Escape to Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Well known for the Martinsville Speedway and NASCAR racing, Martinsville Virginia is equally inviting for outdoor recreation activities, natural history, arts, music, theatrical performances and just plain relaxation. Visit historic sites, view scenic landscapes or take advantage of some serious discount furniture shopping in any of our numerous furniture outlets. There's so much to see and do in Martinsville VA, why not spend the day with us? Maybe even an overnight stay to fit everything in.
The fun starts in the North West corner of the county at Philpott Lake. This 3,000 acre reservoir is surrounded by 7,000 acres of public land for your recreational enjoyment. Eight campgrounds, six beaches and nine boat launches are available around the lake.
Below Philpott Dam, a 44.5 mile section of the Smith River bisects Henry County, Virginia, as it travels from Philpott Lake down to the North Carolina border. This is one water destination that really does have it all. Travel through history as you explore the smith river through the towns of Bassett, Stanleytown, Fieldale, Ridgeway and Martinsville, once the heart of furniture and textiles in America. Explore the rock outcrops, scenery and Native American fish weirs still intact on sections of the river.
Nine public canoe ramps are available for use by paddlers. If you enjoy whitewater, paddle the river during peak generation from the dam, if a relaxing flat water paddle is more your speed put your boat in further downstream. Wild trout are abundant and the Smith River is known for its “wiley browns.” Stocked Rainbows can also be caught above Martinsville, while small mouths and redbreast are abundant further downstream.
Martinsville, Virginia is mid-way point downstream and serves as a transition along the Smith's journey toward the Dan River and is the center of activity with restaurants, hotels and shopping, all against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Fishing, Paddling, Tubing, Skiing, Nature Watching. Whatever your passion, you'll find it here in Martinsville-Henry County Virginia to enjoy at a pace all your own.
You'll love the pace!
