General Info | Location | Conference building | Cabins | Accessibility | Swimming | Tennis | Sports complex | Area attractions | History | More info
General Information: Located in the Southwest Blue Ridge Highlands of Virginia, just north of the town of Marion in Smyth County, Hemlock Haven Conference Center boasts modern meeting and lodging facilities within the peaceful surroundings of Hungry Mother State Park, one of the original parks in the state park system. Significant natural resources and nearby recreational opportunities such as Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area, Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, and the Jefferson National Forest, as well as Hungry Mother State Park itself, make Hemlock Haven an ideal location for day and overnight conferences, banquets, family reunions, company picnics and more.
Additionally, recreational interpretive and adventure programs at Hungry Mother State Park are available to conference center guests. Seasonal activities include swimming, boating and fishing on Hungry Mother Lake. Picnicking, camping, hiking, nature study and a visitor center are popular at elevations ranging from 2,200 ft. to a peak of 3,270 ft. at Molly's Knob.
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Location: Hemlock Haven Conference Center is within Hungry Mother State Park, which is in Smyth County. To get there, take Exit 47 from Interstate 81. Travel approximately one mile on Route 11 toward Marion. Turn right on Route 16 north and travel four miles to the park. Click here for a Google map.
Specific directions to Hemlock Haven (within the park): Use directions above to find Hungry Mother State Park. Once within Hungry Mother State Park, follow signs for Hemlock Haven Conference Center. Stay on the main road and follow the loop. The first six cabins are named: Chestnut, Hickory, White Oak, Scarlet Oak, Red Oak and Sycamore. Stay on this road to The Pines, which are near the fork in the road. The Pines are numbered PI-P5.
Conference building: Room capacities range from 10-50 people, for smaller meeting rooms, to up to 375 for the largest. Full service catering is available through the center, and outside catering is welcomed. The Restaurant at Hungry Mother State Park features specialties and gourmet cooking and can accommodate all of your food service needs from outdoor picnics to formal banquets and weddings. Call (276) 781-7425 for details.
Cabins: Cabins at Hemlock Haven are sold as weekly rentals under Hungry Mother State Park (Friday to Friday). A weekly rental for the Pines and other cabin units is required from Memorial Day through Labor Day (prime season). A minimum two-night stay is required otherwise, and sometimes such shorter stays can be arranged during prime season by calling 30 days in advance. Please call the State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK for additional information and reservations.
Accessibility (for day-use conferences only):
Swimming: Overnight guests may swim at no charge at the park swimming area.
Tennis: Two modern lighted courts are available for visitor use.
Sports complex: The complex includes a volleyball field, a softball field, basketball courts and horseshoe pits. Equipment can be checked out from the center office.
Area attractions: Grayson Highlands State Park, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Barter Theater, Saltville Archaeological Digs, Crab Orchard Museum
History: Construction of the original facilities at Hemlock Haven was completed in 1942 by Charles Collins, a Marion native. A lodge with 10 guest rooms and a dining/kitchen complex were the main features. Eight guest cabins, all lacking plumbing, were added in 1947. The Virginia Episcopal Diocese purchased the site from Collins in 1957 and added the swimming pool, two lighted tennis courts, three new cabins and a large meeting facility, Ferrell Hall. Hemlock Haven was a popular site for training meetings, conferences and a summer camp for many years. However, due to increased use, the facilities required a great deal of upkeep and repair that the diocese could no longer provide.
The 35-acre center was purchased by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1986. In 1989, the Department of Conservation and Recreation opened Hemlock Haven Conference Center, making it the first in the state parks system.
