Barn Quilt Trail

Experience Virginia's first Barn Quilt Trail!

What are those colorful painted wooden squares and diamonds adorned on barns and buildings in Highland County?  They are beautiful works of art known as barn quilts!  Barn quilts represent the merger of traditional roles on the farm, blending the customs of quilting bees together with outdoor barn work into a stunning combination.

Beginning in 2011, Highland County was the first county in Virginia to have its very own Barn Quilt Trail.  Highland County’s barn quilts include interesting names like “Foxes Making Tea,” “California Poppy,” “Mug Club,” “Creation Sings,” and “Rising Star.”  There is often a story behind the name that corresponds with the design.  The barn quilt may memorialize a special friend or moment, showcase a business, or represent the love of plants, animals, or other natural wonders.  Local artist Margie Boesch created the majority of the barn quilts on the trail, but more and more creators have been inspired to develop their own.  Whether viewing the county’s LOVEwork letters in Monterey, striking designs on generational farms in McDowell, or an old maple syrup-producing barn with multiple barn quilts on it in Blue Grass, everyone can enjoy the beauty and rich traditions of Highland County while experiencing the self-guided barn quilt trail.

Can you spot them all?

The Highland County Barn Quilt Trail Brochure was updated in 2024!  Click on the green "Barn Quilt Trail Brochure' button below for a full pdf file of the brochure, or click on the individual jpeg images to see information, stories, and directions for 80 barn quilts!

Get your physical copy in Highland County at local businesses or the Highland County Visitor Center at 27 West Main Street in Monterey.  You can also order this brochure for free using our form at www.highlandcounty.org/brochures!