TOWN OF COEBURN

Coeburn is located in Wise County and is accessed by four lane roads. Going west on Alternate 58 will connect you with Interstate 81 and US 23 will take you north to Kentucky and south to Tennessee. The surrounding area has been known for its coal mining, lumber and related industries. Coal is still being produced and we are pleased to be the home of Paramont Coal a subsidiary of Alpha Resources. More coal is being mined now than at any time in history with the use of machines.

Coeburn was chartered in 1894. The train depot, built in 1891, is still being used as offices and the freight storage area is now an auditorium. The CSX and Norfolk Railroads are still using the railroad tracks beside the depot. Adjacent to the depot is the Robert W. Hale Amphitheater. July 4th, Guest River Rally, and Christmas activities are all held at the amphitheater.

The completion of the bypass and a revitalization project has given new life to the downtown area. There are four new arched bridges that give access to ample parking. One of the highlights of the downtown is the renovated historic Lay’s Hardware Building. It is now open as Purely Appalachia Crafts. As the name implies there are crafts galore for sale and classes available. On most Friday nights various traditional musical groups will treat you to a performance. Adding to the old time family fun are cakewalks and cloggers.

Lovers of mountain music will be right at home. Some of the first country musicians to be recorded are from Coeburn. The Powers, Greears, McReynolds, and many of their offspring are part of the roots of country music. The famous Bluegrass duo of Jim and Jessee McReynolds were born and raised in Coeburn. They have been featured several times at our 4th of July celebrations. The Kings Messengers and the Crossties are two gospel groups with many recordings from Coeburn.

Don’t pass up a chance for a hike or bicycle ride at the Guest River Gorge. The trail is an abandoned railway bed making the six miles gently sloped. While on the trail you may pass through Swede Tunnel, have your breath taken away by the Guest River that is a Virginia Scenic River, go fishing or see deer. The Jefferson National Forest is south of Coeburn and offers waterfalls, picnic areas, deer, turkey, and trout fishing on the Little Stony. High above Coeburn is appropriately named High Knob where from a stone fire tower on a clear day you can see into four states. Bark Camp Recreation Area has a lake that is handicap accessible for fishing.

The Guest River Rally is held every Labor Day weekend. The center of the activities is the two blocks of downtown where vendors set up their tents. A wide variety of food is available and almost constant entertainment on the stage at Robert W. Hale Amphitheater. All events are free and the fun is for all ages. An important part of the Rally is Justin’s Walk. The Walk is to raise funds for brain tumor research and is named for Justin Porter, a child who lost his life due to a brain tumor.

We invite you to visit for an hour or stay for a lifetime in Coeburn, the Home of Friendly People.