We Are Virginia’s Moonshine Heritage Trail

Our moonshine heritage has deep roots, tracing back to the region’s early settlers who relied on the production of illicit distilled spirits as a means of survival and income. While its perception is dramatized today on the small screen, the true reality of our moonshine heritage is more complex, told in the stories of independence, ingenuity, tradition, and family.

The rugged terrain and isolation of the Appalachian Mountains shaped our legacy, influencing the ingredients and techniques used in creating that perfect batch. These back woods were also an ideal setting for the secretive production of moonshine, away from prying eyes and law enforcement.

Families passed down the art of distillation through generations, creating a rich cultural tradition around the craft. They used shine to barter and trade for life’s necessities, and shine was used for medicinal purposes and of course commerce. Despite the legal challenges of the prohibition era, moonshining persisted, and was ingrained in the fabric of our way of life in a manner that touched everyone.

Those traditions are preserved and celebrated in our festivals and museums, mountain music, craft and even stock car racing – but also our legal craft distilleries that pay homage to the resilience and resourcefulness of our people.

We welcome you to come and experience the spirit of our people and their craft. We are still here, still living, still crafting, still proud, and still shinin’.

Recommend a Trail Stop

Submit a business recommendation to be added to the Mountain Spirit Trail.

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1
Franklin County Distilleries

Reopened in Late July 2024

25156 Virgil H Goode Hwy, Boones Mill, VA 24065, USA
2
Roosters Rise N Shine Distillery
96 Builders Pride Dr, Hardy, VA 24101, USA
3
Rocky Mount Smokehouse
480 Tanyard Rd, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, USA
4
Twin Creeks Distillery
140 Franklin St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, USA
5
The Claiborne Bed and Breakfast
185 Claiborne Ave, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, USA
6
Anastasia’s Speakeasy
390 Franklin St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, USA
7
Law’s Choice Distillery in Franklin County
151 Technology Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, USA
8
Living Proof Beer Co.
50 W Court St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, USA
9
The Early Inn at the Grove
50 Floyd Ave, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, USA
10
Moonshine Explosion Museum
335 S Main St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, USA
11
Franklin County Historical Society
460 S Main St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, USA
12
Waid Recreation Park
701 Waid Park Rd, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, USA
13
Blue Ridge Institute and Museum
20 Museum Dr, Ferrum, VA 24088, USA
14
Rocky Mount Burger Company and Barrel Room
467 Franklin St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, USA
15
Floyd County Historical Society
217 N Locust St, Floyd, VA 24091, USA
16
Floyd County Visitor Center
203 E Oxford St, Floyd, VA 24091, USA
17
Old Church Gallery
110 Wilson St SE, Floyd, VA 24091, USA
18
Five Mile Mountain Distillery
489 Floyd Hwy S, Floyd, VA 24091, USA
19
Roberson Mill
1367 Roberson Mill Rd SE, Floyd, VA 24091, USA
20
Buffalo Mountain Ziplines
3253 Black Ridge Rd SW, Floyd, VA 24091, USA
21
Mabry Mill
266 Mabry Mill Rd SE, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120, USA
22
I.C. DeHart Park
2631 Charity Hwy, Woolwine, VA 24185, USA
23
Moonshine Tours at Fairy Stone State Park
967 Fairystone Lake Dr, Stuart, VA 24171, USA
24
Wood Brothers Racing Museum
21 Performance Drive, Stuart, VA 24171, USA
25
Virginia Motorsports Racing Museum
212 Johnson St, Stuart, VA 24171, USA
26
Patrick County Historical Museum
116 W Blue Ridge St, Stuart, VA 24171, USA
27
Reynolds Homestead

No Business Mountain

463 Homestead Lane, Critz, VA 24082, USA