Outdoor Adventures

The City of Norton offers ample opportunities to explore Southwest Virginia's outdoor recreation destinations.

Norton's Flag Rock Recreation Area and its Flag Rock Area Trails system offer opportunities to mountain bike, trail run, hike, fish, kayak/canoe, and boulder/rock climb. The city is also a short distance from other outdoor recreation destinations, including the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests' Clinch Ranger District and the 4,200-foot High Knob summit that has an observation tower offering a 360-degree view of distant peaks as far away as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and West Virginia. Browse the below links for more details on outdoor recreation opportunities in Norton and the surrounding region. Questions? Call us at (276) 679-1160 or (276) 679-0754 or email katied@nortonva.org.

Get Outside in Norton: Mountain Biking

The city offers more than 10 miles of of mountain bike trails that explore the thousand-acre Flag Rock Recreation Area. The Flag Rock Area Trails system will eventually offer more than 30 miles.

Get Outside in Norton: Hiking Trails

Norton's Flag Rock Recreation Area boasts more than 10 miles of hiking trails. The city also adjoins the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests' Clinch Ranger District, which offers more hiking options.

Climb

Expansive sandstone boulders and cliffs canvas Flag Rock Recreation Area. Local climbing groups are working to develop bouldering and rock climbing routes. See the Central Appalachia Climbers Coalition and Mountain Project websites for more details on available routes. 

Fish

Norton's Upper and Lower Reservoirs are open to fishing with the Upper Reservoir being a state-stocked fishery. The city is also within a short drive of other lakes and rivers within the High Knob Region. 

Float

Paddle Norton's Upper Reservoir and explore other lakes and rivers a short drive from the city.