The Clinch Valley of southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee has been identified by The Nature Conservancy as one of six biological hot spots of the United States - regions where conservation efforts will be critically important for saving imperiled species.

The area is the nation's leading hot spot for imperiled aquatic organisms, with the Clinch River ranked first among all comparably sized watersheds in the United States. These swift-running, picturesque waters provide habitat for 19 species of rare fish and are the sole remaining sanctuary for an embattled collection of freshwater mussels living nowhere else on earth. Nearly 60 species of mussels once called these waters home, now the number has dwindled to 40, with 29 listed as globally rare.

The Clinch Valley has also been designated by The Nature Conservancy as one of forty of the "Last Great Places" on earth. This "last great place" extends across nine southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee counties. From scenic Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, the Clinch Valley boundaries stretch west to historic Cumberland Gap, where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia meet. Here in an exceptionally diverse region of Virginia and Tennessee are more than 130 globally rare plants and animals, 28 of which are federally listed as threatened or endangered.

Rikemo Lodge is situated in an environment particularly suitable for enjoying the great outdoors. Walking trails, an outdoor sitting area and a fish pond are in Rikemo's immediate surroundings. Fishing, canoeing, hiking, biking, backpacking and birdwatching are all accessible activities in the area. Rikemo Lodge is strategically located a short drive from various trails and recreational opportunities in the Clinch Ranger District of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Some notable outdoor areas include Hanging Rock Picnic Area, the Falls of Little Stony Creek, Bark Camp Lake, High Knob, Devils Fork and Devils Bathtub, Guest River Gorge, Natural Tunnel State Park and the Heart of Appalachia Bike Route and Scenic Drive. There is also public canoe access to the Clinch River in the town of Dungannon.

Nature-based Attractions and Recreation

Natural Tunnel State Park - (276) 940-2674 or 800-933-PARK;
www.naturaltunnel.info

Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve - 276-676-5673

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest: Clinch Ranger District
(Includes Bark Camp Recreation Area, Hanging Rock Picnic Area, High Knob Recreation Area, Guest River Gorge)
9416 Darden Drive
Wise, VA 24293
276-328-2931
www.heartofappalachia.com/Outdoor_recreation.htm

Cultural Attractions

The Homeplace Mountain Farm and Museum
The Carter Family Fold and Museum
Bush Mill
Kilgore Fort House
www.scottcountyva.org/attractions2.htm

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail -
www.danielboonetrail.com

Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Museum and Gift Shop -
www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org

Speakers, eco-tours

Adventure Damascus Tours - link to ecotours:
www.adventuredamascus.com/

Trail maps and descriptions:
www.heartofappalachia.com/Trails.htm

Brochure available on Heart of Appalachia Bike Route & Scenic Drive
1-888-SWVAFUN

Rentals for horses/canoeing/mountain biking:
www.heartofappalachia.com/Outfitting.htm

State/County/Cities Tourism Contacts

Scott County Chamber of Commerce -
www.scottcountyva.org

Bristol Herald-Courier (local daily newspaper) -
www.bristolnews.com

Dungannon area -
www.heartofappalachia.com

Abingdon area -
www.virginiablueridge.org