Endless Mountain Ranges

The Alleghany Highlands was first settled around 1746.   On January 5, 1822, Alleghany County was formed from parts of Bath, Botetourt, and Monroe Counties by an act of the Virginia Legislature. 

Alleghany County is located in the gorgeous mountains region of the western portion of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  The word “Allegheny” is an old Indian word meaning “endless”, and it is used to describe the mountain ranges of the Appalachians. 

The town of Clifton Forge, the town of Iron Gate, and the city of Covington lie within the County’s boundary.   The county, city, and towns are generally known collectively as the Alleghany Highlands.

(photos courtesy of Gavin Dressler)

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HUMPBACK
BRIDGE

Humpback Bridge, constructed in 1857 is the only covered humpback bridge remaining in the United States.  
 Listed on the National Register of Historic Places it is a cherished landmark where residents and visitors alike gather for picnics, photos or simply to admire her beauty and craftsmanship.

jackson River
scenic Trail

The Jackson River Scenic Trail is built along an old railroad bed that runs mostly parallel to the Jackson River. 
The southern terminus is located just outside of downtown Covington, Virginia.  In addition to scenic views of fields, farmland and mountains, the Jackson River Scenic Trail offers up-close views of the river.

Falling Spring waterFall

The breathtaking scenic waterfall is located on Route 220 in Alleghany County, just 5 miles north of Covington.  
Thomas Jefferson described the falls as a "remarkable cascade...falling over a rock about 200 feet to the valley below."   One of the largest falls in Virginia, it cascades from an overhanging ledge and is easily visible from the roadway.

Jackson river

The Jackson is an excellent smallmouth bass, rock bass, rainbow trout and brown trout fishery, above Lake Moomaw.  Below Gathright Dam, six public areas provide access to 18 miles of legally navigable water to Covington.

lake moomaw

The large reservoir, formed by damming the Jackson River, provides opportunities to see numerous open water and shoreline species at several access points.

douthat state park

A traditional family park since 1936, Douthat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in the development of parks nationwide.

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