Heart of the Blue Ridge Parkway
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Alleghany offers any family or great outdoorsman an assortment of things to do. We have access to multiple National Parks, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Town and County parks where one could take advantage of walking, hiking, biking trails, picnics, and the opportunity to get glimpses of our wildlife. Also, The New River, believed to be the second oldest river in the world, provides white water rafting, fly fishing, primitive camping, guided tours, and more. All with a refreshing view of nature at its best. Not to mention town parades, outdoor music events, festivals, Fairground events, Farmer’s Market, Polar Plunge, Car shows and lots more.
Blue Ridge Parkway
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
On the Blue Ridge Parkway, the journey is the
destination. Called “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway
spans over 400 miles from the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, to the
Smokey Mountains in North Carolina. Over 120 miles of the Parkway runs
through the High Country and our area features some of the most
photographed, most visited stops on this amazing scenic drive. The High
Country is also an integral part of the history of the Parkway because
construction both began here, at Cumberland Gap, and ended in 1987 with
the completion of the Linn Cove Viaduct.
Crouse Park
Visit Crouse Park, just a block off Main Street is a great place to have a picnic, play basketball, listen to music and enjoy a 1/3 mile asphalt loop as well as swings, slides, covered shelters, and a small stream.
Monday night Old Time and Bluegrass Jams welcome residents and visitors to come and pick!
Address: 60 Cherry Street Sparta, NC 28675
Doughton Park
Doughton Park is a landscape of mountains, open meadows and pioneer cabins, hiking trails and a place to view wildlife and get a feel for the lives of those who lived here long ago. Originally known as the Bluffs, this area came by its present name in honor of Congressman Robert L. Doughton, a long-time advocate and supporter of the Parkway. The 7,000-acre park is one of the best places along the motor road to view white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and grey foxes, and bobcats, as well as spectacular shows of flame azalea and rhododendron in the late spring.
Address: 241, Laurel Springs, NC 28644
New River State Park
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation and education. Conservation: To conserve and protect representative examples of North Carolina’s natural beauty, ecological features, recreational and cultural resources within the state parks system;Recreation: To provide and promote safe, healthy and enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the state; and Education: To provide educational opportunities that promote stewardship of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Sam Brown Park and Disc Golf Course
Located above Alleghany High School at the end of Trojan Avenue past the entrance to Davis Field. Sam Brown Park is the home place for the Sparta Lion’s Club. The park offers many different recreational opportunities including pavilion shelter, charcoal grills, playground equipment, Pickle Ball courts, hiking, mountain biking and the newest edition…the Sam Brown Disc Golf Course!
No horses or motorized vehicles are allowed outside of the parking area. The pavilion and basement can be rented for public or private events from the Board of Education @ (336)372-4345 for a fee. The basement has a full kitchen with seating for approximately 100 people.
The Disc Golf Course Alleghany County has its own full 18-hole disc golf course. The original layout was designed by Eric McCabe (2010 Disc Golf World Champion) out of Emporia, Kansas. The course is located behind Alleghany County High School. Hole one sets beside the outdoor basketball court. Sam Brown Park and Disc golf course is maintained by Alleghany County Parks and Recreation.
The first half of the course is heavily wooded and lies on the flatter part of the property. The back half of the course contains the teeth of the course. Holes 12-18 provide a lot of elevation change and tight lines. The course encourages a wide array of shot shapes from forehands, to backhands to overhand shots. There are also some large boulders throughout the course that will leave you with tricky putts and lies. The course features beautiful vistas over the town of Sparta and the Blue Ridge mountains.
Par for the course is set at 58. There are 4 par 4s while the rest of the holes are par 3s. As of opening there is only one set of tees for each hole. In the future there are plans to add short tees to every hole. The tee pads are rubber mats. Some of them are on raised platforms while others rest on level ground. The course features Dynamic Discs Veteran Baskets (one of the premier disc golf baskets). More info on the course such as hole lengths and a map can be found on the UDISC app.
This course is free to the public and will be open from dawn till dusk daily. This course has plenty of parking across two parking lots. This disc golf course will be closed during Professional Disc Golf Tournaments, inclement weather, and at dusk daily. The amenities of the course are continuously being upgraded.
Sam Brown Park Disc Golf Course | Facebook
Sam Brown Park – Sparta, NC | UDisc Disc Golf Course Directory
Address: 598 Trojan Ave. Sparta, NC 28675
Stone Mountain State Park
The massive granite dome at Stone Mountain State Park keeps watch on park visitors enjoying nearly every type of outdoor activity – camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding and more. There are more than 18 miles of trails, matched by more than 20 miles of designated trout waters in this park that spreads below the Blue Ridge Parkway. A campground offers 90 sites, some with utility hookups, and group and backpacking campsites are nearby. Rock climbing is allowed by permit on the towering, 600-foot granite face of the landmark mountain,
and climbers look down on Hutchinson Homestead, a restored mid-19th century mountain farm. Expansive picnic grounds with shelters invite reunions and community gatherings.
Tennis Courts
Alleghany County has five courts located at the public facility. This facility is a first come-first serve basis when not in use by County or School programs. Lights are available. Please contact Alleghany Recreation @ 336-372-2942 for more information.Located on Trojan Ave. between Duncan Recreation Center and Lions Club Pavilion.Telephone: (336) 372-2942LEARN MORE
Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park is located between Veterans Memorial Highway (Sparta Bypass) and Duncan Street. Access to the park is from Duncan Street Veterans Memorial Park consists mainly of an open space multi-use area across Bledsoe Creek. Other features at the park are: 75 space parking area, picnic shelter with attached bathrooms and concession area, concrete bridge, elevated walking path ¼ mile in length, fishing access, and a level open space area approximately 3 acres. This park is open to the public when not in use by programmed activities through the Recreation Department. To reserve the park facilities please contact the Alleghany County Recreation Director, Randy Murphy (336)372-2942.LEARN MORE
Paddle/Fish/Float
New River
Visit the second oldest river in the world, the New River. See its unsurpassed beauty and live a little with fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing in the New. You can experience this on your own or with tour guides that serve Southwest Virginia and High Country North Carolina. The State Parks also host educational opportunities for all outdoorsman. Observe diverse wildlife and dedicated mountain hospitality and know that unique fishery and fun await you in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Alleghany County.
DUSTY TRAILS OUTFITTERS: For your New River and Blue Ridge Mountain experience, call and come visit. Book your canoeing, kayaking, tubing, camping or fishing trip. Telephone: (336)977-8375 LEARN MORE
NEW RIVER CAMPGROUND: Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains between Sparta, NC and Independence, VA at an elevation of 2600 feet and spans an entire mile along the scenic New River. Address: 3745 New River Parkway Independence, VA 24348Telephone: (276) 773-3412LEARN MORE
EXPLORE FLY FISHING: Providing a comprehensive guide service with all equipment included, on the streams and creeks of Alleghany County and surrounding areas. Mainly for trout and smallmouth. Trips are available on private and public access waterways. Monthly classes March-Oct. Owner-David Richards