Franklin County can be explored through a variety of discoveries: music history in Rocky Mount, historic and cultural sites, lakes and trails. The routes also range from a short loop to interconnected trail loops. You can tailor your stay to the topics that interest you most.
Cultural Sites and Music in Franklin County
Booker T. Washington National Monument is located on the grounds of the former Burroughs Plantation. The Plantation Trail is a ¼-mile loop through the historic area. With its clear circular route and short stated distance, it differs significantly from the more extensive Jamison Mill Trail System.
The Blue Ridge Farm Museum offers a different historical perspective: it is a reconstructed Virginia-German farm. The Blue Ridge Institute and Farm Museum is the state center for Blue Ridge folklore. Visits to the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum are currently available by appointment only; take this requirement into account when planning.
Crafts add to the cultural offerings: the Artisan Center Along the Crooked Road showcases work by local and regional artists. This includes ceramics, glass, leather, photography, jewelry, gourds and books by local authors. The selection thus ranges from applied arts to publications from the region.
Music is also part of the experience. Franklin County is the eastern gateway to The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail; the route begins in downtown Rocky Mount. The Rocky Mount Dairy Queen Jam takes place there every Thursday at 9 a.m. from September through May. Check the current schedule before you travel. The Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount offers a variety of performances; programs vary.
Trails with Different Routes
Those who want to explore on foot or by bike will find different types of trails. The Jamison Mill Trail System comprises 6.25 miles of interconnected loops for hikers and cyclists. Sections along the shore of Philpott Lake are among the system’s notable features. The distance refers to the connected loops, while the lakeside sections add a specific landscape perspective.
The Jack-O-Lantern Branch Trail is 1½ miles long and runs through fields and forests. There are also hiking trails at Philpott Lake. The Dogwood Glen Trail connects two named locations: it runs from Philpott Park Tailrace at Philpott Dam to Salthouse Branch Park on the Franklin County side of Philpott Lake. The Pigg River Blueway begins at Waid Park.
The stated distances and routes help distinguish the different trail types: a short loop, a system of interconnected loops, and a trail through fields and forests. For personal comparison, only the trail features specified for each are relevant. This can help you decide which type of scenery and route interests you most.
Two Lakes, Different Sizes
The lakes offer different highlights, too. Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia’s second-largest freshwater lake and covers nearly 20,600 acres. Birdwatching is one of the activities available there. Philpott Lake is a man-made lake in southwestern Franklin County covering 2,880 acres. It has numerous boat ramps and hiking trails.
The acreage figures make the difference in size between the two lakes clear; the activities mentioned also differ: birdwatching is an option at Smith Mountain Lake, while boat ramps and hiking trails are noted at Philpott Lake. Together with the trail information, these offer different ways to plan your stay, whether you are more interested in culture and music, trails through varied landscapes, or the lakes.
Discover more destinations: Westlake Corner, York County, Shenandoah Valley, Scott County, Greene County, Prince Edward County, King George, Falls Church.
For the main travel overview: Virginia.
