ABOUT THE TRAIL

The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Music Heritage Trail” began as an idea in January 2003. The basis of the idea is to generate tourism and economic development in the Appalachian region of Southwestern Virginia by focusing on the region’s unique musical heritage. Response to the concept from communities, musicians, music venues, and tourism organizations was positive and immediate.

As a result of this enthusiasm, “The Crooked Road” now includes ten counties, three cities, ten towns, five regional planning districts, four state agencies, two tourism organizations, and a large number of music venues. A steering committee representing these entities meets on a monthly basis to make decisions and implement policy.

“The Crooked Road” is funded primarily by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Additional support comes from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program , the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and local communities.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has given official recognition to “The Crooked Road” Highway signage identifying the more than 300-mile route as it winds through the scenic terrain of the region. Although the trail is focused on the uniqueness and vitality of this region’s heritage music, it also includes outdoor recreational activities, museums, crafts, and historic and cultural programs. Efforts to develop and promote “The Crooked Road” include production of a travel guide, website, and CD for trail visitors; production of audio CDs featuring musicians from the area; and highway pull-offs with radio transmitters and additional written information along the trail route.

For more information about organizational aspects of “The Crooked Road”, please contact us.