Atkins is a small town deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Surrounded by views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Atkins is located in the "roof" of Virginia, home to the state's five highest mountain peaks. As far removed from city life as it gets, people are drawn to this pocket of Southwestern Virginia for simple reasons. "Just the rural, small-area living. It's convenient to shopping, yet you're still in the country," says Realtor Tammy Fisher Rigney, who lives nearby and works for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Mountain Sky Prop. Less than 6 miles from the county seat in Marion, Atkins is remote but not out of touch, including when it comes to community. "Everybody knows each other. You drive down the road, and everyone throws their hand up and waves at you," Rigney says. Atkins is also a gateway to numerous trails, fishing spots and parks in the mountains.
Hiking, fishing and swimming in the mountains
The Appalachian Trail passes through the far eastern end of Atkins, making it a pit stop for hikers from late spring to early fall. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, around 6 miles south, is a 200,000-acre expanse featuring Mount Rogers, the highest peak in the state. The park is surrounded by spruce-fir forests and open meadows that wild ponies use for grazing. Roughly 9 miles away, Hungry Mother State Park is most known for its 108-acre lake and beach and offers boat rentals, but it also has diverse hiking and biking trails. The lake is stocked with channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, walleyes and muskies.
The Middle Fork of the Holston River flows through nearby Marion and is a prime trout fishing spot. Trails and parks have access to the water, allowing people to dip their toes in and catch minnows and crawdads. One of the parks, Riverbend Shelter, offers play areas for kids and basketball courts. Marion also has a community pool, dog park, baseball field and membership-based golf course.
Established properties built for homesteading, wrapped in views
Atkins' countryside is framed by forests, creating pockets of privacy between dwellings connected by country roads. Housing is established, with the oldest homes dating back to the 1930s and '40s, and offers a mix of simple cottages, ranch-style homes, cabins and Colonial Revivals; homes can be on less than an acre, or on more than 40. Some neighbors homestead, clearing and fencing parts of their ample land for vegetables and livestock. Some properties are made of logs and brick and have sloping tin roofs that become an instrument when it rains. The median sale price in Atkins is $142,000, but homes rarely come on the market as the community is filled with longtime residents.
More shopping and dining in the county seat of Marion
Atkins has some chains, including Subway and Dollar General, and a few small businesses, including an RV and car dealer. For more options, locals can head to downtown Marion. Wooden Pickle opened in 2014 and became famous for its tacos, but also serves burgers, paninis and salads. Macado's is a regional chain known for its overstuffed sandwiches. Better Coffee Co. is locally owned and women-led, and serves specialty beverages made with direct-trade beans. Marion Outdoors is stocked with outdoor equipment and clothing. Marion's retailers also include furniture and resale stores. Walmart, Food Lion, and Food City are all in Marion for groceries. Wytheville is another hub of grocery stores, restaurants, and shops around 20 miles away, but just over 20 minutes by car.
Having fun in downtown Marion
While downtown, locals can visit The Lincoln Theatre. The Mayan Revival-style theater, which opened its doors in 1929, was built by one of the wealthiest men in Marion at the time, Charles C. Lincoln. Today, the theater hosts films and live music, including Song of the Mountains, a monthly concert series broadcast on public television showcasing musicians from Southern Appalachia.
Smaller schools with clubs and career training opportunities
Rigney says Atkins is a special spot to raise children for a key reason. "Your schools are not large, so your kids get more one-on-one attention." Students attend Smyth County Public Schools. They may begin at Atkins Elementary School, earning a C on Niche, before heading to Marion Middle School and Marion Senior High School, which both get a C-plus. The high school's list of clubs includes fishing, performing arts and science. Students may apply to the Healthcare Excellence Academy Lab program to prepare for medical careers.
Onwards, including to Tennessee and North Carolina
The town's northern edge is punctuated by manufacturing facilities, a railroad and thoroughfares. Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 11 intersect here, leading toward Bristol, Tennessee, in 50 miles. Charlotte, North Carolina, is reachable in around two and a half hours. Mountain Lynx Transit offers public transit options in Atkins.
Atkins' flood risk
Heavy rainfall from passing storms can create flood-related issues in Atkins. In 2024, Hurricane Helene swept through Smyth County, shutting down local schools and flooding parts of the county, including in Atkins.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
