In Ararat, you can discover history in specific places: Laurel Hill connects the memory of J.E.B. Stuart with a reconstructed section of the “Dinky” railroad. The trails and landscape in Dan River Park offer a different focus. Timing is also important when planning your visit: Laurel Hill allows self-guided tours from sunrise to sunset, while seasonal offerings and recurring events take place during particular seasons or on specific dates.
Laurel Hill and the “Dinky” Railroad
Laurel Hill in Ararat is the birthplace of Major General J.E.B. Stuart of the American Civil War. In 1998, the site was added to both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The grounds are open for self-guided tours from sunrise to sunset. Paved walking trails and informational signs extend across the grounds. At the birthplace, you can also see a reconstructed 24-foot section of the “Dinky” railroad, along with an original track excavated nearby.
The Hollow History Center also displays a section of the “Dinky” railroad. The historic site includes four log cabins and a picnic shelter. The two places offer different points of interest: Laurel Hill brings together Stuart’s birthplace and the reconstructed section with its original track, while the Hollow History Center features a section of the railroad as part of a historic site with four log cabins.
Laurel Hill hosts a Civil War Encampment every year on the first weekend in October. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event date in advance.
Trails, Views and Nature
Dan River Park in Ararat has a paved walking trail. Mountains rise above the park, and both the Dan River and the Ararat River originate in them. As park amenities may change, check the current status of the trail before your visit. One nearby viewpoint is Angel Overlook on Squirrel Spur Road between Ararat and Meadows of Dan. From there, you can look out over Ararat and North Carolina.
Clarks Creek is also part of Ararat’s natural landscape: the stream is stocked with brook trout. Alongside the walking trails and the rivers’ headwaters, the stream and its fish species are another distinct feature of the area. The nature experiences described here differ clearly: Dan River Park is defined by its paved trail and the mountains where the two rivers originate; Clarks Creek is known for its brook trout.
Seasonal Offerings and Recurring Events
Doe Run Farm has offered its sunflower maze every fall since 2006. Check current opening days before your trip. The farm also offers a pick-your-own sunflower field and carriage rides. Both are seasonal offerings, and availability may vary depending on operating hours.
Old-time, bluegrass, country and gospel music is played at the Willis Gap Community Center in Ararat; the program may change. The Center’s Open Jam takes place every Friday evening, and Golden Oldies is held on the last Tuesday of each month. These events follow different schedules: weekly on Fridays and monthly on the last Tuesday. If one of these gatherings is important to your trip, check the event date in advance.
Discover more destinations: Floyd, Woolwine.
For the broader travel overview: Patrick County.
