Virginia is by no means a western state. Yet, interestingly enough, there are plenty of destinations in western Virginia that embody the spirit of the Old West. Long after Indigenous tribes charted paths through the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains, European settlers were also inspired to head west, and Virginia was the gateway. For a fascinating glimpse into the frontier spirit, we’d recommend visiting Wilderness Road State Park, an iconic stop along the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail. It’s here you can enjoy beautiful mountain vistas, hiking trails, and immersive cultural displays.

Welcome, one and all, to Wilderness Road State Park, nestled in southwestern Virginia near the Cumberland Gap.
Wilderness Road State Park / Facebook
The park is named for the iconic Wilderness Road, a trail that would take nearly 300,000 travelers westward in the late 1700s, following in the footsteps of Daniel Boone.
Wilderness Road State Park / Facebook
The Cherokee and Shawnee People had long been aware of this route, which they called the Athowominee, which can be translated to mean “Path of the Armed Ones” or “The Great Warrior’s Path.”
Those visiting this informative and beautiful state park, which is situated on the former Wilderness Road, will get to experience what life would have been like for the frontiersmen traveling west. In that sense, it very much captures the spirit of the Old West.
Wilderness Road State Park / Facebook

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One of the most noteworthy attractions in the park is Martin's Station, which is a reconstructed settlement and outdoor living history museum.
Wilderness Road State Park / Facebook
Depending on the time of your visit, you may even get to catch some live demonstrations!
Wilderness Road State Park / Facebook
In addition to the historic and cultural features, the park also offers miles of beautiful hiking trails, picnic areas, an ADA-certified playground, and much more.
Wilderness Road State Park / Facebook
No matter your reason for visiting Wilderness Road State Park, you won't help but feel inspired by your experience.
Wilderness Road State Park / Facebook
For an in-depth view of the history of the region, be sure to catch the award-winning docudrama "Wilderness Road, Spirit of a Nation," which plays daily at the park's visitor's center. You can watch the trailer for this film below:

Have you ever visited Wilderness Road State Park in Virginia? What did you think of your experience there? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you!

If you need a place to stay while you’re exploring the area, check out these unique vacation cabins near Wilderness Road State Park.

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