Explore

Welcome to Norton, the smallest incorporated city in the Commonwealth of Virginia! Centrally located at the intersection of two main highways - U.S. 23 and U.S. Route 58 Alternate - and near the crossroads of three states, we offer an abundance of natural, cultural, and historic landmarks. There are ample opportunities to dine, shop, and stay awhile in our charming mountain community nestled beneath High Knob, the highest point in the Cumberland Mountains. We invite you to Get Outside in Norton! See the links below to help plan your visit.

2022 Events Calendar

Check out Norton's 2022 Events Calendar!

Outdoor Adventures

We’ve got all your Outdoor Adventures covered! The city's Flag Rock Recreation Area and its close proximity to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests' Clinch Ranger District mean there are ample opportunities to mountain bike, hike, trail run, fish, boulder/rock climb, paddle, and more.

Norton City Parks

The City of Norton has five parks, including the thousand-acre Flag Rock Recreation Area. The city's recreation area is also adjacent to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and near the High Knob Observation Tower. (Photo: Will Bouton)

Trip Itineraries

Want to explore Norton and other neighboring communities but not sure where to start? Check out these Suggested Trip Itineraries. (Photo: Will Bouton)

Norton Restaurants

Norton and its neighboring communities offer a variety of locally-owned and franchise restaurants.
(Featured photo: Lincoln Road Coffee Lounge. Photo courtesy Blake Salyer.)

Norton Camping & Lodging

Norton is home to two hotels and one campground. Several other hotels and campgrounds are also located within several miles of downtown Norton. (Photo: Jesse Cheers)

Area Attractions

Norton and its neighboring communities boast a wide variety of historic, cultural, and scenic attractions.
(Photo: Brad Deel)

Norton Friends and Farmers Market

Norton’s Friends and Farmers Market is held June through September. (Photo: Will Bouton)

Festivals & Events

Norton and its neighboring communities host several annual Festivals and Events. (Photo: Brad Lovell)

Get Involved

Want to volunteer and help keep the City of Norton clean? Check out our Adopt-A-Spot/Adopt-A-Trail program.

Getting Here: Driving Directions to Norton, Va.

• If traveling from Abingdon, Va.: From Interstate 81, take Exit 17 - Abingdon/South Holston Dam. If traveling south on Interstate 81, turn right into Abingdon. Those traveling north should turn left. Go to the second traffic light (0.7 miles). This is the main street through Abingdon. Turn left onto U.S. 11 South/U.S. 58 A West. Go to the second traffic light. Turn right onto U.S. 58 A West. Proceed to the stop sign at the intersection of U.S. 19 North/U.S. 58 A West (1 mile). Turn right. Proceed 12.2 miles north to the intersection of where U.S. 58 A and U.S. 19 split. Turn left and travel 30 miles to Norton. You will bypass the towns of St. Paul and Coeburn.
• If traveling from Kingsport, Tenn.: If traveling on Interstate 181, take the U.S. 23 North exit (Gate City). Follow U.S. 23 North for approximately 45.6 miles, past the Big Stone Gap exits, to Norton. If traveling north on Interstate 26, follow it to the end of Interstate 26 at which time the highway becomes U.S. 23 North. Follow U.S. 23 North for approximately 45.6 miles, past the Big Stone Gap exits, to Norton.
• If traveling from Eastern Kentucky: From the north (Jenkins), take Route 23 South, bypassing Pound and Wise, traveling approximately 25 miles from the Kentucky/Virginia state line.