New Highland County, Virginia Sign on Shenandoah Mountain

The overlook at the Confederate Breastworks Interpretive Site on Shenandoah Mountain at the border of Augusta and Highland Counties has long been a popular stop for visitors from Rt. 250 to soak in a scenic view of the rolling mountains.  Now, a new sign focusing on Highland County, Virginia welcomes visitors as they “stand on the doorstep” to the county.

The sign has been years in the making, a collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service and Highland County government and supporting organizations.  The Highland Tourism Council took the lead in creating the sign according to the Forest Service’s guidelines.  Brad Bennett was secured to repair some of the damaged rock wall at the overlook near the end of the summer of 2023.  In November, King Signs & Graphics of Monterey installed the sign at its current location to the left of the overlook after repositioning another sign to the right of the overlook.

The sign features a map of Highland County, as well as five photos of events, attractions, and scenery within the community.  Funding for the sign and rock wall repair work came from the Highland Tourism Council, the Highland County Chamber of Commerce, and a private donor.

According to Deputy District Ranger Gregg Slezak of the North River and Lee Ranger Districts of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, the sign is a well  appreciated effort through the dedication of partners.

Highland has also pledged support for continued maintenance of this project. 

Highland County Board of Supervisors Member David Blanchard added that the Supervisors are pleased the sign has finally arrived on top of Shenandoah Mountain.  And gave a big ‘thank you’ to the Tourism Council for seeing this project through.  

“This will be a great way for visitors to be introduced to the county,” he added.

Executive Director for the Highland Tourism Council and Chamber of Commerce, Chris Swecker, said that the county is truly excited to welcome travelers with the new sign at this critical entry point into Highland County. The sign gives the hope of enticing visitors to keep on driving to make memories in our rural mountain community.

Learn more about the Confederate Breastworks Interpretive Site at https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73663.

 And to learn more about Highland County, visit www.highlandcounty.org.