This Virginia Small Town Is Known For Its Covered Bridges And Charming Streets

If you think all small towns are the same, Covington, Virginia will change your mind faster than you can say “mountain magic.” Nestled in the Alleghany Highlands and home to fewer than six thousand residents, this independent city manages to pack more character per square foot than many big cities do in entire neighborhoods.

Storybook-covered bridges? Check. Streets so charming you’ll want to wander them twice just to soak it all in? Absolutely.

But Covington isn’t just a snapshot of the past. This Virginia gem effortlessly blends historic architecture with a lively local culture, outdoor adventures that leave you breathless, and a downtown that makes you want to set your phone aside and simply be present.

From rivers perfect for kayaking to trails that reveal panoramic mountain views, from cozy coffee shops tucked between brick buildings to local events that bring the community to life, Covington has a rhythm all its own.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates the simple joy of strolling down a tree-lined street with a perfect cup of coffee in hand, Covington offers an experience that is both authentically local and wonderfully unexpected. Discover why this little city has quietly earned its place among Virginia’s most enchanting hidden treasures.

Humpback Covered Bridge Steals Every Heart

Built way back when craftsmanship actually meant something, Humpback Bridge earns its name from the distinctive curve rising eight feet from end to end. Located just outside Covington near the tiny community of Covington Station, this 100-foot span crosses Dunlap Creek with a grace that modern bridges just can’t match.

The weathered red siding and hand-hewn timbers tell stories of countless travelers who’ve passed beneath its sheltering roof. Photographers absolutely lose their minds over this spot, especially when morning mist rolls through the valley or autumn paints the surrounding forest in impossible colors.

What makes this bridge truly special isn’t just its age or beauty. It’s one of the last surviving curved-span covered bridges in America, making it rarer than you might think.

The site includes a pleasant picnic area where families spread blankets and kids splash in the shallow creek below.

Visiting feels like stepping through a portal into simpler times. The address is Rumsey Road, and trust me, your camera roll will thank you.

No admission fee, no crowds, just you and a genuine piece of Virginia history that’s been standing strong through generations of storms and seasons.

Downtown Historic District Charms Immediately

Strolling through Covington’s downtown feels like wandering onto a movie set, except everything’s real and the coffee shops actually serve great coffee. The historic district centers around Main Street, where buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s stand shoulder to shoulder, their facades lovingly maintained by owners who genuinely care.

Brick sidewalks lead past locally-owned shops selling everything from antiques to handmade crafts. No generic chain stores here, just authentic businesses run by folks who’ll remember your name on your second visit.

The architecture alone deserves attention, with Victorian details, original storefronts, and that indefinable character that only comes from a century of stories.

Street lamps cast a warm glow during evening walks, and benches invite you to sit and people-watch. Local murals add splashes of color to building sides, celebrating the area’s railroad heritage and mountain culture.

You’ll find the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center at 439 West Ridgeway Street, showcasing regional artists whose work captures the spirit of these mountains.

Small town doesn’t mean boring here. Seasonal festivals fill these streets with music, food vendors, and community energy that makes you wish you lived close enough to join every event.

Jackson River Runs Wild and Beautiful

Anglers from across Virginia make pilgrimages to the Jackson River, and once you see it, you’ll understand the obsession. This designated Virginia Scenic River flows through Covington with water so clear you can count pebbles on the bottom from twenty feet up.

Trout fishing here borders on legendary, with both stocked and wild fish thriving in the cold mountain water.

But you don’t need a fishing rod to appreciate this natural wonder. Kayakers and canoeists find stretches ranging from peaceful floats to exciting rapids that’ll get your heart pumping without being terrifying.

The river corridor provides habitat for incredible wildlife, from great blue herons stalking the shallows to beavers engineering their architectural marvels along quieter sections.

Access points dot the river throughout Covington and surrounding areas, with Smith Bridge Fishing Area being particularly popular. Pack a lunch and claim a riverside rock for an afternoon of watching the world flow by at nature’s pace.

The sound of moving water has this magical ability to wash away whatever stress you brought with you.

