For a small unincorporated community in the heart of Alleghany County, Laurel Springs packs in a surprising amount of outdoor adventure. From paddling one of the oldest rivers in the world to hiking the rolling mountain meadows along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the attractions around Laurel Springs lean into the things this corner of the High Country does best — peaceful trails, ancient rivers, and dramatic Blue Ridge scenery just steps from the country roads that thread through the community. Click on the attractions below to dive deeper into the spots we’ve personally explored around Laurel Springs.
The standout among Laurel Springs’ outdoor offerings is New River State Park, which protects a scenic stretch of the New River — one of the oldest rivers in the world, designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1976. The park’s main visitor center and U.S. 221 Access are right in Laurel Springs, with exhibits, interpretive programs, and several put-in options for paddling. Whether you’re casting a line, kayaking the gentle current, settling in at a campsite, or hiking the riverside trails, this park is a real anchor of what makes Laurel Springs worth visiting.
Beyond the state park, Laurel Springs sits within easy reach of one of the most beloved sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just south of the community, Doughton Park (Mileposts 238.5–241) spreads over 7,000 acres of mountain meadows, historic homesteads, hiking trails, and dramatic long-range views — the largest recreation area on the entire Parkway, named for Laurel Springs’ own Congressman Robert L. Doughton. Pair a day on the river with a drive up to Doughton Park’s overlooks, and you’ve got a really memorable mountain day in this corner of Alleghany County.
