Reserve the Visitor Center Or Barn for your Next Event 

Looking for a place to host a wedding, reception, anniversary party, baby shower, reunion, corporate event, retreat, or other gathering? The 7,500-square-foot visitor center at Southern Gap is your place! 

Located at the trailhead to Spearhead Trails Coal Canyon Trail at 1124 Chipping Sparrow Road, Grundy, not far from the SGOA barn and the SGOA cabins and campground, the Southern Gap Visitor Center officially opened in July 2019. Additional rental options are available for the barn and a pergola constructed in 2024.

The visitor center features a 4,500-square foot banquet/event room with seating for 300. A grand fireplace greets visitors as they enter the building. The space opens out to a 2,000-square-foot observation deck providing panoramic views of the Southwest Virginia mountains. It also features a 400-square-foot conference space suitable for small gatherings and is also equipped with a counter and sink for catering functionality.

Tables and chairs are also available for rent.

An optional bridal suite is available for rent for the bridal party and the SGOA barn is also available to rent for those choosing a truly rustic theme for their celebrations!

For rental details and visitor center, bridal suite and barn or pergola availability, contact [email protected] or give us a call at 276-244-1111. Rental packages -- which include lodging -- are also available if desired. Ask our reservations associates about your specific needs.

Gift Shop/Camp Store

A 400-square-foot gift shop/camp store completes the Visitor Center space with the capability of having a separate entrance so as not to disturb events ongoing in the main banquet/event room.

Wildlife displays, videos and more related to the area are featured in the Visitor Center which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  A consignment area in the gift shop  features local arts and crafts for sale and the camp store features camping items and t-shirts.

Visitors may also secure ATV permits to ride the Spearhead Trails, including Coal Canyon and Ridgeview.

​The visitor center is a public-private partnership project between the Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority and Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure, Inc., which serves as the operating entity for the center.