McDowell County

McDowell County was established on February 20, 1858, by an act of the Virginia Legislature and was named in honor of Governor James McDowell. Located in the southernmost part of the West Virginia coalfields, the county quickly gained national recognition for its coal production, setting industry records and playing a vital role in the state’s economy.

The county’s history stretches even further back: on February 26, 1756, Major Andrew Lewis—of the famed Lewis and Clark era—camped in what is now Iaeger, WV, a site commemorated today by a national historic road marker.

McDowell County is composed of four historic districts: Big Creek, Browns Creek, North Elkin, and Sandy River. It is also widely known as the setting of the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam, which inspired the beloved film October Sky. The true story of the Coalwood boys and their journey into rocket science brought national attention to this small Appalachian community.

Today, McDowell County offers visitors a rugged mountain landscape rich with outdoor adventure. It is home to two Hatfield–McCoy Trail systems—the Warrior Trail and Indian Ridge Trail—as well as two trail connectors, the Pinnacle and Pocahontas trails. The county also features the famed Head of the Dragon motorcycle route and several scenic wildlife management areas, including Panther WMA, Berwind Lake WMA, and Anawalt Lake WMA.

Whether you’re seeking history, nature, or adrenaline, McDowell County invites you to discover the excitement of touring its legendary country roads.