This is such a quaint, adorable space. We stopped here to…read morelet our dog out and to view the "Spirit of Generosity". It was a bit late in the day so the restrooms were closed but the building was decorated with art from the community and was interesting to view. They had also installed a sleigh in the middle of the park for Christmas which was nice for photos. There were lots of people there walking their dogs and there is a parking lot as well as street parking. It is right next to an old train station and plenty of shops and restaurants. We stayed here for 20 or 30 minutes and honestly it was one of our favorite stops in the city.

On my way to lunch in the interesting hamlet of downtown Kingsport, I was scoping out some parking…read morenear the restaurant. I was trying to get close but i didn't want to get too close to the restaurant, have no parking available, then have to retrace my tracks. I always find parking habits interesting: some folks want to get as close as possible and will wait five minutes for a spot if they seem someone walking to the parking area (this seems especially true at any Walmart anywhere in the country). I just like to park at the first available spot and start walking. Routinely, I am entering the establishment before Lazy Larry is done parking. I was a solid 2 blocks from the restaurant but the parking spaces were getting filled. I drove right upon this park and liked it so much, I parked right in front of it. It was a hot day outside, so there were a couple of families enjoying the splash pad. I recently saw a splash pad at another park in Knoxville; must be a TN thing. The jets were shooting out large volumes of water and the kids were having a great time. There are benches for seating and the grass is pristinely kept. I initially thought it might be artificial but it's the real deal. I sat on a bench and checked some emails after lunch, but the sun is the enemy of red-heads, so i trudged back to my truck. Nice little park.

Gateway Park sits at the bend where US‑23 slips past Gate City, and the setting gives the markers…read morethere a little extra weight. The handful of historical signs ring the green space in a way that encourages you to slow down and read each one. The small gazebo anchors the park and offers a bit of shade, especially useful on a long drive through the mountains. The open lawn works well for a short stretch break for drivers and passengers who need a moment off the road. Dogs can enjoy it too as long as they stay leashed. It's a simple stop, but the combination of history, scenery, and breathing room makes it an easy place to pause before continuing along the highway. It is a passive park - there are no playgrounds, restrooms or such. [Review 86 of 2026 - 1532 in Virginia - 25276 overall]

While the actual park frontage area is fairly tiny, consisting of not much but a small shelter with…read morepicnic tables, and a basketball court, it includes trailheads abutting some excellent running and hiking trails. On a recent visit, I was able to enjoy a brisk run along Steele Creek Lake on a wide, relatively flat trail covered in a bed of leaves (as indicated by my pictures). I also started a hike up the Lake Ridge Trail, more of a winding single-track with a good bit of up-and-down, but turned around due to an increasingly persistent chilly rain. I pretty much had the park all to myself, though I'm guessing the weather forecast of 45 degrees and rain had something to do with that. Even still, I'm guessing that due to the fairly sparse population of this area, it's rarely if ever what a big-city guy like myself would consider to be "crowded." If you're in the area and would like to go out for a run or walk, this park is definitely worth a visit.

Fabulous ATV riding but the campground area needs a little work…read more I think the trails might have once been bridal trails. Some of them are really not dirt-bike friendly, but the 4-wheelers had no problem. Beautiful, well maintained mountain trails. The campground is VERY do it yourself. There was a note on the chalkboard that said be back in 30 minutes that could have been written 3 months ago. But it left instructions and we left our money in the box. Hey, there are bathrooms with lights, toilets and showers. That was enough for me. But there was also a large trash heap next to the campsite (tires, fridges, plastic chairs...) that could be cleaned up. When I stay at the mountain house again, I will be back.

This is a park in transition. It's under new management and the campsites are being cleaned up,…read morealong with other improvements. There are miles of trails that offer something for everybody. From dirt bikes to rock crawlers. I went with a group of Jeeps, some were lightly modified and others far more extreme. Everybody was able to find something challenging and fun. I look forward to going back again... and again.

Great place to stop, stretch your legs and read some actual history that does not come from TikTok,…read moreFacebook or Snapchat.

This is unexpectedly a pleasant spot in Abingdon. It's a very green, very hilly park full of…read morememorials and mature trees. It's a veterans park memorializing their service in all the wars American serviceman have participated in. A few gazebos and a whole lot of groundhogs too. I came here to eat my burger from PAL'S across the street and ended up wandering a bit here. Get to the top of the hill and you get a lovely view of the Appalachian mountains surrounding the area.

Surprised to find such a nice Trail around a lake right around the corner from McDonalds. Worth a…read morevisit to take a walk. There is a bathroom building and free parking. Woods on the far side. The was some trash here and there. The only downside to my walk. If you are in town stop by.

Nice quiet place to be with nature and nice place for a hike or walk around the pond or down by the…read moreriver. You can even feed the ducks, fish or even have a picnic. You can even float or canoe down the river side.

A huge dog park!! We travel often and are often disappointed in the "dog parks" we venture to…read more Either they end up just being parks or teeny tiny dog parks. This one is tops!

I love it and my dogs love it cause so many dogs and families . Kind of takes away the lonliness…read morewhen we go there. The people are so nice and understanding.

The Abingdon Muster Grounds was the site of the muster of the Overmountain Men. This group of…read moreWashington County, Virginia Militiamen, commanded by General William Campbell, crossed the Appalachian Mountains to Kings Mountain in Western South Carolina to battle Tory Militias commanded by British Major Patrick Ferguson. The site also marks the beginning of the Overmountain Victory Trail where the Virginians traveled on horse and foot, joined by individuals & militia on the way, through the mountains to the battle destination, The outmanned group defeated Ferguson's troops in a decisive battle on October 7, 1780 that turned the tide of success in the fight for our independence. Today the Muster Grounds has an Interpretive Center that houses a collection of displays & artifacts. It's open on certain days or by appointment. A living history can be experienced on certain days. The Muster Grounds itself can be walked during certain hours. But if you plan to visit, choose a date when you can experience both the Interpretive Center & the Living History. The Living History is extremely well done & something all Revolutionary War history lovers should experience. The peoples of Abingdon and the local DAR chapter bring the muster grounds to life. There are different areas where the work is being done to feed and cloth the men. Reenactors march the field, firing their muskets. Tents are set up to house the men who have gathered to prepare for the march & battle. One can even walk the beginning of the Overmountain Victory Trail. The Abingdon Muster Grounds should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Virginia. You won't regret it.

This 9 acre educational gem is a wonderful little place to learn the history of the Overmountain…read moreMen that marched 330 miles for their fight for freedom. The acreage has a beautiful little path that you can walk and see the countryside. The personnel in the very small museum is very, very informative. Make sure to ask questions.