Burke's Garden One of Virginia's most unique geological features is located nearby in Tazwell County. Often called "God's Thumbprint" due to it's unusual appearance from the air, Burke's Garden is the highest mountain valley in Virginia. The valley is approximately 10 miles in diameter and completely surrounded by Garden Mountain. Burke's Garden is famous for it's exceptionally fertile farmland and scenic beauty. The little valley has been almost untouched by time, it looks much the way it did one hundred years ago. A leisurely drive on 623 through Burke's Garden revealed pristine farmland, rolling green pastures, rustic barns and towering mountain ridges. There was also the unexpected- a distant pasture full of what looked like horses turned out to be two dozen camels looking strangely out of place in this quaint little Southern Appalachian valley. Other unusual residents of Burke's Garden include a small herd of alpacas at a local alpaca farm. The area is also a great destination for bird enthusiasts. On a recent afternoon drive countless goldfinches, several red tailed hawks and even an owl was spotted. Burke's Garden is a perfect scenic country drive and the landscape offers ample opportunities for photography. Hiking is available nearby on the Appalachian Trail and Jefferson National Forest. Reviewed by: Ashlee VanMeter