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Your WanderLOVE is calling.

58A, the Alternate Route and Pennington Gap

While Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Trail, US Hwy 58 stretches from Scott County to the end of Lee County and Cumberland Gap, railroading took the alternate route. US 58 Alternate runs from Jonesville to Big Stone Gap and Pennington Gap is a pass for the tracks and once a depot. Coal mining nearby created the town.

Spearhead Trail’s Stone Mountain ATV Trail trail head is located at the welcome center campground at Leeman Field Park. Constructed  in 1933,  the world’s  largest enclosed baseball field  for 25 years, hosted the Pennington Gap Miners, a St. Louis Browns affiliate minor league. A greenway along the trout stocked river and an 18-hole disc golf course offer leisurely activity. Scheduled events such as dirt drag racing or tractor pull and entertainment at the restored 1946 Lee Theatre are accessible from Pennington’s ATV friendly streets.

Visit the Appalachian African-American Cultural Center for history, genealogy and a look at a once segregated one room school house full of memorabilia. Curators request you make an appointment for a guided tour.

Take pictures at one of the latest LOVEworks signs on the Virginia Tourism trail at the intersection of East Morgan Ave. and Bobcat Circle. In Pennington Gap, L represents the Lee Theatre marquee, O encircles the town’s logo Great Stone Face rock, V is a tobacco row, Lee County’s heritage crop, and E is within coal scattered railroad tracks.

On North 421, Great  Stone Face Rock hangs precariously over the highway. Carved by nature centuries ago, the town’s logo is visible from the southern direction near the trestle. Train tracks tunnel through the bottom making way from mining communities of Bonny Blue, Kemmer Gem and the town of Saint Charles. 

On Route 606, discover Lake Keokee at Mohawk Loop. Paddleboard, kayak and fish this hidden gem near Keokee, where the coal town commissary is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Stop at the intersection of 606 and 421 and walk through the Stone Creek Outdoor Classroom and Park all located on Virginia’s Coal Heritage trail.

One mile East on 58A, since 1965, Patio Drive-In serves up the  jumbo cheeseburger and homemade shakes among other menu choices . Always on the must-do list of returning Lee Countians remembering the long line of cruisers on Saturday nights.

58A East to Big Stone Gap follows the Appalachian Backroad’s Panther’s Breath trail.  Pick a back road from their map or explore your own. Cave Springs Recreational Area near Dryden, part of George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, offers  a  shaded hike with an excellent view from above. A cave spring-fed swimming hole offers the real cool down and camping is available.

421 South to Dot, VA connects back to Hwy 58 and the Wilderness Road. Axe Handle Distillers offers tastings and a lesson on hand hewn logs from the company that brought them, Old Virginia Log Homes. 58 East to the top of Powell Mountain offers a beautiful view of Smokey Mountain foothills at the county line of Lee and Scott. Visit the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center in Duffield for a lesson on Boone’s trek as you’ve just crossed his path where he lost a son near Stickleyville.

Follow the Wilderness Road West all the way to Cumberland Gap National Park. Drive or hike the park or schedule a tour out to Hensley Settlement, high atop Cumberland Mountain where settlers lived until 1951 without the conveniences of modern day. On the mountain top east is White Rocks and Sand Cave, noticeable on the drive through Lee County near Ewing. These hiking destinations have a continuing link into the settlement. The high canopy offers plenty of blooming mountain laurel in summer, a waterfall at Sand Cave and views of Powell’s Valley. Gap Caverns  near  the state line,  features scheduled underground tours of the cave once known as Cudjo’s, where soldiers took shelter and mined salt peter. Near Ewing, Wilderness Road State Park and the recreated Martin’s Fort feature re-enactments of indian raids and pioneer life and more information on Boone’s discovery West.

At Jonesville, visit the Lee County Veteran’s Memorial Wall at Cumberland Bowl Park. The county seat is the 1828 birthplace of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of Osteopathic medicine. Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society sits just outside of town. Let your wanderLOVE go and see far Southwest Virginia. For more information, visit Heart of Appalachia Tourism or email info@townofpenningtonva.gov. We’ll be waiting for you.

Special Called Meeting of Town Council

A special called meeting of Town Council will be held Thursday, July 30, 1:00 PM in council chambers, 528 Industrial Dr., to discuss the increase of vehicle license fees  to match Lee County fees. For information please contact info@townofpenningtonva.gov

Town hiring two seasonal Public Works Crewmen

Position Description: Under general supervision, performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled work including but not limited to sanitation, grounds maintenance, town facilities cleaning and sanitizing, town equipment maintenance and cleaning. Other duties may be assigned. Application available on this website. Deadline for applications to be in Town Hall, 4:00 PM, Wednesday, July 29. Use the drop box at the curb, 528 Industrial Dr. , email to info@townofpenningtonva.gov, or fax to 276-546-6328 before the deadline.

