Kevin’s guidebook
Food scene
Here are our favorite “local” places to eat. There are also numerous chain restaurants available around the New River Valley Mall located one mile east on Pepper’s Ferry Road including Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Red Lobster, Outback Steakhouse, etc.
Casual dining with a variety of food including sandwiches, burgers, flatbread pizza, and salads. Also has an on-site brewery, Right Mind Brewing Company, serving a variety of craft beer. www.leftysgrille.com
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Lefty's
1410 S Main StCasual dining with a variety of food including sandwiches, burgers, flatbread pizza, and salads. Also has an on-site brewery, Right Mind Brewing Company, serving a variety of craft beer. www.leftysgrille.com
Cabo Fish Taco is the combination of concepts from three completely different people, who share the same idea of what makes a restaurant great. Unlike most Baja styled restaurants, Cabo combines coastal Mexican cuisine with a unique healthy California feel. The food and atmosphere of Cabo is an impeccable infusion of very different styles. www.cabofishtaco.com
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Cabo Fish Taco
117 South Main StreetCabo Fish Taco is the combination of concepts from three completely different people, who share the same idea of what makes a restaurant great. Unlike most Baja styled restaurants, Cabo combines coastal Mexican cuisine with a unique healthy California feel. The food and atmosphere of Cabo is an impeccable infusion of very different styles. www.cabofishtaco.com
Sports bar with large TVs mounted on the walls, known for its burgers and large selection of craft beer. Locations in both Blacksburg and Radford. www.sharkeyswingandribjoint.com
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Sharkey's Wing & Rib Joint
1202 E Main StSports bar with large TVs mounted on the walls, known for its burgers and large selection of craft beer. Locations in both Blacksburg and Radford. www.sharkeyswingandribjoint.com
At Brick House Pizza we love providing genuinely good pizza in a comfortable and welcoming setting. Our dough is hand-made each and every day, from flour we source from Italy. After carefully crafting the dough, it rises for a full 24 hours before it is hand tossed and custom-crafted into a pizza decorated with hand cut vegetables and toppings. Whether you come for the hot pizza, delicious wings, cold beer, or friendly faces we are thankful you are choosing to relax and enjoy a meal with us. www.facebook.com/BrickHousePizzaRadford
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Brick House Pizza
311 W Main StAt Brick House Pizza we love providing genuinely good pizza in a comfortable and welcoming setting. Our dough is hand-made each and every day, from flour we source from Italy. After carefully crafting the dough, it rises for a full 24 hours before it is hand tossed and custom-crafted into a pizza decorated with hand cut vegetables and toppings. Whether you come for the hot pizza, delicious wings, cold beer, or friendly faces we are thankful you are choosing to relax and enjoy a meal with us. www.facebook.com/BrickHousePizzaRadford
Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill is a locally owned brewpub serving wood fired barbeque, ribs, chicken, seafood, steaks, and vegetarian entrees. www.bullandbones.com
Bull and Bones – Brewhaus & Grill
420 Peppers Ferry Rd NWBull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill is a locally owned brewpub serving wood fired barbeque, ribs, chicken, seafood, steaks, and vegetarian entrees. www.bullandbones.com
A favorite Southwest Virginia landmark, The Farmhouse Restaurant has served the New River Valley community since 1963. The authentic farmhouse, originally part of the Ridinger Estate, was built in the 1800's. The Farmhouse has always been “The Place" to go for a date night, enjoy a special occasion, or celebrate a Hokie football win. www.thefarmhousechristiansburg.com
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The Farmhouse
285 Ridinger StA favorite Southwest Virginia landmark, The Farmhouse Restaurant has served the New River Valley community since 1963. The authentic farmhouse, originally part of the Ridinger Estate, was built in the 1800's. The Farmhouse has always been “The Place" to go for a date night, enjoy a special occasion, or celebrate a Hokie football win. www.thefarmhousechristiansburg.com
Places to Hike
The following is a list of some of the most iconic hikes in the region. Most are located in the New River Valley but we included two from the Roanoke Valley region.
