Wilderness Road State Park is tucked away in a part of Virginia that many don’t realize exists. It's in the most western part of Virginia, just 10 miles from Cumberland Gap National Park, the state meets both Kentucky and Tennessee. 

Walking back in time

Traveling along Hwy 58 toward the park, you can see the mountains that Daniel Boone looked for as he traveled the Wilderness Road.  You know you are getting close to the park when the mountains on the right side show white rocks.  These rocks served as a marker for frontiersmen that “the gap” (now known as Cumberland Gap) was approaching. Martin’s Station, the fort depicted at Wilderness Road State Park, was the last stopping point before crossing the gap into Kentucky.

The 1770’s come to life at the park with a movie and exhibits in the visitor center and costumed interpreters in the restored Martin's Station.

Not only is Wilderness Road rich in history, it is also steeped in natural resources.  The park is in a valley that has been used as farmland for generations.  Some of the unique resources to the park is the karst topography, a stand of native bamboo, and rare mussels in Indian Creek (running through the park). 

Environmental Education helps visitors understand the unique aspects of the park

Hiking trails, a playscape, and picnic tables are all available at the park. If you need to travel far to visit this park, we can't offer you the comfort of Martin's Station but nearby Natural Tunnel State Park has comfortable cabins and two campgrounds. Natural Tunnel also has a tie to Daniel Boone. You can book a shelter or make reservations for Natural Tunnel by calling 800-933-7275, or online.

The park is an hour from Bristol, VA, an hour from Knoxville, TN and two hours from Lexington, KY.  Come by and visit, I promise you won’t be disappointed.