Lick Mountain Excursions

Lick Mountain Excursions, located at 1934 Matney Flats Road in Wytheville, Virginia, presents itself as a specialized tour operator focused on showcasing the natural environment of the region through personal, guided outings. Rather than functioning as a traditional travel agency that books trips to distant locales, this establishment is a destination in itself, offering a specific type of localized adventure travel experience. The core service revolves around UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) tours on private land, providing access to scenery and trails that are otherwise inaccessible to the general public. This exclusivity is a significant part of its appeal to those seeking unique outdoor activities in Southwest Virginia.

The Guided Tour Experience

The primary offering from Lick Mountain Excursions consists of guided tours aboard a six-person UTV named "Taz." These excursions traverse a 4.5-mile trail system that begins at Hemlock Cove and ascends to a viewpoint known as Buzzard's Roost. A key differentiator for this business is the emphasis on storytelling and local history. The guide, Gregg, is frequently mentioned in company literature as being deeply knowledgeable about the mountain, the trails, and the area's heritage, including its role during the Civil War. The tours are designed to be more than just a ride; they are educational journeys with stops for photo opportunities and detailed explanations of the surrounding flora, fauna, and historical points of interest, such as an old wagon road that once connected Austinville to Wytheville.

This approach caters to a clientele that values context and a slower-paced appreciation of nature over high-speed, adrenaline-focused off-roading. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, a duration that includes several pauses for discussion and photography. This makes it a potentially ideal option for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts who might be intimidated by more extreme ATV tours. The service is explicitly marketed as family-friendly, and even pet-friendly, broadening its potential customer base.

Packages and Customization

Lick Mountain Excursions provides a few structured packages while also offering the flexibility to create custom experiences. This level of personalization is a strong point for a small tour operator.

• The Adventure Package: This is the standard 90-minute tour, focused on the ride, history, and photo stops. It appears to be the most popular and straightforward option.
• Extended Stay Package: This more elaborate option includes the guided tour followed by a drop-off at a scenic spot with a packed picnic lunch or dinner. It even offers the inclusion of wine from a local winery, positioning the experience for romantic occasions or special celebrations. Customers are given a radio to call for pickup when they are ready, or they have the option to hike back. This package transforms a simple UTV ride into a more comprehensive half-day event.
• Family Package: Special pricing for children riding with a paying adult makes the excursion more accessible for families, a key target demographic.

The ability to cater to special occasions, such as marriage proposals, is also highlighted, suggesting a business model that thrives on creating memorable, personalized events rather than high-volume, standardized tours.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

For potential customers, the most significant advantage of choosing Lick Mountain Excursions is the exclusive access to private property adjacent to the Big Survey Wildlife Management Area. This ensures a controlled, private, and uncrowded experience, which is a major contrast to public trail systems that can be congested. The emphasis on safety is also a notable positive. The use of seatbelts is mandatory, and helmets are available upon request, indicating a responsible approach to adventure travel.

The educational component is another major strength. Visitors aren't just paying for a ride; they are paying for a curated experience enriched with local history and natural science. This can be particularly appealing to those planning Virginia travel itineraries who want to connect more deeply with the places they visit. The guide's expertise appears to be a cornerstone of the business's value proposition. Furthermore, the variety of packages, from a simple tour to a romantic picnic, allows the company to serve different needs and budgets, making it a versatile option for various types of travelers.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the offerings are unique, potential customers should be aware of several operational aspects. One of the most critical pieces of information, found on their website, states, "Thank you for your support but we are no longer taking reservations for rides" and "We are no longer open to the public." This conflicting information—with other parts of the site still detailing packages and encouraging reservations—creates significant confusion. It is imperative for any interested party to call the provided phone number, (276) 621-4511, to verify the current operational status before making any plans. This ambiguity is a major drawback for a business in the Wytheville tourism sector.

Assuming the business is operational, there are other factors to consider. The tours have a two-rider minimum, which could be an issue for solo travelers. The group size is also limited to five riders at a time, so larger families or groups would need to split up or inquire about special arrangements. The location itself, while scenic, is somewhat remote. The website provides detailed driving directions, noting that the final stretch of Matney Flats Road is bumpy due to logging and that visitors will pass a "Private Property" gate two miles before the destination. This could be challenging for some drivers or vehicles and requires careful planning.

Finally, the focus on a slow-paced, educational tour might not appeal to everyone. Thrill-seekers looking for challenging terrain and high-speed UTV rentals or tours will likely find the experience too tame. The 90-minute duration, which includes multiple stops, means the actual time spent moving can be less than anticipated. It's an excursion centered on appreciation rather than adrenaline. Prospective clients must align their expectations with the company's stated focus on history and nature to avoid disappointment.