Covington’s past and present meet in a scenic Appalachian setting
Situated amidst the Alleghany Mountains in western Virginia, Covington evokes a small-town feel steeped in Appalachian charm. Once home to impressive iron furnaces and networks of railroads, the rural community embraces its industrial heritage and celebrates its deep Appalachian roots through its historic attractions, outdoor destinations and cultural events. National forests and age-old mountain ranges cradle the bucolic town, putting residents in proximity of natural beauty, outdoor destinations and recreation. While a picturesque setting keeps locals connected to nature — a setting which sits 22 miles east of the West Virginia state line — major routes keep them connected to surrounding cities, such as Roanoke, Lexington and Lewisburg.
Traditional architecture and country lots define the area’s homes
As main routes turn into country roads, properties become sparser, with homes closer to downtown set closer together. Architecture varies greatly throughout Covington, though homes seem to maintain vernacular influences, with traditional farmhouse details like exposed timbering and generous — sometimes wrap-around — front porches. Colonial-style homes and ranch styles are most common, set on modest lots. Carriage homes and Colonial Revivals make up a large portion of the housing inventory with more square footage. Smaller vernacular cottages and bungalows round out the inventory in Covington. Typically, prices range between $95,000 and $670,000, though many fixer-uppers and investment properties can list for less than $100,000.
Public schools in the Alleghany Highlands district
Students in Covington are served by Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, rated a C overall by Niche. Kids may begin their education at Jeter-Watson Elementary School, which gets a C-plus, for prekindergarten through fifth grade. Convington Middle School earns a C and funnels into Alleghany High School, rated a C-plus. Home of the Cougars, the high school offers a strong athletics program, which includes basketball, football and more. The school was recently recognized as a Level Up Virginia Champion for the 2024-2025 school year, which honors the high school’s dedication to helping students plan for life after graduation.
Local parks and trails connect residents to nature and river views
Nestled at the foothills of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest within the Alleghany Mountains, Covington puts residents close to natural beauty and outdoor recreation. A popular local destination is Falling Spring, located north of Covington. Fresh spring water cascades down the 200-foot waterfall into a gorge at the base. Many trails meander through the dense forest and surrounding natural area in and around Covington, including Jackson River Trail and Swinging Bridge Trail. Lake Moomaw serves as a local destination for fishing, swimming and boating. Designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark, the Humpback Covered Bridge is another attraction along the Jackson River.
The town is also home to many parks that offer recreational outlets. Covington City Park, also known as Main Street Park, is a central hub for the community. Hugging the Jackson River, the six-acre park features athletic facilities like a basketball court and multi-purpose field as well as a playground. The tract is home to the city pool, open seasonally, and also offers river access for boating and fishing. Other city parks for outdoor green space and playgrounds include Hytower Park, Fort Young Park & Wildflower Garden, and Nettleton Park. Additional sporting fields and facilities can be found at Jackson River Sports Complex, which hosts baseball, softball and soccer games.
Maple Avenue and Main Street anchor Covington’s commerce
Once a stop along the C&O Railroad, Covington’s small downtown area now houses most of its commerce, which concentrates around Main Street and Maple Avenue. While Main Street is home to restaurants, Maple Avenue is lined with historical establishments and community attractions like the Alleghany Highlands Industrial and Technology Discovery Center. Local gems for dining include James Burke House Eatery, which serves American fare, and Kanawha Café, a bakery and coffee shop. Ray’s Diner and Poutinerie is a unique sweets shop and diner that serves classic diner fare and ice cream in a 1950s-themed location. Locals can complete their grocery shopping at the centrally located Walmart and Food Lion.
Local events highlight Appalachian culture and live music
The community celebrates its Appalachian heritage through a number of cultural events, including the Fiddlin’ By The River Bluegrass Festival, held annually at the Jackson River Sports Complex. Organized by the Covington Parks & Recreation department, the fest features live music performances, vendors and a car show. The sports complex hosts additional music performances and concert series at the River Rock Amphitheater. Covington also organizes seasonal events such as a Fourth of July celebration and regular events like the farmers market from late May to early October.
Car travel is common, with limited public transit options
Interstate 64 cuts through Covington and serves as a major thoroughfare for Virginia and West Virginia. The interstate connects east to Richmond, about 178 miles away, and west to Charleston, West Virginia, 140 miles away. Though the area is highly car dependent, locals may also take the Mountain Express bus line to select locations, including the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library. Roanoke is about 60 miles away, as is the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. Lexington is about 43 miles east via I-64.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
