Martin’s Station

Take a journey through time and nature at Wilderness Road State Park. This 327-acre park is in a geographically and historically significant region of Virginia. It lies astride the Wilderness Road, which was carved out by Daniel Boone in 1775. By 1800, more than 300,000 settlers traveled the Wilderness Road westward through Cumberland Gap into Kentucky and the Midwest.

While the park is rich in cultural heritage, you don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate all that it has to offer.

Here are five must-do activities for your next visit to Wilderness Road State Park.

1. Experience Martin's Station.

Cooking demonstration at Martin’s Station.

One of the park’s main attractions is the meticulously reconstructed Martin's Station, an outdoor living history museum depicting life on Virginia's 1775 frontier.

You can explore Martin’s Station on your own from May 1 through Oct. 31, but, as you plan your visit, don’t forget to check out the park’s events calendar for the schedule of live demonstrations, including blacksmithing, cooking and other colonial-era skills.

The park also hosts reenactment events at Martin’s Station, including Virginia: America’s First Frontier, allowing you to meet the men, women and children who traveled the trace. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

2. Stop by the visitor center to watch "Wilderness Road, Spirit of a Nation."

The visitor center at Wilderness Road State Park.

"Wilderness Road, Spirit of a Nation" is an award-winning docudrama that tells the story of western migration and the people who shaped the early history of this period, including Joseph Martin and Daniel Boone.

The film also explains the story of Martin’s Station, one of the earliest wilderness outposts during the era of the American Revolution that served as a refuge against the horrid realities of the frontier.

After you watch the 18-minute film, explore the visitor center’s frontier museum or gift shop that offers unique regional gifts.

From mid-March through late December, the visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but it operates on a limited schedule the rest of the year. Learn more at virginiastateparks.gov/wilderness-road.

3. Hit the trails.

Wilderness Road Trail.

For nature lovers, the park has nearly 9 miles of trails (PDF), including the 6.5-mile Wilderness Road Trail. This easy-rated trail is multi-use, handicap accessible and a registered stop on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail.

The remaining three trails at the park are rated moderate and for hikers only. The .77-mile Indian Ridge Trail is a self-guided natural heritage trail. Pioneer Trail is .9 miles long and offers scenic views of Martin's Station Fort and the iconic White Rocks. Fisherman's Loop Trail, which is 1.1 miles, runs beside the trout fishing area.

4. Go trout fishing.

Brown trout caught at Wilderness Road.

As mentioned, Wilderness Road has a 1-mile section along Indian Creek stocked with brown and rainbow trout. The stream is a designated delayed harvest waterway which means from Oct. 1 through May 31, you must use artificial lures, release all fish unharmed and not have any bait.

State freshwater and trout fishing licenses are required when you’re fishing at the park.

5. Celebrate Christmas here.

Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees

If Christmas is your favorite holiday, you should come to Wilderness Road in December.

On the second Saturday of the month, you can join reenactors at Martin’s Station for A Frontier Christmas to celebrate the holiday season as they did in 1775.

Then, head over to the Karlan Mansion for the Parade of Trees. From late November through December, you can explore the 1870s-era mansion surrounded by trees uniquely decorated by the local community while enjoying classic holiday music.

To learn more about A Frontier Christmas and Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees, including admission costs and schedules, go to the park’s event calendar.

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While these five activities can keep you busy, they’re not all Wilderness Road offers. The park also features a buffalo viewing area (yes, real buffaloes live at the park), primitive group camping, three picnic shelters, playgrounds and more.

So, whether you're exploring the historical Martin's Station, hiking through beautiful trails, picnicking with family or friends, or camping under the stars, the park promises a memorable experience.

Plan your visit today at virginiastateparks.gov/wilderness-road.