Abingdon: History, Art and Trails

Abingdon offers historic sites, cultural venues and trails for a range of activities. If you’re looking for a hotel in Abingdon, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: trail history, art and theater, or outdoor activities. The following places offer concrete starting points for planning your trip.

Trail History and Historic Downtown

The Abingdon Muster Grounds are the western terminus and northernmost mustering point of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. The W. Blair Keller Jr. Interpretive Center is located at the Grounds. Its exhibits and artifacts cover the American Revolution in Southwest Virginia. Those interested in this history can explore the Muster Grounds’ connection to the trail alongside exhibits about the Revolution.

The paved Wolf Creek Trail also begins at the Muster Grounds. It is 0.75 miles long and follows Wolf Creek to Stone Mill Road. Its length, surface and endpoint give you a clear picture of the route if you’d like to include it in your day’s plans. Visitor information about access was last checked on September 6, 2026; check for the latest information before your visit.

A self-guided tour of Abingdon’s historic downtown buildings is possible with a map from the Abingdon Visitor Center. Map arrangements can change, so it’s advisable to check whether maps are available before starting the tour. The Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum is located within Abingdon’s 20-block Historic District. The city also has a large number of Federal-style and antebellum brick buildings. Abingdon is considered the best-preserved of the many linear communities that developed along the Great Valley Road in the late 18th century.

Art, Theater and Cultural Traditions

The Barter Theatre is located on Main Street downtown. It is known as the State Theatre of Virginia and one of the nation’s oldest professional regional theaters. The William King Museum of Art in Abingdon features a diverse collection spanning several centuries and cultures. The Arts Depot hosts rotating exhibitions and sales of artworks by the Depot Artists Association.

Recurring cultural events and traditions are also part of Abingdon’s character: the Virginia Highlands Festival has been a cultural tradition in the city since 1949. Abingdon is also one of the destinations along The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. Twilight on Main is a narrated heritage trolley tour by Experience Appalachia. As operating details may change, check them before making firm plans for the tour.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The Virginia Creeper Trail is open to hikers, joggers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The Virginia Creeper Trail Welcome Center is located at mile marker 0 in Abingdon and provides information about the trail and surrounding communities. The Creeper Trail Bike Shop is on Pecan Street, two blocks from the trailhead. It offers bike rentals, sales, repairs and a shuttle service. If you plan to use these services, check the latest details in advance.

The two trails support different planning choices: the Wolf Creek Trail has a clearly defined length, paved surface and endpoint, while the Virginia Creeper Trail offers a choice of hiking, jogging, mountain biking and horseback riding. This lets you decide whether to include a more clearly described route or a range of activities in your trip.

Discover more destinations: Glade Spring.

Go to the broader travel overview: Washington County.