Woodbooger Sanctuary

Photo of the Woodbooger StatueThe Legend of the Woodbooger

If walking the gravel footpath to the Flag Rock Overlook in Flag Rock Recreation Area, you can't miss the giant statue of a Bigfoot-like creature located just beyond the parking area. 

Known locally as the Woodbooger, the city erected the statue and Norton City Council designated the recreation area a Woodbooger Sanctuary following a visit by Animal Planet's Finding Bigfoot TV show. In 2011, the show spent a week in Southwest Virginia filming an episode that features scenes from High Knob, as well as Washington County, Damascus, and Saltville.

Since then, the city has embraced this mythical creature, with local businesses selling Woodbooger merchandise and the establishment of the Woodbooger Festival. The festival is held each fall in Flag Rock Recreation Area. Visit the festival's website for more information.

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