Clinch River State Park will highlight the Clinch River’s natural, historical and recreational resources. It is the first blueway state park in Virginia. It consists of several smaller (250-400 acres) anchor properties connected by multiple canoe/kayak access points along a scenic stretch of the Clinch River. Some of the access points will be part of the state park, while other partner agencies and localities will own additional launch access points. These properties will comprise a “string of pearls,” or a collection of properties along the Clinch River for outdoor enthusiasts to access the river, participate in educational programming about the river’s ecological diversity, and enjoy the beauty of what The Nature Conservancy has deemed “One of the Last, Great Places.”

The Sugar Hill Unit in St. Paul (Wise County) is open for hiking, biking and fishing. The Sugar Hill Unit currently has nearly 8 miles of hiking trails, a picnic shelter, over 2 miles of river frontage, and significant cultural and historical attributes. The property contains remnants of an 18th-century French settlement. There is a public boat launch available for boat access to the Clinch River at Artrip (Russell County).

At a glance:

• 640 acres spread across various units
• 9 miles of hiking trails
• Over 2 miles of river frontage
• Picnic shelter
• Public boat launch

Clinch River State Park
P.O Box 67
St. Paul, VA 24283
276-254-5487
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/clinch-river

Virginia’s 41st state park, Clinch River is located across various land units that include:

• Clinch River State Park’s Sugar Hill Unit (Wise County) is located in St. Paul, about 35 miles northwest of Abingdon, VA.
• The Artrip Boat Launch (Russell County) is 4 miles east of the town of Cleveland on Artrip Road/SR661.

Amenities

TRAILS

SUGAR HILL UNIT: The Sugar Hill Unit in St. Paul has nine miles of trails open to the public. These trails are open from 6 a.m. to dusk daily. Clinch River State Park allows hiking/biking on the Sugar Hill Loop trail. The AmeriCorps, Riverside, Hillside, Cliff and Rock Bluff Trails are hiking only. The trail system is moderate to difficult in trail rating.

BIKING

SUGAR HILL UNIT: Biking is allowed on the Sugar Hill Loop Trail only.

FISHING, BOATING

The Clinch River flows some 135 miles through Southwest Virginia before it reaches the Tennessee line from its origin in Tazewell County. According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources fisheries management studies, the Clinch River contains more fish species than any other river in Virginia. The river supports smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, sunfish, crappie, walleye, musky, freshwater drum, longnose gar, channel catfish, and more. The river is also home to nearly 50 species of mussels and hundreds of non-game fish as well. Boating and fishing along the river follow Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources rules and regulations.

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

Park Leadership

Secretary of Natural Resources: Matthew J. Strickler
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Director: Clyde Cristman
Virginia State Parks Director: Dr. Melissa Baker
Western Field Operations Director: Dave Collett
Southwest Region Manager: Sharon Buchanan
Park Manager: Scott Bowen

Additional Resources

Public domain images and video of the park are available to view and download at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/vadcr/sets/72157719044488207/

Please use the credit line "Photo courtesy of Virginia State Parks".

To request additional information, contact:

Dave Neudeck
Public Communications and Marketing Director
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
804-786-5053, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov

or

Kara Asboth
Public Relations and Marketing Specialist
Virginia State Parks
540-460-1540, kara.asboth@dcr.virginia.gov

 

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