Flatwoods Group Picnic Area
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Flatwoods Group Picnic area is a secluded site surrounded by forest. It is a great facility for family reunions, organization activities and other group events.
A paved parking lot is close to the picnic shelter and restroom facilities. The picnic shelter has sinks with running water and a large built-in charcoal grill. The shelter also has electrical outlets where crockpots and other small appliances can be used. The picnic shelter is designed to be used for food preparation and as a serving area. Dining areas (picnic tables) are adjacent to the shelter but are outside and exposed to the weather. Men's and women's flush toilets are nearby.
Notifications and Alerts
This location is closed until further notice due to significant impacts from Hurricane Helene. Please continue to monitor this location’s facility page on Recreation.gov for status updates or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/gwj/alerts-notices for details. Keep in mind, local personnel may be attending to this urgent situation and not available to provide updates immediately.
Need to Know
- Pets permitted on leash only.
- The picnic area is behind a locked gate. Please contact the Ranger Station for the gate combination. On days this facility is rented the gate will be opened early in the morning on the day of your reservation. If the gate is not unlocked, please call the office (276)679-8370 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Natural Features
The nearby Guest River Gorge is full of scenic beauty, native flora and fauna, as well as historic features. The Guest River Gorge can easily be explored by hiking or biking a 5.8-mile trail built upon an old railroad grade. The trail follows the Guest River as it meanders through 8 branches and creeks and terminates at the Guest River's confluence with the Clinch River. The first 0.3-miles is handicap accessible. This scenic trail passes through riparian forest, 300-million year old cliff lines and sandstone outcrops, and remnants of the railway that once ran through this region to haul locally-mined coal and saltpeter. An abundance of wildlife is easily viewable along this trail. Migratory birds such as flycatchers, several species of warblers and tanagers can be found during the summer. The Guest River Gorge is an easy way to explore the rugged beauty of this mountainous area. Little Stony Creek flows through a 400-ft deep and 1,700-ft wide gorge. Large rock outcrops, ledges, and boulders add to the scenery along the creek. Hardwood and hemlock forest cover much of this area. Mountain laurel and rhododendron thickets lace the edges of these trails in many areas, as well. A popular destination on the district is Little Stony Falls, a 24-foot waterfall, along with two smaller waterfalls. The falls can be seen from walking the Little Stony National Recreation Trail. The trail is a 2.8-mile trail which goes from an upper trailhead (near the falls) and a lower trailhead at Hanging Rock Picnic Area. In some areas of the trail, hikers will need to climb around/over boulders and large rocks to remain on the trail. Sightseers, hikers and birdwatchers will all equally enjoy a visit to this area. Be sure to check with the local Ranger Station for trail conditions. Storm events and hazards may result in trails being closed.
Nearby Attractions
The Guest River Gorge and Little Stony Falls are within easy driving distance.
Recreation
Open lawn areas are adjacent to the picnic area which can be used for activities such as horseshoes, sports and games (bring your own game and sports equipment). Hiking trails are available within easy driving distance (Guest River Gorge, Chief Benges Scout, and Little Stony Falls Trails).
Contact Information
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1700 Park Avenue SW Norton VA 24273
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 276-679-8370
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Coeburn, VA, go south on State Route 72 for 2.3 miles. The Flatwoods Picnic Area will be on the right (west) side of Route 72.
