Area Highlights

Beyond The Homestead, a world of natural wonder, rich heritage and culture await.


Bath County, Virginia is a vibrant community for sportsmen, artists and philosophers offering breathtaking forests, waterways and parks as well as unique music venues and art galleries.

From the Blog

FIRST SNOW – OCTOBER 29th
Driving back from Charlottesville yesterday I heard all the talk of snow; 3–4 inches, 2–8 inches in the Highlands….. I preferred to think that...

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From the Blog

FIRST FROST
To have our frost as late as October 23rd is unusual. Those tired of cutting grass had to hang in a few weeks longer and gardens gave up bonus produce....

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Allegheny Mountains & George Washington National Forest

"Allegheny" is the Native American word for "endless". The Nature Conservancy's 9250 acre Warm Springs Mountain Preserve and the George Washington National Forest are the center of the east's most biologically significant forest lands. Bath County has over 200 square miles of protected lands with hundreds of miles of trails, rivers, streams and untouched ridges.

Lake Moomaw

Lake Moomaw is a 2530 acre impoundment surrounded by State and Federal forest with no commercial development. The Lake is formed by two of our area's most pristine rivers, Back Creek and the Jackson, that create a wonderful environment for swimming in these deep clear waters, all water sports and fishing and waterfowl. There are two small marinas, seasonal beaches and campgrounds.

Pure Rivers

Bath County hosts the three rivers that join to form Virginia's largest river, The James. Back Creek, the Jackson and the Cowpasture rivers are our crown jewels of clear, pure mountain streams. Large portions of each river flow through National Forest offering Virginia's finest trout fishing, hiking along old railroad grades, canoeing, tubing or bird watching.

Garth Newel Music Center

The astonishingly beautiful setting for more than 50 concerts each year, Garth Newel is among the most active chamber music organizations in the country. Performing chamber-style music for small, intimate audiences, it's an inspiring place for both musician and music lover. After many concerts, the musicians join the audience in a gourmet meal prepared by their resident chef, Randy Wyche, and served in the concert hall.

Douthat State Park

Douthat was one of Virginia's first State Parks when it opened in 1936. The park has an attractive lake, beach, dining facility, cabins and the area's most developed trail system. Young children love the paddleboats and generous fishing. The park is 4500 acres in size with a 50 acre lake. Park Rangers offer a wonderful outdoor education program schedule spring through fall.

Hot Springs Ingalls Field Airport

Hot Springs Ingalls Field Airport is located 15 miles south of Hot Springs and operated by the Bath County Airport Authority. General aviation services are available and private aircraft are also served. Private limousine and taxi services are also available.