A Quiet Virginia Community Hidden In The Blue Ridge Mountains Is A Retreat From Modern Life With Scenic Views

You don't have to go very far for an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Where better to go than the hidden gem destinations nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains? If you want that small-town charm that's bisected with tons of outdoor adventure opportunities, turn your eyes to Sugar Grove, Virginia. Located along Route 16, Sugar Grove is a reprieve from the bigger cities with only about 700 residents as of 2025.

Surrounded by the Iron Mountain and Mount Rogers Wilderness, the place is a perfect nature retreat and is located right along the Appalachian Trail. Virginia is notable for being home to more miles of the Appalachian Trail than most other states, and Smyth County, especially, has 42 miles to its name. Marion, 15 minutes away by car, is a designated Appalachian Trail town with the trail passing Sugar Grove on its way down Whitetop Mountain. Though Marion has a thriving downtown and endless outdoor recreation, a stay at Sugar Grove means fewer crowds and more hidden nature gems that go overlooked in favor of the more well-known trails.

As Sugar Grove is surrounded by greenery, there are a couple of campgrounds nearby where you can make your base camp. Options include Hurricane Campground or Raccoon Branch Campground. If you opt for hotels, inns, or cabins, the towns of Marion and Atkins nearby have several options. Per Niche, most of the residents in the area are families or retirees, so visitors often stay at Marion or the camps nearby.

From Sugar Grove, there are a couple of underrated green spaces that you need to explore. There's the Raccoon Branch Wilderness Area that sits south of Sugar Grove and is a hit with hikers of any skill level. The area covers 4,225 acres and includes both the Raccoon Branch and Scott Branch watersheds. It also has several creeks and streams that flow into the Holsten River. Aside from the scenic views you'll find here, several trails weave through the area. Trails such as the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, Dickey Knob Trail, and Bobbys Trail can be found in the area.

Dickey Knob Trail, in particular, is right by Sugar Grove and is a moderately challenging hike. The out-and-back trail covers 4.5 miles, taking about two to three hours to finish. Previous visitors on AllTrails mention that the trail isn't that well-maintained, but that there are gentle slopes and shaded sections along the way. It's also not a crowded trail, and you can use Raccoon Branch Campground as your base camp if you're planning a longer stay.

North of Sugar Grove, a 25-minute drive away, you'll also find Hungry Mother State Park, one of the original six state parks in Virginia. It has a ton of casual outdoor recreation, perfect for the whole family. There's a sandy beach with a bathhouse, a fishing pier, a boat launch, and a camping and picnicking spot. You can also rent a boat, canoe, or kayak and go paddling on the water.

Sugar Grove truly is an escape from the modern world, inviting you to immerse yourself in a simple life. The Farmhouse Market in town is where you can stock up on food and supplies, offering local produce, homemade meals, and sweet treats. There's spotty cell reception in the area, typically disappearing before Route 650 (via News Break). So, if you're going on a hike, make sure to let someone know where you're going, your route, and the campground you'll be staying in during the trip. Sugar Grove is closer to nature than to urban areas, so it's best to come prepared before hitting the road.

Marion and Troutdale are the nearest towns, while larger cities like Winston-Salem are about two hours away. If you're flying in, you can arrive at the Tri-Cities Regional Airport in Tennessee (an hour's drive) or Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina (about three hours away). It's best to rent a car from one of these airports, which would be easier if you're exploring other parts of the area after your stop in Sugar Grove.

While you're exploring, you might want to head further into the mountains and visit Virginia's highest point, Mount Rogers. Make your way to Grayson Highlands State Park, a playground of adventure, just a 35-minute drive away. The state park is known for its many trails with scenic views of Mount Rogers and Massie Gap. More importantly, the wild ponies and cattle that live in the park can't be missed.