Position Requirements:

  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Physically fit with the ability to lift or carry 40lbs.
  • Ability to follow direction and work with minimal supervision
  • Provide own transportation
  • Ability to pass a drug screening

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $10.00 per hour

Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday

Taking Job Applications for Police Officers Until July 13th

JOB ADVERTISEMENT 

PENNINGTON GAP POLICE DEPARTMENT 

Now accepting applications for Police Officers 

Closing Date July 13th, 2020 at 5:00 PM 

Job Description: 

This job is open to both certified and non-certified police officers. We will be offering a $4,000 sign-on bonus (with stipulations).  

Police officers perform a variety of law enforcement duties that may vary depending upon assignment within the Police Division. In discharging responsibilities, the police officer must exercise sound judgment in emergencies and must apply his/her knowledge of policing techniques and practices and federal, state, and local laws while protecting lives and property. Duties may include but are not limited to: patrols specific area in a police vehicle; arrest, process, and escort of prisoners to jail; issue summonses and warnings for traffic violations; maintains crowd and traffic control as needed; properly prepare and present court cases; administer first aid treatment as needed; investigate suspicious activities, drug and narcotic offenses, and other criminal activities; performs related work as assigned. 

Qualifications:

  • Preference will be given to applicants with current Virginia Law Enforcement Certification.
  • Must be 21 years of age, High School Graduate/GED, Must possess a valid Virginia Operator’s License by date of hire, Must be a United States Citizen to participate in the hiring process, 

Non-certified applicants will be required to pass a physical fitness evaluation.

A pre-employment drug screen and extensive background check will be required prior to the offer of employment. 

Application packets for Police Officer may be obtained from the town website www.townofpenningtonva.gov  Applications can be picked up outside townhall at 528 Industrial Drive. Questions please contact Brian Skidmore at brian.skidmore@townofpenningtonva.gov

The Town of Pennington Gap is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Work Place. 

Hiring two part-time Public Works crewmen

The town will be hiring 2 part-time public works crewman. Applications are in our documents here or beside our door in a metal box at 528 Industrial. Fill one out and drop in our drop box at the curb or mail to 528 Industrial Dr. before the end of the day, May 29.

Accepting job applications for Police Chief

Education and experience requirements must be met to apply-High school diploma or GED, Graduate of Law Enforcement Academy, Certified law enforcement officer, advanced education in Criminal Justice, Police Administration or equivalent, valid Virginia driver’s license, five years supervisory and five years law enforcement experience preferred. Applications taken until position filled. Please see documents section for the complete description of duties and responsibilities and a police department job application or call 276-546-1177 or email info@townofpenningtonva.gov for a copy.

News!

L to R, Sylvia Jane Sergent, Ben Sergent III, Nancy J.H. Sergent, Birg E. Sergent, Lana Sergent, Darrell Crusenberry, not pictured Pamela Darlene Caudill. Also pictured, Mayor Larry Holbrook, Councilwoman Jill Carson

TOWN ANNOUNCES NO BOUNDARIES, ALL INCLUSIVE PARK

The property is comprised of approximately 3 acres, an 18,000 sq. ft. building, and 700 feet of riverfront adjacent to the Powell River.

The subject property is a strip shopping center building located on a three-acre tract of land.  The property is one building which was recently vacated in preparation for the transfer to the town of Pennington Gap. The property was originally built as a grocery store with an attached variety store by Caswell Walker and operated by the same owner.  The property was subsequently the location of a Payless Grocery Store and now the property has been renovated into a strip shopping center. The property most recently was used as a four-unit commercial center.

Last year, Pennington Gap town manager, Keith Harless, approached the property owners of the old Payless property about the future of the building to determine if they had any upcoming plans for the property.  After a considerable amount of discussions, Mr. Harless proposed an idea for the property owners to donate the property to the town in order to develop a new, innovative type of park- a park that is designed to include everyone. This park will not only include standardized park equipment, but the park will also include equipment that will accommodate everyone, including children with special needs. The new park will contain a strategic mix of playground equipment and activities supporting play for all ages and abilities. This park is designed for all children, especially for those with different needs such as autism and barrier challenges.  The park will also have an area set aside for fitness support for the actively aging society.

