Whitetop

Whitetop. Mt. Rogers. , Whitetop, Mt. Rogers. Visible at great distances, Whitetop Mountain was known as the “Meadow Mountain” in colonial times. With a climate similar to southern Canada, this beloved mountain is Virginia’s second highest peak and immediately adjacent is Mount Rogers, the highest peak in the state. The Whitetop community hosts three annual festivals: the Mountain Maple Festival, the Sorghum Molasses Festival, and the Ramp Festival, devoted to consuming the odoriferous ramp, a form of wild garlic. This is also a favorite region for outdoor recreation. There are numerous trails for horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers, one of which is The Appalachian Trail. The summit of Whitetop is accessible by automobile and offers scenic views and picnic settings. , There’s a tradition of making musical instruments here, and Albert Hash made elaborately carved violins as well as other instruments using native woods. The red spruce, that grows at the peak of the mountains, is a prized tone wood for violins, guitars, and other fretted instruments. Hash was an inspiration to both musicians and craftspeople. He created a program in string band instruction at the Mount Rogers School, Virginia’s smallest high school. Other noted historic musicians from the Whitetop area include: Harold Hensley, Speedy Tolliver, and Jont Blevins. The historic Whitetop Folk Festival held in the 1930s attracted large audiences, national publicity, and a First Lady, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt. They came to see singers of old ballads, flat foot dancers, and musicians, including fiddlers, banjo players, and lap dulcimer players. , The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Coalfields region, southwest Virginia is blessed with historic and contemporary music venues, musicians, and fretted instrument makers. Historically isolated, the region retained its strong musical legacy by passing traditions down through musical families to an appreciative community. , Old time mountain music, bluegrass, and gospel can be enjoyed all year long and several museums are devoted to showcasing the area’s rich musical heritage. , The Crooked Road winds through the ruggedly beautiful Appalachian Mountains and leads you to the major hotspots of old time mountain music, country music, and bluegrass. Alive and kickin’ for today’s fans, these venues preserve and celebrate musical traditions passed down through generations. Annual festivals, weekly concerts, radio shows, and jam sessions ring out to large audiences and intimate gatherings. Please visit the Crooked Road website to plan your trip to coincide with the current entertainment events.