Bath County is at once a sportsman's paradise and a refuge for artful discovery; a world of natural wonder, rich heritage and surprising culture await your next visit!

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Allegheny Mountains
Native Americans named these mountains “Allegheny” meaning “endless.” They extend from Pennsylvania through Virginia and West Virginia, and are a part of the very fabric of Bath County. A sanctuary of natural wonder, more than 50 percent of Bath County consists of the George Washington National Forest.

County of Bath Office of Tourism         

Visit their website for even more information on activities, events and places of interest in Bath County.

Garth Newel Music Center
There is no better place to hear a concert than the Garth Newel Music Center. The combination of world-class artistry, gourmet food, friendly people, and breathtaking scenery make Garth Newel the perfect place to relax and enjoy excellent music.

With over 50 concerts each year, Garth Newell is among the most active chamber music organizations in the United States. Performing the music as it was intended – in a chamber for small, intimate audiences – makes this venue truly unique. The setting inspires the exchange and spontaneity of the musicians as well as the depth and range of the music. Please make yourselves at home and enjoy one of the premier chamber music venues in the United States.

George Washington National Forest
Over half of the 345,000 acres of Bath County is made up of George Washington National Forest. The Nature Conservancy’s Warm Springs Mountain Preserve, created out of the 9,250 acres from Homestead Preserve, shares a 13-mile border with the forest. The George Washington National Forest is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Highland County Chamber of Commerce                     

Highland County, often referred to as “Little Switzerland”, is the county north of Bath County.  They are best known for their annual Maple Festival held two weekends in March.  Visit their website for more information on activities, events and places of interest in Highland, just a short drive away.

The Omni Homestead              

Virginia's premier mountain resort. Surrounded by the four-season splendor of the Allegheny Mountains, this National Historic Landmark welcomed its first guests to the beautiful Virginia countryside a decade before the American Revolution. Presidents and princes are among the distinguished guests who have "taken the waters" in our legendary healing springs.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate our two championship golf courses, horseback and carriage rides, a world-class shooting club, fly-fishing with Orvis-endorsed instructors, miles of scenic hiking trails, indoor and outdoor pools, falconry, and much more.

Ingalls Airfield              

Convenient Ingalls Airfield makes travel to Homestead Preserve fast and convenient. The airfield can accommodate a variety of air travel.

Jackson River
Just minutes from Homestead Preserve, the Jackson River flows down from The Alleghenies between Back Creek Mountain and Jack Mountain before entering Bath County. Its cool, green waters are eventually restrained by the Gathright Dam, which creates Lake Moomaw. Anglers will tell you the Jackson River offers some of the best trout fishing anywhere, both above and below Lake Moomaw. The Jackson River later joins the Cowpasture River to create The James River.  There are also several public access boat ramps for canoeing or kayaking on the river.

The Jefferson Pools

Thomas Jefferson "took the waters" at both Warm Springs and The Homestead, describing that they were "of the first merit." The pools were named in his honor. It’s purported that Jefferson himself designed the octagonal gentleman's pool house, though it was constructed in 1761 when Jefferson was just 18 years old. In segregated pool houses, ladies and gentlemen can take the waters in their swimsuits or in "God’s suit."

The Nature Conservancy’s Warm Springs Mountain Preserve   

Protects 13 miles of fragile mountain ridgeline, including a high elevation Appalachian forest of rare montane pine barren, some of which you can explore along the Ingalls Overlook Trail.

Lake Moomaw
During the warm summer months, Lake Moomaw offers a refreshing place with 2,500-acres to explore on foot or by boat.  A marina and boat rental facilities are available to bring your own boat or for daily rentals.  Contact Lake Moomaw Marina at (540) 279-4144.  Picnic shelters are available as well.

Douthat State Park

The Outside Family Vacation Guide named Virginia’s Douthat State Park one of the nation's 10 best. The park, which straddles Bath and Alleghany counties, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Douthat is one of the original six Virginia State Parks that opened June 15, 1936. It's nestled in the Allegheny Mountains and features some of Virginia’s most outstanding scenery. In addition, a 50-acre lake offers swimming, boating and seasonal trout fishing.