THINGS TO DO
Take a mountain's moment to pause at Turtle Brook Farm
What makes Turtle Brook so special:
- The dark skies of Bath County-See the Milky Way
- Campfire rings-Firewood provided. BYOM (Bring your own marshmallows)
- Our Morgan Horses, an integral part of our farm
- Barn time available with our Morgan Horses-Learn to groom and safety procedures around horses
- Overnight equine accommodations for guests and other visitors to the area
- A riding ring with footing
- A network of pleasant walking trails throughout the farm's 100 acres
- Direct access to National Forest
- Fishing in either of the two small ponds on the farm-Perfect for children. Take the Catfish Challenge at Dragonfly Pond
- Multiple picnic sites
- Pet friendly-Let your well-behaved pet(s) roam free
- Grill outside (charcoal)
- Board games and horseshoes
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Linens and towels provided
- Covid cleaning procedures and 24 hours between guests
- Cacophony of morning bird songs
- Wildlife viewing
- doze in the hammock situated at your cabin or in one of several hammocks hidden away on the farm's trail system
- Catch your breath while relaxing on the porch
- A good starting point for hikers, mountain bikers, touring cyclists, and motorcycle adventurers
- Only 2 miles from The Warm Springs Pools-Take the waters
- An easy 3.5-mile drive to Hidden Valley and The Jackson River-Great for swimming, fishing, and hiking (Fishing guide Bull Mountain Guide Services (bullmtnuides@gmail.com))
Quiet peaceful mountain moments to connect with family, nature, and yourself
Turtle Brook Farm is at the crossroads of all that Bath County and the Allegheny Highlands have to offer.
We could go on...
Bath County offers a diverse variety of experiences and outdoor adventures. Check out discoverbath.com.
Area Attractions
Warm Springs Pools
When Bath County’s Warm Springs Pools (formerly Jefferson Pools) were closed in 2017, the news of their deteriorating condition saddened generations of Virginians for whom visiting the octagonal bathhouses—and floating in the 98-degree natural spring water—is a beloved tradition. Now, after a two-year delay, the Omni Homestead has restored the pools with Richmond-based architecture firm 3North spearheading the project.
Appalachian Horse Adventures
Appalachian Horse Adventures, LLC has been serving the residents and visitors of Montebello, VA for over 10 years. NO DAISEY CHAIN, with us you will have the riding opportunity to walk, trot and canter your horse at your leisure and comfort level. Our horses are well trained to accommodate beginners to advanced riders. We want you to enjoy the best possible experience with our horses and mother nature. All of our rides are also private, meaning just your party and our guide. Our Guides will be happy to answer any questions you may have, even if you have never ridden before our guide and our horses will make you feel at ease.
Bull Mountain Guide Services
Jackson River Scenic Trail
The Jackson River Scenic Trail is built along an old railroad bed that runs mostly parallel to the Jackson River. The southern terminus is located just outside of downtown Covington, Virginia. Easy access to the trail makes it a popular place for residents and visitors to enjoy walking, jogging and biking amid the beautiful mountain scenery that the Alleghany Highlands is famous for.
Allegheny Outdoors
Alleghany Outdoors rents kayaks, tubes, bikes, and rafts for your perfect trip in the Jackson River valley. We are the contracted concessionaire outfitter of Alleghany County Parks and Recreation Department to provide both river and bike trail experiences for locals and tourists visiting the area. We offer paddle trips on the 11 mile stretch of the Jackson River from Smith Bridge to Intervale two miles upstream of Covington, VA. We run bike trips on the entire length of the Jackson River Scenic Trail. We are located minutes away from Douthat State Park, The Homestead and Greenbrier Resorts. Book your river activity today and enjoy the beautiful outdoors of the Alleghany Highlands.
Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley is aptly named as the lush green valley comes as an unexpected surprise after driving through thick, plentiful forest. The valley is home to many of Virginia’s open country birds and provides miles of edge habitat for more species to inhabit. Interconnecting trails run through the valley and offer up-close views of the area’s wildlife and vegetation. The Jackson River, one of Virginia's renowned trout-fishing waters, runs thru Hidden Valley.
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
We offer Guided Bus Tours at regular intervals throughout the day. Browse ticket options and learn more at shop.greenbankobservatory.org. Tickets may also be purchased onsite the day of your visit.
It’s always free to take an outdoor self-guided tour of our site. Download a map.
Learn more about biking onsite to explore our instruments and trails.
Durbin Railroad
A RIDE on the Cass Scenic Railroad is a thrilling experience for young and old who may never have seen a steam locomotive. Both are filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation as they approach the old Cass Depot to get tickets from the Agent for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Aboarrrrd”! With a clang, Clang, CLANG of the bell and CHUG, Chug, chug of pistons, the train lurches forward to begin a memorable, spine tingling ride.
George Washington National Forest - Warm Springs Ranger District
Come out and enjoy the great outdoors on the beautiful Warm Springs Ranger District. Some of the best trout streams in the state run through this area of the forest and some of these streams feed into Lake Moomaw.Lake Moomaw offers boating, water skiing and swimming, in addition to fishing. Several nearby developed campgrounds offer a good place to stay while you enjoy the outdoors. You will discover that the abundance of roads open during hunting season, and isolated places to hike into, together with plentiful game make the district a great place to hunt. There are many good places for horseback riding and hiking on over 120 miles of trails, or you can travel around the back roads by automobile and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Lake Moomaw
Lake Moomaw is known for its trout fishery. A layer of cold, oxygenated water lies 15 feet below the surface. It is in this zone that stocked rainbow, brown, and brook trout thrive. Alewives, members of the herring family, were stocked in the early 1980s in order to establish a plentiful food base for both trout and other predators. These small, silvery fish are truly the “backbone” of the lake’s sport fishery. The Bath County access offers a marina, camping, and beach swimming.
Douthat State Park
A traditional family park since 1936, Douthat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in the development of parks nationwide. Amid some of Virginia's most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors enjoy interpretive programs, four miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming beach with a snack bar, boat rentals, a gift shop and camp store, cabins, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. Plus, there are playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, tent and trailer camping. The park also has 32 cabins and three lodges that accommodate 15, 16 and 18 guests each.
Garth Newel
Through live, professional performances, educational programs, exceptional hospitality and opportunity for personal interaction between musicians and audiences, Garth Newel Music Center enriches lives through inspired chamber music and performance arts experiences.
"Thank you for the most relaxing weekend ever. Perfect for our anniversary."
Maggie and Cameron, Woodbridge Virginia