Angel’s Rest Hike
Difficulty: Strenuous (due to elevation change) but it’s a well-maintained trail
Distance: 3 miles round trip to overlook and back to trailhead
Level of Trail Traffic: Low
Drive time from Christiansburg: 40 minutes
Hike Description: While this route is a tough hike on the AT, the rewards at Angel's Rest are well worthwhile. You must endure a 1.5-mile, 1,650-ft. climb before you can sprawl over a boulder enjoying the view of the New River below. The well-worn trail leads into a spring-fed ravine and briefly along an old logging road before settling into a consistent, thrashing course of switchbacks. The path crosses over two ancient rockslides and passes through thick poplar and oaks. Gradually, the thriving hardwood forest of the lowlands gives way to stunted oaks and shrubs. When you reach the boulders at the top, detour a few hundred feet to the right on a blue-blazed trail for a view of Pearisburg and the twisting New River. The AT continues to the crest of Angel’s Rest and follows along a rock ledge overhanging Wilburn Valley for more spectacular views. The route is steep and beautiful.
Appalachian Trail Crossing/Parking Pearisburg, VA
2030 Narrows RdAngel’s Rest Hike
Difficulty: Strenuous (due to elevation change) but it’s a well-maintained trail
Distance: 3 miles round trip to overlook and back to trailhead
Level of Trail Traffic: Low
Drive time from Christiansburg: 40 minutes
Hike Description: While this route is a tough hike on the AT, the rewards at Angel's Rest are well worthwhile. You must endure a 1.5-mile, 1,650-ft. climb before you can sprawl over a boulder enjoying the view of the New River below. The well-worn trail leads into a spring-fed ravine and briefly along an old logging road before settling into a consistent, thrashing course of switchbacks. The path crosses over two ancient rockslides and passes through thick poplar and oaks. Gradually, the thriving hardwood forest of the lowlands gives way to stunted oaks and shrubs. When you reach the boulders at the top, detour a few hundred feet to the right on a blue-blazed trail for a view of Pearisburg and the twisting New River. The AT continues to the crest of Angel’s Rest and follows along a rock ledge overhanging Wilburn Valley for more spectacular views. The route is steep and beautiful.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4 mile round trip from the parking lot to the falls and back
Level of Trail Traffic: Very high especially on weekends
Drive time from Christiansburg: 40 minutes
Hike Description: Cascade Falls in Giles County is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia. The 69-foot falls that are created as Little Stony Creek and other streams converge on this spot and create the surrounding pool provide an incredible view for visitors. The hike at Cascade Falls is a four-mile loop with an upper and lower trail. The upper trail offers great views of the creek, while the lower trail is the portion with the most spectacular perspective of the falls. The parking area for the trail is located in Pembroke. There is a $3 parking fee for each vehicle which can be paid on site (cash only). This is a great hike for hot summer days as the trail next to the creek stays much cooler than the surrounding area.
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Cascade Falls Trailhead
2068 Cascade DrDifficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4 mile round trip from the parking lot to the falls and back
Level of Trail Traffic: Very high especially on weekends
Drive time from Christiansburg: 40 minutes
Hike Description: Cascade Falls in Giles County is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia. The 69-foot falls that are created as Little Stony Creek and other streams converge on this spot and create the surrounding pool provide an incredible view for visitors. The hike at Cascade Falls is a four-mile loop with an upper and lower trail. The upper trail offers great views of the creek, while the lower trail is the portion with the most spectacular perspective of the falls. The parking area for the trail is located in Pembroke. There is a $3 parking fee for each vehicle which can be paid on site (cash only). This is a great hike for hot summer days as the trail next to the creek stays much cooler than the surrounding area.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1-mile wheelchair accessible trail surrounding the pond, plus 17-mile trail system connected to the pond trail
Level of Trail Traffic: Very high traffic around the pond, moderate traffic on Poverty Creek trail system
Drive time from Christiansburg: 20 minutes
Hike Description: Pandapas Pond is a pastoral, 8 acre pond located just outside the town of Blacksburg. It sits on the Eastern Continental Divide and is surrounded by a forest of hardwoods and rhododendron. Visitors will enjoy strolling the one-mile wheelchair accessible trail that encircles the pond. A wooden boardwalk separates the pond from a small wetland area that is abundant with dragonflies, turtles, songbirds, and waterfowl. Horses and bicycles are not permitted on the trail around the pond; however they may use the 17-mile Poverty Creek Trail system that can be accessed from the upper parking lot.