The estimated cost at this time to include an all-new playground, new bathrooms, a pavilion along the riverfront, and overlooks of the river designed for fishing, are estimated to be around $800,000.00. At this time the town has not appropriated any money but discussions have begun with private investors and many grant agencies.

Stone Mountain ATV Trail

The Trail Too Tough to Tame

Trail Head located at Pennington Gap Welcome Center/Leeman Field RV Campground Open Daily Dawn to Dusk

RVs and Primative Camping

  • 335 Fairground Rd.

Leeman Field RV Park has 21 full service spaces available for rent with 15/30 & 50 amp hookups. Additional spaces are available without electricity. Tent camping is available along the river.

A campground attendant is available on-sight during the following hours to accept payments and reservations.

  • Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 AM-12 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM-1 PM, Sunday: 11 AM-1 PM

Reservations and other arrangements-call: 276.298.5177 or message info@townofpenningtonva.gov

Nightly rates:50 amp hookup-$30, 15/30 amp hookup-$25, Unimproved tent camping-$10

campground.jpg
Leeman Field RV Park & Campground space layout.

Stone Mountain ATV Trail

  • 287 Right Poor Valley Rd.

Maps and Directions and Trail Permits

Trail maps and town maps are available at Spearhead Permit vendors. The town has designated certain streets as ATV friendly, marked by signage. The route begins by crossing the bridge from the park entrance onto North Kentucky Street, head south into town, at the light turn left or right onto Morgan Avenue, East as far as the light at Taco Bell/Riverview Shopping Center or West as far as Huddle House/Westgate Mall, including the future hospital on Combs Road. Also a crossover to South Kentucky Street to Joslyn, westward will allow for theatre attendance and East from Harrell to Doris Ave and beyond to include from Rooster’s Pub to Subway Restaurant travel.

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Please obtain a town map for more information. All drivers on ATV Streets must have a valid drivers license.

Daily and yearly permits for Spearhead Trails are available at; 

​

  • Pennington Welcome Center/Trailhead
  • Family Tire at 40848 W Morgan Ave.,
  •  FasMart, 6633 Hwy 421 S, and
  • Black Diamond Sunoco, 40554 W Morgan Ave.

New in 2018, Lee County permit for residents of Lee @$25

Permits are $10 under 8 or adults $60 a year or $20 daily and may be used at any Spearhead Trail. All riders must sign a waiver and those under 18 must have a parent sign. Visit Spearhead Trails for a complete list of rules and regulations.

Helmets Required

State law requires all riders to have helmets on at all times. If you have arrived without helmets, they are available for rent or purchase at the permit vendors. For additional information

CALL 276-298-5177

Spearhead Trails -Stone Mountain

Prepare to be rocked with the excitement of Stone Mountain Trail. The views are spectacular, especially in the fall. The sunset and overlooks rival all the national parks. Stop by a picnic table and take it all in.

The Town of Pennington Gap welcomes you.

Leeman Field Park Information

Leeman Field Park and Greenway

Constructed in 1933, Leeman Field was the largest enclosed baseball field in the world for two and a half decades. The ball field encompassed 15 acres with a high board fence and sheltered hundreds of fans in a wooden grand stand. 

Facilities at the 33 acre park now include: swimming pool, picnic pavilions, playground, sports fields, horse show ring, amphitheater, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, volleyball pit, fairgrounds, and tractor pull.  A walking track around Leeman will soon extends across the river and joins the Greenway along the river to a Riverbend shopping area. 

Located just off U.S. 421 North in Pennington Gap, Leeman Field is open year-round and is within one mile of our scenic Stone Face Rock. It’s home to Independence Day and New Year’s eve celebrations and fireworks, and Christmas Fantasy in lights from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day.

Picnic pavilions are closed at this time. Reservations in the future will be by calling 276-546-1177.

Leeman Field Pool is closed for 2020 due to COVID-19. We will reopen next year. ​

The pool is normally open seasonally from Memorial weekend until the first week of August. Private party scheduling and information are available by calling at 276-546-0270. Parties start at $130 and are priced according to the amount of attendance/lifeguards required. 

During regular season, daily admission is $3 per person. Concessions are available. Campground residents are admitted free. 

​FOR CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS CALL 276-298-5177

Stone Mountain Trail

Stone Mountain Trail, part of the Spearhead Trail system, is located at Leeman Field Park along with a Welcome Center, RV Park, permit office and park amenities.

ATV’s are allowed on marked town roads only and dawn til dusk with a Spearhead permit and on HELMETS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES. This allows tourists to access food and other services while enjoying the trail. 

Leeman Field RV Park – Call 276-298-5177 for reservations.

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WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS IN PERSON OR OVER THE PHONE.