This Small Virginia Town Off the Appalachian Trail Is Worth Visiting Even If You’re Not a Hiker

The Appalachian Trail is one of America’s most famous long-distance hikes, a 2,000-plus-mile journey from Georgia to Maine. Those who complete it are called “thru-hikers,” with approximately 3,000 attempting the months-long trek annually, but you’ll also find plenty of “section hikers” who complete pieces of the trail.

The trail covers more than 500 miles in Virginia, passing through several communities where hikers can take some time off, enjoying what’s called a “zero day” or non-hiking day.

In Marion, one of 56 A.T. Community towns by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, there’s a shuttle into town, free movies at the historic theater, and even a local pizzeria that will deliver to the backcountry shelters. Nicknamed “America's Coolest Hometown,” Marion also has the distinction of being the original home of the Mountain Dew soda formula. You can enjoy the drink around town along with offbeat varieties like flavored fudge.

Plan your trip around one of the annual events like Saltville's Woolly Mammoth Day in January, which honors the prehistoric creature found in the small town, and the quarterly Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally, where speakers and educators discuss the region’s biodiversity at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center.

I’m not much of a hiker myself, but I love southwest Virginia, where I traveled in the fall, flying into the Tri-Cities Airport, around an hour’s drive away from Marion. But you don’t have to be a hiker to experience one of the trail’s best towns.

Things to Do

The Appalachian Trail is the big draw to Marion, but it’s not the only hike around. The town is located near both Mount Rogers and the Grayson Highlands State Park, known for its miniature ponies that roam the grounds.

The region also attracts motorcycle and car enthusiasts, who follow the sharp turns of the appropriately named “Back of the Dragon.” The scenic drive has more than 300 curves in around 30 miles.

The Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts is a must-visit, where you can build your own instrument. Most days, you can also catch a jam session with locals, watch the work in the letterpress studio, and admire art in the galleries.

Nearby Saltville is worth a detour, especially for the Museum of the Middle Appalachians. The space features exhibits focused on the area’s past, from wooly mammoth fossils found in the area to a glimpse into the salt mining industry that brought the region to prominence. 

Restaurants and Bars

Dip Dog is one of the oldest restaurants in town, having been an essential stop for travelers since 1957. The signature item here is a hot dog dipped in batter, but you can also enjoy burgers and milkshakes.

Located in the town’s former Piggly Wiggly grocery store, Sisters Cafe & Gifts has a little bit of everything, from morning coffee to evening wine. Grab a BLT sandwich while browsing the shop for locally made goods.

Sur 81 is where southern meets south of the border, with both biscuits and burritos on offer plus burgers, sandwiches, and a full bar. End the day at Highlands Distilling Company, which follows the long tradition of distilling in the region with moonshine and bourbon-style whiskey.

Where to Shop

The A.T. set tends to make a beeline for Marion Outdoors, run by a thru-hiker and one of the best spots nearby to buy gear like clothing and camp kitchen essentials. You can also pick up your mail here and take advantage of the hiker box stocked with goodies.

The Downtown Resale Boutique has vintage clothing and accessories to jazz up your wardrobe, and The Ford Studios, a former art deco-style car dealership, is now an art gallery showcasing paintings, ceramics, fiber art, and jewelry.

Places to Stay

If it’s a break from your tent you want, Marion is the perfect spot. Merry Inn, conveniently located above Marion Outdoors, is a downtown hiker hostel with loaner clothes to wear while you wash and comfortable bunks for a good night's sleep.

Hungry Mother State Park, a short drive away, was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It's one of Virginia's original state parks, and you can book a stay in one of the log cabins developed by the organization (note these do book out far in advance). The state park is also home to traditional campsites and yurts.

The 1920s General Francis Marion Hotel takes its name, as the town does, from the Revolutionary War general most often associated with his time in South Carolina. The hotel, which was brought back to life after a period of neglect, has sizable rooms and is steps away from the best of downtown Marion.