A Sweet Escape to the Highland County Maple Festival

Tucked high in the Allegheny Mountains, the small town of Monterey transforms each March into one of the most delicious destinations in the Mid-Atlantic. The annual Highland County Maple Festival is a beloved regional tradition that celebrates the craft of maple syrup making, Appalachian culture, and the charm of rural mountain life.

If you’re planning to indulge in this sweet escape, we’ve got details, from dates and fees to what’s new and where to stay.

2026 Highland County Maple Festival Details

The 2026 Highland County Maple Festival will be held March 14–15 and March 21–22, 2026. It’s a county-wide affair with major activities centered in Monterey.

The festival takes place annually on the second and third weekends in March, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to experience “Virginia’s Sweetest Event of the Year.”

Hours:

• Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sundays: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  (Early breakfasts often begin as early as 7 a.m. at certain locations)

Why You’ll Love This Festival

Since 1959, the Highland County Maple Festival has drawn thousands of visitors eager to watch maple syrup production in real working sugar camps.

Expect a multi-sensory experience:

• Maple sugar camp tours – free – at 10 separate camps showcasing different techniques
• All-you-can-eat pancake and buckwheat cake breakfasts
• Famous maple doughnuts and local treats
• Live music, clogging, and storytelling
• Handmade crafts and regional artisan goods. There are more than 100 juried vendors in 2026.

Admission Fees & Costs

• Arts & Crafts Venues, The Highland Center, and Entertainment: A $5 commemorative VA250 maple leaf keychain gains admission to all artisans and entertainment (ages 9 and under free)
• Sugar Camp Tours: Free
• Food & vendor purchases: Pay-as-you-go (cash recommended in many areas)

Places to Stay

Highland County is known for scenic cabin stays overlooking valleys and farmland. Many rentals are located near sugar camps and festival routes, making them ideal for immersive visits. Check the Highland County Chamber of Commerce directory for quick access and a handy “Maple Festival No Vacancy” icon to quickly determine what’s available.

Note: The iconic Highland Inn in Monterey is closed for renovations.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Download the map.
• Arrive early. Pancake breakfasts and maple doughnuts often sell out fast.
• Dress in layers. March in Highland County can swing between sun and snow with temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 50s.
• Plan a route. The festival is spread across rural towns, farms, and sugar camps, not centralized in one location.
• Bring cash. Many vendors and camps operate in rural settings with limited card access.
• Tune your dial. 89.7 FM is Maple Radio and features all things Maple Festival, including traffic updates.

Make It an Extended Getaway

Beyond the festival, travelers can explore the rolling mountain scenery that gives Highland County its nickname, “Virginia’s Switzerland.” Scenic drives, heritage farms, and quiet countryside views make the trip as memorable as the maple syrup itself.

Whether you come for the warm buckwheat cakes, the sweet aroma of boiling sugar water, or the charm of Appalachian hospitality, the Highland County Maple Festival offers a uniquely authentic experience.

Header image: Highland Maple Festival. Photo by Tony Hall. Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.