Big Walker Mountain is 90 miles west of Roanoke in southwest Virginia. It begins west of Bland at the junction of I-77 and US 52. It follows US 52 and VA 717 for a total of 16 miles and reconnects with I-77. The two-lane paved roads remain open year-round and are suitable for all types of vehicles.
Big Walker Mountain takes the traveler through forests of oak, hickory, and white pine as it ascends Big Walker Mountain. In spring colorful wildflowers bloom, beseeching your admiration. Flowering trees compete with the wildflowers, adding their own dash of color to the landscape. In fall the byway is painted in beautiful colors of red and gold. Among the trees within the mountains, one finds a diversity of wildlife. White-tailed deer can sometimes be seen along the byway, usually in the early morning or evening. Wild turkeys tend to be more secretive, but they occasionally allow themselves to be seen. The numerous songbirds inhabiting the area joyfully sing their songs of welcome to visitors. Meandering creeks along the byway add to the symphony with their bubbling and gurgling sounds.
Once atop Big Walker Mountain, visitors will find a privately-owned 100-foot tower open to tourists for a small fee. The view from here is spectacular, encompassing the surrounding densely-forested mountains and wide open valleys. An historical marker here tells the story of Mary Tynes warning the people of Wytheville of an impending Union Calvary raid led by Colonel John Toland in 1863.
A side trip on FSR 206 near the tower will take you to the Big Bend Picnic Area, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Set amidst orchard grass under a canopy of oaks, the picnic site offers vistas of the ridge and valley terrain to the south. This is a good spot to take a break and breathe in the surrounding landscape.
A national forest campground is located on the banks of East Fork of the Stony Fork Creek off VA 717. Stony Fork Campground offers 53 sites for tents and recreational vehicles. Drinking water, comfort stations, and a dump station are among the facilities available. A 1.5-mile nature trail guides you among the trees and flowers.