Description of Route
The byway begins at the intersection of Route 717 and Interstate 77, about 5 miles north of Wytheville. Proceed west on Route 717. Keep track of your mileage to match the 12 sites highlighted below. You will drive 16.2 miles if you cover the length of the byway.
Drive 1.1 miles to an old road that provides access to Stony Fork Creek. You may enjoy fishing or hiking the Seven Sisters Trail.
Another 0.4 miles farther, at the left, is the site of Buck and Ollie Astin’s home. It is used as an access point to Stony Fork Creek. Buck Astin and his wife Ollie lived on this site from the early 1900’s until the 1970’s, cutting trees for mine props and skidding the logs out with horses and mules. They dug and marketed ginseng, a native herb valued as a medicine. Like many other settlers in the area, they also used whatever else the land would provide them in order to subsist.
Drive 2.3 miles to the entrance to Stony Fork Campground, on the left. This is a Forest Service campground. Stony Fork Creek runs through the campground, providing recreation such as fishing. Take a walk along the nature trail in the campground or the adjoining Seven Sisters Trail.
In another half mile, Route 717 intersects U.S. 52. Here, the byway turns right and ascends Big Walker Mountain.
Drive 0.4 mile, where U.S. 52 intersects with Route 686. This State road passes the privately owned Deer Trail Park Campground. They provide activities such as swimming, fishing and mini golf. It is a wonderful place to unwind and is a birders paradise.
Go 3.0 miles to the site of Big Walker Lookout. The Lookout is a privately owned business started by Stuart and Abigail Kime in the early 1950’s, when U.S. 52 was a new highway. Located here is a 100-foot tower, at the top of which is a spectacular view of several States. You are now at about the halfway point of the byway.
Big Bend Picnic Area is 4 miles from U.S. 52 on Forest Service Road 206, which is to the right of Route 52. Big Bend is set amidst orchard grass under canopy of oaks at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site offers vistas of the ridge and valley terrain to the south. It is open all year and there is no fee.
Two historical markers are next to Big Walker Lookout. One marks the place Molly Tynes supposedly came across the mountain to warn the people of Wytheville about a raid by Colonel John Toland, July, 1863. The other sign tells about the forming of Wythe and Bland counties and marks the boundary between the two.
Drive 2.7 miles to a sign marking the home place of S. H. Newberry. He was a member of the “Big Four” in the Virginia Senate just after the Civil War. Many interesting stories exist about their influence on postwar Virginia.
In another 2.2 miles, U.S. 52 intersects Route 615. This State road is an access point for the Appalachian Trail.
If you’re ready for a picnic, go another 0.1 mile. There is a roadside table on the right side of the road.
Drive 2.8 miles, where U.S. 52 crosses Interstate 77. The byway ends here.
Hiking Resources
Wythe County Trails
New River Trail State Park
Hungry Mother State Park
Shot Tower State Park
Claytor Lake State Park
Slackpacker.com’s Virginia Hiking Trail Finder
