Martinsburg/Berkeley County, WV

Charles Town/Jefferson County, WV

Winchester/Frederick County

Clarke County

Front Royal/Warren County

Shenandoah County

Luray/Page County

Harrisonburg/Rockingham County

Staunton/Augusta County

Highland County

Lexington, Buena Vista/Rockbridge

Bath County

Alleghany County

Fincastle/Botetourt County

Roanoke, Salem/Roanoke County

Alleghany County, Virginia

Nestled in a narrow valley of the Allegheny Mountains, Clifton Forge is a treasure chest full of surprises. The redeveloping Main Street’s quaint shops invite you to walk the sidewalks and peer into antique stores.

On Ridgeway St., at the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, local and regional artists display their works. Browse in the gift shop where you can purchase pottery, stained glass, quilts and artwork.

Just east of Clifton Forge off I-64, the old iron furnace stacks of Longdale Furnace can be seen. During the Civil War, the furnace produced the iron for the plates of the CSS Virginia, infamous for ending the age of wooden war ships, and for its duel with the USS Monitor.

On US 220 near Clifton Forge, at Iron Gate Gorge, Rainbow Rock curves above the Jackson River, attracting photographers and rock climbers alike. The Devil’s Backbone juts vertically from the hillside adjacent to the spectacular arch formation that gives Rainbow Gap its name.

Less than 10 miles away, Covington boasts more splendid attractions. The downtown craft shops display the work of more than 150 artists. Plan your stay at the Cliff View Golf Club & Inn. The inn is set along the Jackson River and offers a delicious country breakfast, 18-hole golf course, and over two miles of river access for fly fishing.

Another must-see is the famous covered Humpback Bridge crossing Dunlap Creek. It is America’s only surviving curved-span covered bridge, and there is only one other similarly constructed bridge in the world.

In Alleghany County, you can leave the fast-paced world behind and embark upon an adventure that leads to a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery and small town wonders.

• Attractions

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