About Wilderness Road State Park

In 1993, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation purchased the Karlan estate and approximately 200 surrounding acres from Nelson Harris. This began the transformation of Karlan into a Virginia State Park. On Dec. 14, 1998, the park’s name was changed to Wilderness Road State Park with the mission to provide rich cultural, historical, and natural resources. Also, the park sits astride the original Wilderness Road, which was cut by legendary Daniel Boone in 1775 and acted as a gateway for those traveling westward.

Nestled at the base of the majestic Cumberland Mountains, in the southwest corner of Virginia, Wilderness Road State Park offers picnicking, hiking, and nature and living history programs.

The park features the reconstructed Martin’s Station, an outdoor living history museum depicting life on Virginia’s 1775 frontier. Guests can enjoy the visitor center, complete with a frontier museum, gift shop and theater showcasing “Spirit of a Nation”.

The Martin’s Station replica, constructed in 2002, is the re-creation of Captain Joseph Martin’s Fort originally built in 1775 near present day Rose Hill, Virginia. The original fortified station played a small, though significant role in the settlement of the American frontier and Westward expansion during the Revolutionary War. When you visit Martin’s Station, you will see, smell, taste and touch history as it is brought to life at this small frontier outpost.

Wilderness Road State Park offers interpretive and educational programs throughout the year, highlighted Virginia: America’s First Frontier, the Wilderness Road Heritage Festival, and Pumpkins in the Park. Virginia: America’s First Frontier gives visitors a glimpse into the 1775 Virginia frontier. The Heritage Festival celebrates the Appalachian and frontier heritage of the thousands of men, women and children that helped shape this region. Pumpkins in the Park features a community celebration highlighted by a costume contest and a community Trunk or Treat.

Other amenities include picnic shelters, 100-seat amphitheater, ADA-certified playground, sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits. Visitors can hike, bike or horseback ride on the 8.5-mile Wilderness Road Trail or get closer with nature on the .77 mile Indian Ridge Trail. The 1870s era Karlan Mansion, amphitheater, visitor center theatre and Surber Cabin are available for weddings, meetings and other group functions.