Clinch River

Located in the Clinch River Valley of far Southwest Virginia, Clinch River State Park is a hidden gem perfect for immersing yourself in nature.

While it is under development, that doesn’t mean this 1,343-acre, and growing, day-use park shouldn’t be on your list of places to explore.

Here are three must-do activities for planning your adventure to Clinch River State Park.

1. Go kayaking

Kayaking on the Clinch

Once developed, Clinch River will be the first blueway state park in Virginia. This means it will consist of several smaller anchor properties connected by multiple access points along a 100-mile stretch of the Clinch River.

But you don’t have to wait until then to get on the water. Currently, the park offers three boat launches: Artrip, Carbo and Old Castlewood, with a fourth boat launch, The Retch, opening in May 2026.

The park's boat launches are located at: 

• Artrip: 3084 Artrip Road, Cleveland, VA 24225  
• Carbo: 92 Carbo Church Ave, Cleveland, VA 24225  
• Old Castlewood: 206 Luttie Banner Drive, Castlewood, VA 24224  
• The Retch (opening May 2026): 3115 Riverbluff Road, Fort Blackmore, VA 24250

Click here for a map of the Clinch.

If you don’t have a boat, nearby Clinch Life Outfitters and Clinch River Adventures offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and can give float recommendations.

To explore with a ranger, take advantage of guided kayaking trips during the warmer months. Learn more about those at http://www.virginiastateparks.gov/clinchriver-events.

2. Go fishing

Riverside Trail

The Clinch is one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America. It’s home to 46 different species of mussels and, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, more fish species than any other river in Virginia.

In addition to non-game fish, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, sunfish, crappie, walleye, musky, freshwater drum, longnose gar, channel catfish and more can be found in the Clinch.

If you’ve never fished the Clinch before, stop by Clinch Life Outfitters for bait recommendations and to learn about their guided fishing trips.

Remember, whether you’re fishing by boat or along the banks of Riverside Trail, which offers 1.9 miles of bank fishing, you must follow all DWR rules and regulations.

3. Go hiking

The chimney on Sugar Hill

From an easy .3-mile trail to a moderate 3.3-mile loop, Clinch River has hikes for all skill levels at its Sugar Hill Unit.

The park’s six trails total 9 miles, and they’re open daily, from 6 a.m. to dusk. Sugar Hill Loop Trail is open to hikers and bikers while AmeriCorps, Riverside, Cliff, Hillside and Rock Bluff are hiker-only trails. Download a trail map.

If you only have a few hours to spend at the park, we recommend Sugar Hill Loop. Not only does this moderate-rated hike offer a breathtaking view of the Clinch River Valley but it also gives you the chance to see remnants of an 18th century French settlement.

Marked by a standing chimney, the area was once called St. Marie on the Clinch. Later, owners farmed the land, and in the 1930s, created a maple syrup and sugar operation known as Sugar Hill.

Throughout the year, the park hosts ranger-led hikes to the Sugar Hill chimney, allowing you to hear the history of the valley and the park.

You can find the schedule for these guided hikes and other programs at http://www.virginiastateparks.gov/clinchriver-events.

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Now that you know more about Clinch River State Park, start planning your visit today at www.virginiastateparks.gov/clinch-river. Don’t forget to log your hiking and kayaking adventures for Trail Quest and Wandering Waters Paddle Quest.

Need somewhere to stay? Natural Tunnel State Park is about an hour away and offers cabins and camping. You can learn more here.