The Appalachian Trail, which spans from Georgia to Maine, features amazing beauty and remarkable towns that spring up around it. Take Marion, Virginia, for instance. It’s not only a place where hikers may leave the trail for sustenance and a shower, but is a town brimming with great dining options, unique creative outlets and a historic hotel and theater. If you’re planning to hike the 2,190-plus miles of the Appalachian Trail, Marion’s a must-stop and it comes just when you need it; it’s one-fourth the trek if heading north from Georgia and the ideal autumn stop if heading south.
“If they (hikers) started in Maine, they hit Marion in mid-October,” said Andrew “Coach” Livingston, a former actor who saw a need along the Trail to provide equipment repair and hiking gear and supplies, so he opened Marion Outdoors and The Merry Inn hostel.
If hiking’s not your thing, there’s also the famous Back of the Dragon, a popular route for motorcycles and sportscars this time of year with its 300 curves over 32 miles.
Take a Hike
The Appalachian Trail crosses through Smyth County, which is why hikers take a “zero day” in Marion to restock supplies, rest and enjoy a good meal. Visitors can view the trail — or step on for a few feet to say you’ve done it — at the Mount Rogers Headquarters south of the town. Mount Rogers rises to 5,728 feet, the highest in Virginia. Whitetop Mountain is number two, also within Smyth County, so there’s plenty of great hiking as well as fishing and camping in this region. Other parks include Grayson Highlands State Park, where you’ll spot wild ponies, and Hungry Mother State Park, built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. One of Mother’s original log cabins is available to rent.
Stay
Marion accommodations range from The Merry Inn hostel, with its bunk rooms and kitchenette, to the historic General Francis Marion Hotel, both located in the heart of downtown. The Merry Inn sits above the outdoors store in a circa 1923 building and hikers may bunk up or pay a little more for a private room. The General Francis Marion Hotel marries history and elegance with guest rooms, common areas and dining options on the ground floor. National Geographic named it one of the top hotels in North America.
In nearby Independence, visitors may stay in a farm silo at the innovative Dream Rock Silo. The circular first floor contains a seating area but travel the winding staircase to the round bed on top and there’s a striking view of mountains and farmland. The bed and breakfast also features a Creekside bungalow and a cozy suite, all expertly decorated by the owner with found items, local artwork and heirlooms.
Note: You have to see the silo. It’s at dreamrocksilo.com. It’s amazing!
Get creative
Musicians seek out luthier Wayne Henderson for his guitars, including Eric Clapton who sampled one in a studio and demanded a Henderson creation for himself. Henderson’s a humble man, despite the attention, and hosts a festival in his name every June. In Marion, folks may learn a variety of artistic skills, including learning how to make a guitar at the Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts. Twice a year Henderson sponsors a guitar building workshop at the school but be warned, there’s a lengthy waiting list.
For more local creations, visit the Ford Studios in a former auto showroom to enjoy regional artists or attend the bluegrass program “Song of the Mountains” broadcast from the historic Lincoln Theatre, both in downtown Marion.
Dine
Start with Big Al’s Loaded Waffle Tot at Sister’s Café, a host of tater tots placed in a waffle iron and pressed, then topped with cheese, bacon, green onions, sour cream and an egg. Vegans may prefer Sur 81’s breakfast burrito featuring spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, onion and mushrooms. In addition to several fine dining establishments, there’s the landmark Dip Dog Stand, serving up its famous dogs since 1958.
