The Clifton Forge Rails & Trails Festival draws adventurers and history lovers alike to the heart of Virginia’s Allegheny Highlands. Here, in Clifton Forge—a town forged by the iron rails carved through rugged mountains—the festival offers more than just a walk down memory lane: it invites you to hike, bike, and explore miles of scenic trails that wind alongside the relics of railroad history.

Trails range from casual strolls to more demanding routes, spanning anywhere from 2 to 10 miles, across varied terrain including forested ridges, creek-side paths, and old rail corridors re-imagined for today’s explorers. Elevation changes are moderate, typically 300 to 800 feet, enough to get your legs working but never overwhelming. You’ll notice the forest as more than a backdrop—its trees lean in like companions, their limbs whispering stories of the past and rustling with local wildlife.

The festival combines adventure with practical access. Trailheads are well marked, and informational stations along the way reveal the history of Clifton Forge as a booming railway town, now reclaimed by nature and community stewardship. Expect to see restored railcars and depot stations, giving context to the paths beneath your feet.

Hydration and footwear matter here. Trails can get uneven and rocky, especially on sections hugging the Jackson River, which itself seems to push forward with persistent energy, daring you to keep pace. Timing your visit for early morning or late afternoon brings cooler temperatures and softer light, enhancing both comfort and photos.

Getting to Clifton Forge means embracing a quieter pace, far from the bustle of major cities, with nearby Covington providing lodging and dining options. Parking is convenient, and the festival offers shuttle services to the most popular trailheads.

This event respects the land’s fierce character. The outdoors here isn’t something to conquer; it’s a force quietly claiming its space back from industry, inviting respectful exploration. Whether you’re biking a rail to trail conversion or pulling off a sumptuously timed hike, every step matches rhythm with the pulse of the mountains and rivers.

Preparation tips include layered clothing for shifting mountain weather, sturdy footwear equipped for mixed surfaces, and a ready camera to capture moments when the sun hits the moss and old ties just right. The Trails Festival is a rare chance to engage with a landscape still shaping its identity, poised between history and wild reclamation, urging you to respect the trails as much as you enjoy them.