Our Story

What do you get when you cross a former 60 Minutes producer with a defense finance executive. Yeah, we're not sure either. But here we are, having envisioned leaving television and the corporate slog behind to build a tiny cabin lodging business in the woods. What we lack in sanity, we make up for in absolute love of the outdoors and the majestic beauty of Highland County, VA. The people, the Allegheny mountains, the star-filled sky, the rushing rivers, the farm-to-table food, the cider, the local honey and maple syrup....all of it drew us in, and we made this place our home. 

We didn't just want to build a business...we wanted to create a life around it. So, naturally, we bought 135 acres surrounded by national forest and packed up our old life, our dogs, our adventure motorcycles, Jeff's way-too-many backpacks and jumped on the crazy train that would consume our lives for the next year as we gathered the people and resources to bring Virginia Backcountry Cabins to life. 

We want to tell stories by the campfire. We want to fly fish and hike and climb. We want to cold plunge in our spring-fed creek. We want to let the day melt away in a wood-fired sauna. We want to build and curate and work hard to make this whacky dream thrive. Most of all, we can't wait to meet and share this little haven in the woods with you.

-Jeff Newton and Holly Hughes

Click here to watch a short video on how this place came to be

Our camp counselors, George and Dixie, are ready to greet you and make your stay relaxing. They have read all the studies showing petting animals reduces blood pressure. In fact, they have conducted their own independent research around the positive effects of giving dogs treats, and they can confirm it does make a cabin vacation more enjoyable!

Meet Our Camp Mascots

Our property At Virginia Backcountry Cabins

Virginia Backcountry Cabins is a unique and rustic property nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia. We sit on 135 wooded acres backing up to thousands of acres of national forest. 

We call ourselves the Epicenter of Adventure, and once here, you'll see why. We are central to the most beautiful scenery and some of the best recreation around. Like the hub in a wheel, you can launch to so many locations in all directions such as:

• Greenbank Observatory
• Warm Springs Pools
• Goshen Pass and swimming in the Maury River
• Epic mountain biking in Marlinton, WV
• Skiing and mountain biking at Snowshoe Resort
• Boating and fishing at Lake Moomaw
• Trout/fly fishing on the Jackson River
• Hiking the many trails surrounding us
• Adventure motorcycling on the BDR (backcountry discovery route) and other forest roads
• Road motorcycling on the best roads you’ve ever laid rubber on

Our cabins:

• 200-square-feet or less and thoughtfully laid out, with each having its own unique theme.
• Cabins have electricity, but not plumbing. There are several bathhouses proximal to the cabins, each kitted out with a shower, sink, and toilet. Dare I say, the bathhouses are even a bit bougie!
• Cabins include a refrigerator and microwave
• There are several charcoal BBQs dotted throughout the common areas
• Parking is at the front of the property, and you will walk about 200 yards up to the cabins. We want to preserve the quiet and pristine nature of the cabin area, thus we do not allow vehicles at the cabins. We have electric assist carts to aid in getting your luggage and other items up to the cabins. We are here to help if needed!

Amenities:

• Trails we´re happy to provide our guests with hiking trails right on our property. Our paths are clearly marked with signage.
• There is a lovely spring-fed creek that runs the entire length of our 135 acres. During seasons of lighter rainfall, the creek may tuck back under the bedrock in some places, though it is still there. A few well-placed chairs and hammocks beckon you to settle in and enjoy nature by the water.
• Cold Plunging a creek cold plunge area is coming soon!
• Our fire pit is a warm and inviting place to visit with family and make new friends.
• Our Tiny Bar with indoor seating serves local cider and beer. A perfect way to relax after a long day!

The town of Monterey is about 14 miles north of our property, and there are several food establishments there, which you can find links to in area information. We offer a continental breakfast of pre-packaged items such as instant oatmeal, yogurt, and pastries. 

Keep in mind when you visit…we are in the woods. You will be walking on gravel, dirt, rocks, leaves, roots, and wood chips. You will encounter wildlife such as squirrels, skunks, deer, bears, and possibly snakes. There are insects. You must be comfortable traversing forest trails and immersing with nature to enjoy this little haven in the woods. You must also be willing to dispose of your garbage in our exterior bear-proof containers nightly. Bears WILL bust through windows to get to food scraps. You cannot under any circumstance leave food out or in the garbage can inside the cabin.