Search for elk with a guide in Virginia’s restoration zone
~ 4 Hours
Picnic meal, bottled water
Join a guided elk-viewing tour in Virginia’s elk restoration zone, offered on select spring and fall weekends. Spend about 4 hours watching for elk and other wildlife, with a picnic-style meal included.
If you need handicapped accommodations and can’t ride the tour bus, you can follow in your own vehicle; good ground clearance is recommended for gravel and dirt roads.
Cancel before 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancel within 24 hours of the start time for a 50% refund. Refunds will be issued for weather-related closures.
Wear long pants and earth-colored clothing. Bring your own camera and binoculars, and avoid strong scents (elk have a keen sense of smell).
You get a picnic-style boxed dinner and bottled water. Everyone gets the same boxed dinner.
If you need handicapped accommodations and can’t ride the tour bus, you can follow the tour bus in your own vehicle. Use a vehicle with good ground clearance for gravel and dirt roads; low-clearance vehicles may scrape, and the park isn’t responsible for any vehicle damage in the restoration zone.
You will be meeting your guide at our visitor center which is located past the Rhododendron Lodge on the right.
Often called the "Grand Canyon of the South," this stunning park along the Virginia-Kentucky border earns its nickname with breathtaking canyon views, beautiful rock formations, and trails that lead to incredible overlooks. Visitors consistently rave about the scenery, and the park offers a surprisingly wide range of experiences, from guided elk tours to cabin stays, lakeside rentals, and multiple campgrounds. Staff get frequent praise for being friendly and helpful across all areas of the park. Accommodations are comfortable and well-maintained overall, though campers should come fully prepared. The camp store has limited inventory and the nearest stores are a significant drive away, so experienced campers will fare better here. Those staying in cabins should note the beds run quite firm, and hookup placement in the campgrounds can be inconsistent, so bringing extension cords and extra hose length is smart planning. None of that overshadows what makes this place special. The trails are well-kept and accessible, the elk tours come highly recommended, and the on-site restaurant earns solid marks. For anyone who loves outdoor adventure with serious natural beauty, this park delivers consistently and at a great value.
My husband found this place and we have been wanting to come for awhile! We are both glad we did. Great price to get into the park, and awesome views! Great trip. The park seems to be maintained well. Neat little visitors center. The trails we went on were nice, wide and clear of debris. Easy to get to the main views. We didn’t get to see any Elk sadly, but they do offer tours and we’d consider doing that next time! We will be back.
Samantha
May 18, 2026
My husband found this place and we have been wanting to come for awhile! We are both glad we did. Great price to get into the park, and awesome views! Great trip. The park seems to be maintained well. Neat little visitors center. The trails we went on were nice, wide and clear of debris. Easy to get to the main views. We didn’t get to see any Elk sadly, but they do offer tours and we’d consider doing that next time! We will be back.
Samantha
May 18, 2026