Dungannon Scenic Guide Book

The scenic guide book is great for people wanting to getting to know the area. The book guides visitors on a 23.7 mile ride. The tour starts in the town of Dungannon and guides visitors along the Clinch River, through the many scenic areas and historical points of interest that is along the route and back to Dungannon. There is no fee for the guide book. The book can be picked up at the Dungannon Development Commission, Inc. office or downloaded by clicking here.

The Clinch River

The Clinch River is home to several threatened and endangered species of freshwater mussels. Mussels are indicators of water quality and many of the species here are found no where else in the world. The Clinch River is great for fishing. Fees do apply for obtaining fishing license that is required for fishing. Canoes, kayaks and inner tubes can be easily dropped in the water the boat launch which is lcoated in the town limits of Dungannon.

Creation Kingdom Zoo

Creation Kingdom Zoo believes strongly in conservation of habitat and species locally as well as around the globe. While the ideal situation for an animal would be free in the wild, unfortunately the wild habitats are being destroyed by logging, population growth, poaching, and industry.

Simply put, The zoo's goal is is to serve God through education, conservation, and propogation of the animals we live with. Creation Kingdom Zoo wants to accurately and safely educate the public about where our world began, the animals we share it with, their native habitat and help protect their future by the propogation, breeding, and husbandry of exotic species

Many adults and children have little to no contact with living nature, but in contrast, their knowledge of nature comes from television. While these programs are beneficial, they are no comparison to standing face to face with animals from Africa, India, South America, and beyond.

Virginia's Heritage Migration Route 

Although it has been known by many different names, such as the Great Road, the Great Philadelphia Road, and the Valley Turnpike, the 500-mile long Wilderness Road saw nearly 300,000 settlers on their way south through Virginia between 1775-1810.  Traveling on foot or horseback, some settled along the way, while others continued on to the interior of the nation.  The Conestoga wagon later became the favorite mode of transportation.  

Today, travelers along the road will learn of blazing pioneers like Daniel Boone and the skills and values it took to make such a hard journey by visiting museums, living history interpretive villages, and forts, as well as historic downtown centers, schools, agricultural farms, and galleries.    

In Dungannon, trace the history that began in 1775 Porter’s Fort was built by Patrick Porter in 1775 on Falling Creek near present Dungannon. He built a grist mill there which was most likely the first mill in Scott County territory.

The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is a 2,175-mile long footpath stretching through 14 eastern states from Maine to Georgia. Conceived in 1921 and first completed in 1937, it traverses the wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral, and culturally significant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Trail is home to literally thousands of species of plants and animals, including 2,000 distinct rare, threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and animal species.  But don't feel compelled to hike it all at once!  Day trips are easy to do too! Dungannon is just 35 miles away (a quick 45 minute drive) from an access point in Abingdon, VA.

Coal Heritage Trail

Discover Virgnia's Coal Heritage Trail located in the Hart of Appalachia's coalfield region. More than 300 miles of scenic byways stretch through seven counties and the town of Dungannon, providing the traveler with glimpses of unique coal mining towns that were formed more than a century ago.

Experience this true cultural heritage experience. Some coal mines are still in operation today and can be seen at various places along the route. Download the map.