HIGHLAND COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) – The 65th Annual Maple Festival in Highland County will be held from Saturday, March 15 to Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Executive Director with the Highland County Chamber of Commerce, Chris Swecker, said on Spotlight on Agriculture that Highland County has a large maple syrup industry.

“Most people don’t think of Virginia as having maple syrup,” said Swecker. “But here in Highland County because of our elevation and our freezing at night and thawing in the day we actually are allowed to make it more in a climate that you might find up in Vermont.”

The sugar camps and farms in the Chamber that participate in the festival gain popularity during this time period. According to Swecker, an economic study conducted in 2023 showed that the festival generated an estimated $2.4 million in spending.

“The local sugar camps, as we call them, on these working farms they’re selling syrup year-round as well,” said Swecker. “It’s a huge benefit. Not only for the farms, but for local non-profits, all types of entities here. And really just the source of our identity here in Highland County.”

The sugar camps are one of a few highlights in the festival. They are open on Saturday and Sunday and provide free tours on how the syrup is made. Swecker said that with Spring approaching, there are several activities to enjoy.

“It’s been sometimes known as the “Cabin Fever Festival.” It’s been, in particular this year, a really hard winter. I think people are always ready to get out and you’ll see there’s lambs being born right now. You’re starting to even hear the Peepers a bit and rams will be coming up soon,” said Swecker. “It’s springtime, so it’s a wonderful time of year anyway and maple syrup just adds to that.”

The festival also has civic organizations serving pancakes, artisans and crafters and entertainment such as square-dancing and music.

Routes 250 and 220 go through Highland County and brings several tourists who know about the Maple Festival and syrup. Several restaurants, stores and even the sugar camps sell the syrups.

“It’s not hard to find maple syrup here in Highland County,” said Swecker.

Swecker also said the community takes the time to bring the festival together through their work.

For more information on the Maple Festival, the link can be found here: Maple Festival – Highland County Chamber of Commerce