High Knob Recreation Area

Imagine camping at a serene mountain oasis where a clear, tranquil lake reflects the dense hardwood forest that surrounds it, and the scent of fresh pine mingles with the cool, crisp air of Virginia’s highlands. High Knob Recreation Area in Norton, Virginia, offers a distinctive retreat with its intimate 13-site campground, secluded high atop Powell Mountain within the vast George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.

This rustic yet well-facilitated campground includes essential amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby drinking water. Vault toilets and a scenic lakeshore trail enhance the experience. A short hike from the campground leads to the High Knob Observation Tower, where you can enjoy sweeping, panoramic views spanning multiple states, from Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Adding to its charm, visitors can fish, hike, or birdwatch, with opportunities to spot neotropical songbirds, black-throated-blue warblers, and other vibrant species in their natural mountain habitat.

Located just 15 minutes from downtown Norton, High Knob is also within a 30-minute radius of other notable attractions such as Flag Rock Recreation Area and Bark Camp Lake. These destinations provide excellent options for hiking, picnicking, and exploring. Offering a peaceful escape into nature with an enriching mix of recreational activities, High Knob Recreation Area is an ideal destination for weekend getaways or extended stays in the Appalachian highlands.