At a scenic spot on the trail, we’ll have the bag lunches we made for ourselves this morning.
Afternoon:
Return to the 4-H Center for some free time to rest and get ready for evening activities.
Dinner:
Dining Hall buffet.
Evening:
We will ride in to Abingdon and attend a professional theater performance at the renowned Barter Theatre, the State Theater of Virginia. Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment. Founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, it was called the Barter Theatre because so few people had money to spare and could pay the equivalent of 40 cents in bartered goods for admission. Today, it is one of the few remaining professional resident repertory theaters in the U.S. operating year-round.
Activity Note
This hike will be approximately 6 miles in the Channels Natural Area Preserve.
Breakfast:
In the 4-H Center Dining Hall, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet. We will also make our own bag lunches.
Morning:
The first hike will be at the Channels Natural Area Preserve located in Rosedale, Virginia. Walk among the boulders and through the stone mazes tucked in the nearly 5,000 acre Channels State Forest.
Lunch:
At a scenic spot on the trail, we’ll have the bag lunches we made for ourselves this morning.
Afternoon:
Returning to the 4-H Center, the remainder of the afternoon is free. You might like to take a walk around the grounds, go into downtown Abingdon, read a book, or just relax.
Dinner:
We’ll gather in the Dining Hall for our Farewell Dinner.
Evening:
Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning. Enjoy a free evening of relaxation before your departure.
Activity Note
Check-out 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
Dining Hall buffet. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
11 Meals
4 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low Fat
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
  • Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
  • Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025
  • Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
  • Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
  • Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
4 nights
Location: Abingdon
Stay on the scenic grounds of a historic former Virginia Poor Farm at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center, established in 1958. Guests enjoy basic, comfortable rooms at the Dickenson Conference Center. Rooms are equipped with adjustable air-conditioning and heat, as well as private bathrooms.
4 nights
Location: Abingdon
Stay on the scenic grounds of a historic former Virginia Poor Farm at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center, established in 1958. Guests enjoy basic, comfortable rooms at the Dickenson Conference Center. Rooms are equipped with adjustable air-conditioning and heat, as well as private bathrooms.
4 nights
Location: Abingdon
Stay on the scenic grounds of a historic former Virginia Poor Farm at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center, established in 1958. Guests enjoy basic, comfortable rooms at the Dickenson Conference Center. Rooms are equipped with adjustable air-conditioning and heat, as well as private bathrooms.
4 nights
Location: Abingdon
Stay on the scenic grounds of a historic former Virginia Poor Farm at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center, established in 1958. Guests enjoy basic, comfortable rooms at the Dickenson Conference Center. Rooms are equipped with adjustable air-conditioning and heat, as well as private bathrooms.
Participant Reviews
4.89
Based on 11 Reviews
Sort By:
Linda – Class of 2023 | Columbus, OH
Loved this hiking experience in a beautiful area of the USA. Experienced two famous trails, the Virginia Creeper Trail and a portion of the Appalachian trail. Very doable.
— Review left September 22, 2024
Erica – Class of 2018 | Newport, VA
Gorgeous part of the state. Abingdon is a neat town. Are lots of lots of outdoor activities there.
— Review left September 13, 2024
Cynthia – Class of 2022 | Asheville, NC
This was a fabulous trip. The Southwest Virginia 4H Center was a really nice place to stay. The rooms were not fancy but comfortable and clean and we had a great lounge area where we could hang out at night and early in the morning. The employees of the 4H Center went above and beyond to make our stay a great one. I hope to do this trip again and stay a couple extra days at the end of the trip.
— Review left April 13, 2024
Beth – Class of 2014 | Framingham, MA
When choosing a walking and hiking tour make sure you have an under standing of the description. Elevation hiking consists of rugged terrain with switch backs along with climbing through and over rocks. The under standing of the vegetation that one will be hiking in.
— Review left September 28, 2023
Daniel – Class of 2015 | Durham, NC
Second time my brother and I have done this particular program and enjoyed it both times. Interesting hikes, yoga classes taught by a good instructor, one night theater, one night dinner at a very well known local restaurant (but the music was too loud for me). Adequate facilities and I thought the food was well prepared at least I always found enough food to eat. Self prepared lunches were quite good. Friendly staff. A good price. 3 levels of hikes each day. A program to consider.
— Review left May 26, 2019
Carol – Class of 2014 | Garden Grove, CA
This Road Scholar hiking trip was wonderful. So many "Wow!" moments like feeling like I had arrived at the top of the world, seeing the wild ponies, hiking to the very unique Channels, and meeting some "through hikers" on the Appalachian Trail. The guides were all great - patient and encouraging. I challenged myself and I'm so glad I did.
— Review left May 10, 2019
This participant did not give a star rating.
Kathryn – Class of 2012 | Carlsbad, CA
Beautiful country and good hiking. Choose your own pace worked very well on this trip. Food choices are limited and accommodations clean. Town of Abingdon is very near with lots of restaurant options. Barter theatre evening, music program and restaurant outing were pluses that made this trip special.
— Review left May 10, 2019
Robert – Class of 2019 | Hooksett, NH
The website is set up very nicely. It is easy enough to navigate for somebody like me, who is not completely computer savvy.
— Review left April 30, 2019
Cheryl – Class of 2019 | Hooksett, NH
If you like to hike in beautiful state parks on well-maintained trails, this trip is for you. With 3 levels of difficulty to choose from, you will find what's right for you. We did one at each level and enjoyed them all.
— Review left April 29, 2019
This participant did not give a star rating.
Eileen – Class of 2019 | Collingswood, NJ
A wonderful experience for my first Road Scholar program. The Choose Your Pace trip was perfect for not knowing what to expect and having options. Meals were delicious, locally grown and fresh. Daily hikes through beautiful woods trails offered daily sightings of deer and wild flowers - lunch spots on the trail overlooked mountain vistas and lakes. Two yoga classes, a naturalist talk and a live theater performance rounded out a most enjoyable week.
— Review left April 26, 2019
Meredith – Class of 2000 | Churchton, MD
If hiking in beautiful country with excellent leaders, small group and a choice of difficulty is your thing, consider Hiking Scenic SW Virginia. It was a perfect program! And the food is wonderful.
— Review left April 20, 2019





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