Visitors choosing Pounding Mill as a destination will find a variety of points of interest: local history, Maiden Spring, trails, and farm activities. The past becomes especially tangible at a barite mill, whose site was taken over by Pounding Mill Quarry in 1913. There are also farm activities and Cuz’s Uptown Barbecue, which operates seasonally. These differences can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Local history and Maiden Spring

Pounding Mill was founded west of Tazewell, where a mill processed barite. In 1913, Pounding Mill Quarry took the place of the barite mill. This makes it possible to trace the town’s history through two successive stages: first the mill, then the quarry. For those interested in how the town developed, this provides a specific historical point of reference.

Maiden Spring is one of the best-preserved antebellum estates in southwestern Virginia. “Antebellum” refers to the period before the American Civil War and places the estate in a historical timeframe. Unlike the history of the mill and quarry, this focuses on a single historic estate. The two subjects offer different perspectives on the region’s history.

Trails and farm visits

Farm tours or visits to Clinch River Farms may be arranged upon request. Several hiking trails offer different levels of difficulty, from easy paths for children to a 5K route that crosses a suspension bridge and climbs to Peace Mountain. The trails therefore differ both in difficulty and in the destination of the longer route. If you would like a tour or visit to be part of your trip, request it in advance.

Family visits are also offered at Clinch River Farms and may include a day of fishing. Fishing is a possible component, not a fixed part of every visit; arrangements are event-based. When planning, check whether a suitable event date is scheduled.

Corn mazes and seasonal barbecue

The Farm at Pounding Mill offers two corn mazes. The easy maze takes 15 minutes to walk; the other is more challenging. The time given is the walking time for the easy maze, not the length of an entire visit. The comparison therefore answers two different questions: how long is the stated route, and which maze is more challenging? This can help you assess the activity by its walking time and level of difficulty.

Cuz’s Uptown Barbecue is in Pounding Mill, right on Route 460. The restaurant was created in an old dairy barn. The silo was converted into a private dining room, while the hayloft was renovated as a waiting area. The former parts of the building therefore also have different functions today. The restaurant operates seasonally; check its current opening days before making plans.

Plan your stay

When looking for a hotel in Pounding Mill, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your trip. Local history and Maiden Spring offer a different thematic focus from farm trails, family visits, and corn mazes.

Discover more destinations: Tazewell, Tannersville, Cedar Bluff.

Go to the main travel overview: Tazewell.