Summer brings tubers floating downstream with coolers and laughter, while autumn transforms the riverbanks into a riot of color that reflects perfectly in the glassy pools between riffles.

Alleghany Highlands Trail Beckons Adventurers

Rails-to-trails projects rarely get this good. The Alleghany Highlands Trail transforms a former railroad corridor into a smooth, accessible path that welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, and anyone who needs to move their body through beautiful scenery.

Starting right in Covington, this trail stretches for miles through landscapes that shift from urban to wildly rural.

Families with strollers share the path with serious cyclists training for races, and everyone coexists peacefully because there’s plenty of room for all. The relatively flat grade makes it perfect for all fitness levels, though the mountain views provide plenty of motivation to keep moving.

Spring brings wildflowers blooming along the edges, while winter offers crisp, clear days perfect for bundling up and burning off holiday calories.

Several access points throughout Covington mean you can tailor your adventure to available time and energy. Park near downtown and head out for a quick morning walk, or pack snacks and make an afternoon of exploring further sections.

The trail surface handles wheelchairs and adaptive bikes beautifully, making outdoor adventure genuinely accessible.

Local trail advocates maintain the path with obvious pride, keeping it clean and well-marked. Benches appear at thoughtful intervals for rest stops with views that make you grateful someone had the vision to preserve this corridor.

Mallow Brothers’ Masonic Building Impresses Architecture Fans

Architecture enthusiasts make special trips to photograph the Mallow Brothers’ Masonic Building at 317 West Main Street. This stunning structure rises above downtown Covington with the kind of confident elegance that modern buildings rarely achieve.

The Richardsonian Romanesque style features massive stone arches, detailed brickwork, and proportions that somehow manage to feel both imposing and welcoming.

Built when Covington was booming as a railroad and industrial center, the building represents the prosperity and civic pride of that era. The Masons who commissioned it wanted something special, and they got it.

Today, the building continues serving the community, hosting events and maintaining its role as a downtown anchor.

Look up as you pass to catch the intricate details carved into stone and pressed into metalwork. The building’s designers understood that beauty matters, that public buildings should inspire rather than just function.

Walking past this architectural gem makes you wonder why we stopped building things with this much personality and craft.

The building anchors the historic district, providing a visual focal point that draws your eye down Main Street. It photographs beautifully in any season, but golden hour light hitting that stonework creates particularly magical images that capture Covington’s blend of history and enduring appeal.

Falling Spring Falls Creates Natural Drama

Just minutes from downtown Covington, water plunges 80 feet over a limestone cliff in a display of natural drama that never gets old. Falling Spring Falls crashes into a pool below with enough force to create a constant mist that catches sunlight in rainbow patterns.

Thomas Jefferson himself wrote about this waterfall, calling it one of the natural wonders of Virginia, and honestly, Tommy J wasn’t exaggerating.

The best part? You can see it right from the roadside on Route 220, though a short walk gets you closer to feel the spray and hear the roar properly.

The falls flow year-round, but spring runoff turns them into an absolute powerhouse of water that’s both beautiful and slightly terrifying in the best possible way.

Photographers camp out here during different seasons, capturing how the falls transform from icy winter sculptures to spring torrents to the more moderate summer flows. The surrounding rock formations and forest create a natural amphitheater that frames the falls perfectly.

Autumn brings the added bonus of fall foliage creating a colorful backdrop to the white water.

Pack your camera and prepare for nature to show off. The falls represent the raw power and beauty that makes Virginia’s mountain country so compelling to visitors and locals alike.

Depot Lodge Celebrates Railroad Heritage

Covington’s railroad history isn’t just preserved in museums; it’s alive and welcoming guests at the Depot Lodge on East Riverside Street. This beautifully restored train depot offers a unique place to stay that connects visitors directly to the iron rails that once defined this mountain town’s identity and economy.

The building itself tells stories through architectural details that speak to an era when train travel represented adventure and possibility. Restoration work respected the original character while adding modern comforts, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and comfortable.

Staying here means waking up to views of the river and mountains that railroad workers and travelers enjoyed generations ago.

