The Blue Ridge Parkway is our country’s longest linear park at 469 miles. Sitting along milepost 199.5 is the small town of Fancy Gap, VA. Mountain music, Southern hospitality, Appalachian culture, and scenic beauty define this area of the U.S. So, let’s dive in and learn more about what you can do when visiting Fancy Gap, VA!
Fancy Gap, VA, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains just north of the Virginia-North Carolina border. It’s easily accessible from I-77 and Highway 52, which run through the town. Wytheville, VA, is about 35 miles northwest. Roanoke is about 90 minutes northeast, following I-77 to I-81. The entire town of Fancy Gap is only about four square miles.
Pro Tip: Check out the Perfect Trip to Hot Springs in Virginia before planning your next trip to the Lovers State.
Frank Beamer, the former head football coach at Virginia Tech, grew up in Fancy Gap, VA. The “Welcome To Fancy Gap” sign even has “Frank Beamer Country” on the bottom of it.
But Fancy Gap is most known for its small-town charm nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll find Southern hospitality, mountain music, and a unique Appalachian culture. It’s a great stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy shopping or outdoor adventures.
There aren’t a ton of things to do in Fancy Gap itself. But there are countless activities in the surrounding area. Fancy Gap is an ideal launch point to explore the scenery, history, and culture of both Virginia and North Carolina.
The Blue Ridge Parkway meanders for more than 460 miles through the Appalachians. It connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Fancy Gap, VA sits along the parkway. You can enjoy hiking, picnicking, biking, horseback riding, and more as you venture along this scenic drive.
At milepost 176 of the Blue Ridge Parkway sits Mabry Mill. Stop for a delicious Southern meal at the Mabry Mill Restaurant. Hike the 0.5-mile trail along the property to view historic buildings like the original sawmill and blacksmith shop. It’s a great place to stretch your legs as you drive along the parkway and learn about Appalachian culture. On summer weekends, you can participate in cultural demonstrations and enjoy mountain music concerts.
New River Trail State Park is just 30 minutes north of Fancy Gap, VA. Canoe and bike rentals allow guests to enjoy the 57-mile multi-use trail and the New River. Fishing and tubing are other popular water activities. Overnight camping is also permitted at three of the primitive campgrounds. New River Trail State Park is another beautiful location near Fancy Gap with plenty of outdoor recreation.
Fancy Gap, VA, is only 20 minutes away from the famous town of Mount Airy. If you grew up watching the Andy Griffith Show, you know this area as Mayberry. Andy Griffith grew up here, and Main Street feels much like the 1960s Mayberry. Visitors to Mount Airy can see Floyd’s City Barber Shop, the Old Mayberry Jail, the Andy Griffth Museum, and Andy’s childhood home. You can even book a Mayberry squad car tour. There are plenty of shopping and dining opportunities as you stroll downtown.
The Blue Ridge Music Center is also about 20 minutes from Fancy Gap, VA, in Galax. Here, visitors can try crafting their songs and mixing mountain music. Exhibits educate guests about the history of mountain music and how this traditional folk music influenced other genres. The Blue Ridge Music Center also hosts ticketed concerts during the summer and free presentations of local and regional music throughout the year.
There are two excellent options for RV camping in Fancy Gap, VA. The Fancy Gap/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA offers full hookups for rigs of any length. Amenities include a seasonal swimming pool, badminton, a dog park, ping pong, gem and fossil panning, fishing, a propane refill station, and more. It’s open from March 15 to November 5.
Another option is Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground. Located between mileposts 202 and 203 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this campground is open from April 1 to November 1. It’s a small campground with 13 full-hookup campsites. Bathhouses are on the property. Guests enjoy the beautiful landscape, surrounded by woods and an apple orchard.
To enjoy all the nearby outdoor recreation, late spring through early fall is the best time to visit Fancy Gap, VA. Its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains means winters can be very cold. Also, you’ll find more cultural activities, such as the Blue Ridge Music Center concerts, during these months.
Even though only about 240 people live in Fancy Gap, VA, this small town has the charm of a Southern mountain town. It’s ideal for launching day trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway or visiting nearby attractions. If you’re looking for good ol’ Southern hospitality, plan a camping trip to Fancy Gap, VA, this season!
What will be your favorite thing to do when visiting this beautiful Appalachian location?
