Attractions and Places To See around Martinsville - Top 14

Martinsville offers a wealth of natural beauty. You can visit Philpott Lake, a 3,000-acre lake perfect for boating, fishing, and camping, with several parks like Fairy Stone State Park offering beaches and swimming. The Smith River provides opportunities for floating, kayaking, and fishing, while the Smith River Trail System offers over 40 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Don't miss the Richard P. Gravely Jr. Nature Preserve with its 900 acres of forests and wetlands, or the tranquil Lauren Mountain Preserve, offering river views and diverse plant life.

Yes, Martinsville is rich in history. Explore the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center and Museum, housed in the historic 1824 Henry County Courthouse, which showcases local and regional history. The Martinsville Historic District spans 45 acres with 96 historically significant buildings, displaying various architectural styles. You can also find unique artifacts at the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Museum and trace family genealogy at the Bassett Historical Center.

For cultural experiences, visit the Virginia Museum of Natural History, featuring exhibits on ancient life and geological fossils. Piedmont Arts is an award-winning museum with international and regional art exhibitions, and it supports performing arts. The FAHI African American Museum & Cultural Center explores the legacy of the historically Black community of Fayette Street. Uptown Martinsville also features public art, including murals, and hosts regular musical and community events.

Beyond the attractions, Martinsville is a great base for outdoor adventures. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and mountain biking in the surrounding area. For example, explore routes like the 'Washington Valley Park West loop' for mountain biking. You can find more details and specific routes in the Gravel biking around Martinsville, Road Cycling Routes around Martinsville, and MTB Trails around Martinsville guides.

Martinsville offers several family-friendly options. Fairy Stone State Park, located near Philpott Lake, has a large beach area with an in-water playground and water slide. The Smith River Trail System provides easy walking and biking paths suitable for families. Additionally, Infinity Acres is described as a magical animal wonderland, which can be a fun experience for children.

For hiking and walking, the Smith River Trail System offers over 40 miles of trails, including the scenic Silverbell Trail and the 4.5-mile Dick & Willie Passage. The Richard P. Gravely Jr. Nature Preserve features more than 10 miles of trails through diverse landscapes. You can also enjoy a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail at Lauren Mountain Preserve with river views. Fisher Farm Park provides a primitive trail leading to Marrowbone Creek for nature exploration.

The Martinsville Speedway is a prominent landmark and one of the oldest and most exciting tracks on the NASCAR circuit. It hosts major stock-car races annually and is a significant attraction for motorsports enthusiasts.

Beyond the main attractions, you might enjoy the Little Post Office, noted for sculptures in its garden. The Gravely-Lester Art Garden also displays sculptures. For local beverages, consider visiting Hamlet Winery, Mountain Valley Brewing, Smith River Spirits, or Scuffle Hill Brewing. Oakwood Cemetery is also noted for its stained glass.

Martinsville provides a variety of cycling trails. The Smith River Trail System is excellent for both hiking and biking. For a unique experience, the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath offers a well-maintained gravel path suitable for various bikes, following a historic transportation corridor. This path is known for its beautiful scenery and excellent maintenance, connecting people and places.

Martinsville's diverse natural landscapes make it enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling on trails like the Smith River Trail System or exploring nature preserves. Summer is ideal for water activities at Philpott Lake and the Smith River. Even in winter, some trails remain accessible for outdoor enthusiasts, though you should check specific conditions.

Yes, many of Martinsville's outdoor spaces are dog-friendly. The Smith River Trail System is generally welcoming to leashed dogs. Additionally, Washington Valley Park West, a highlight in the region, is noted as dog-friendly, offering trails with stunning views. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them to maintain these beautiful areas for everyone.

For scenic views, Philpott Lake offers expansive water vistas, especially from areas around the impressive Philpott Dam. The Lauren Mountain Preserve provides tranquil river views along its trail. Additionally, the View of the D&R Canal offers a good perspective of the canal from a quiet road, perfect for enjoying the scenery.