Even if you’re not spending the night, the Depot Lodge deserves a visit to appreciate the craftsmanship of historic preservation done right. The building serves as a tangible reminder of how railroads shaped Covington’s development, bringing industry, commerce, and connections to the wider world through these mountain passes.

Railroad enthusiasts particularly appreciate the authentic details and historical information displayed throughout. But you don’t need to be a train buff to enjoy the atmosphere and the care that went into saving this piece of Covington’s heritage.

The lodge represents community commitment to honoring the past while making it relevant and accessible today.

Gathright Dam Creates Lake Moomaw Paradise

Drive a short distance from Covington and discover Lake Moomaw, a 2,500-acre mountain reservoir that feels worlds away from everyday life. Created by Gathright Dam on the Jackson River, this lake offers some of the clearest, cleanest water you’ll find anywhere in Virginia.

The surrounding George Washington National Forest provides a pristine setting that makes every visit feel like an escape into wilderness.

Boaters love the lake’s size and the numerous coves perfect for anchoring and swimming. The water stays refreshingly cool even in summer, thanks to mountain springs and the forest shade along much of the shoreline.

Fishing produces bass, trout, and other species that thrive in the lake’s healthy ecosystem.

Multiple campgrounds ring the lake, offering everything from primitive sites for hardcore campers to more developed areas with amenities for families. Hiking trails branch off into the surrounding forest, leading to overlooks that’ll make your Instagram followers insanely jealous.

The Morris Hill Day Use Area provides beach access, picnic facilities, and boat launches at 2498 Moomaw Road.

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with eagles, ospreys, deer, and even black bears calling the area home. Pack your sense of adventure along with your sunscreen, because Lake Moomaw delivers outdoor experiences that create lasting memories.

Local Arts Scene Thrives Against the Odds

Small towns often struggle to maintain vibrant arts communities, but Covington bucks that trend with a creative scene that punches way above its weight class. The Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center serves as ground zero for regional artists, offering classes, exhibitions, and a gallery space where local talent shines bright.

Throughout downtown, you’ll spot murals celebrating mountain culture, railroad history, and community identity. Local artists created these public works with skill and heart, transforming blank walls into storytelling canvases that give Covington visual personality beyond its already considerable architectural charm.

The murals make perfect backdrops for photos that capture the town’s creative spirit.

Galleries and shops throughout the historic district feature work by regional potters, painters, woodworkers, and craftspeople who draw inspiration from these mountains. Buying directly from artists means taking home pieces with genuine stories, made by hands you might shake during your visit.

The quality rivals what you’d find in bigger city galleries, often at prices that won’t require a second mortgage.

Seasonal art events bring the community together, with openings, demonstrations, and festivals that celebrate creativity in all forms. Covington understands that arts and culture aren’t luxuries but essential ingredients in community vitality, and the commitment shows in the thriving creative ecosystem that welcomes both artists and appreciators.

Mountain Views Frame Every Direction

Geography blessed Covington with a setting that makes ordinary days feel special. Situated in the Alleghany Highlands where the Appalachian Mountains create dramatic topography, the town sits cradled by peaks that shift through an endless variety of moods depending on weather, season, and time of day.

Morning fog rolling through valleys creates scenes worthy of landscape paintings.

You don’t need to drive anywhere special to catch these views; they’re built into daily life here. Glance up from Main Street and mountains fill the horizon.

Step outside for morning coffee and watch sunrise paint the ridgelines in colors that change by the minute. The mountains provide constant visual interest and a sense of place that grounds everything in natural beauty.

Each season transforms the view completely. Spring brings that fresh green that almost hurts to look at, it’s so vibrant.

Summer deepens the forest to rich emerald tones. Autumn sets the mountainsides ablaze with color that draws leaf-peepers from across the region.

Winter reveals the mountains’ bones, with bare trees creating delicate patterns against snow and sky.

These views remind you that Covington exists in relationship with something larger and more permanent than human concerns. The mountains witnessed centuries before the town existed and will stand long after, offering perspective that’s both humbling and oddly comforting.