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Pandapas Pond
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1-mile wheelchair accessible trail surrounding the pond, plus 17-mile trail system connected to the pond trail
Level of Trail Traffic: Very high traffic around the pond, moderate traffic on Poverty Creek trail system
Drive time from Christiansburg: 20 minutes
Hike Description: Pandapas Pond is a pastoral, 8 acre pond located just outside the town of Blacksburg. It sits on the Eastern Continental Divide and is surrounded by a forest of hardwoods and rhododendron. Visitors will enjoy strolling the one-mile wheelchair accessible trail that encircles the pond. A wooden boardwalk separates the pond from a small wetland area that is abundant with dragonflies, turtles, songbirds, and waterfowl. Horses and bicycles are not permitted on the trail around the pond; however they may use the 17-mile Poverty Creek Trail system that can be accessed from the upper parking lot.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.7 mile loop trail
Level of Trail Traffic: Low to moderate
Drive time from Christiansburg: 1 hour
Hike Description: The Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve, located south of Roanoke in the highlands of the Blue Ridge Plateau, features a spectacular gorge and the second-tallest waterfall in Virginia. Before joining Goose Creek at the downstream end to form the South Fork Roanoke River, Bottom Creek flows through a narrow 3-mile gorge that varies between 200 feet in depth at the upstream end to 900 feet in depth at the downstream end. On this hike you'll pass by “The Kettles” when you enter the gorge, a series of enormous rapids in succession that beg to be explored further. The highlight of the hike is the overlook for Bent Mountain Falls, listed as the 2nd highest waterfall in Virginia at 200 feet. Camp Creek cascades and freefalls directly into Bottom Creek from the mountains above, creating a spectacular vista. It is arguably the tallest single waterfall in Virginia including the series of cascades above the lower drop, ranging between 340-370 feet high. Either way, the Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve is a relatively unheralded gem that is worth a visit.
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Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve
7 10th Ave SDifficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.7 mile loop trail
Level of Trail Traffic: Low to moderate
Drive time from Christiansburg: 1 hour
Hike Description: The Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve, located south of Roanoke in the highlands of the Blue Ridge Plateau, features a spectacular gorge and the second-tallest waterfall in Virginia. Before joining Goose Creek at the downstream end to form the South Fork Roanoke River, Bottom Creek flows through a narrow 3-mile gorge that varies between 200 feet in depth at the upstream end to 900 feet in depth at the downstream end. On this hike you'll pass by “The Kettles” when you enter the gorge, a series of enormous rapids in succession that beg to be explored further. The highlight of the hike is the overlook for Bent Mountain Falls, listed as the 2nd highest waterfall in Virginia at 200 feet. Camp Creek cascades and freefalls directly into Bottom Creek from the mountains above, creating a spectacular vista. It is arguably the tallest single waterfall in Virginia including the series of cascades above the lower drop, ranging between 340-370 feet high. Either way, the Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve is a relatively unheralded gem that is worth a visit.
Difficulty: Moderate (due to distance and elevation change—trail is very well maintained)
Distance: 8.8 mile round trip hike on the AT from the trailhead parking lot to the summit and back
Level of Trail Traffic: Very high—trailhead parking lot will be full by noon on the weekends if weather is nice.
Drive time from Christiansburg: 45 minutes
Hike Description: As one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge is on the bucket list for hikers from around the world. With its stunning, 270-degree panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains, along with its signature ledge that has become a popular place for photos, McAfee Knob should be included in any trip that includes hiking in Virginia's Blue Ridge. It's been recognized by USA Today Travel as one of the most spectacular hikes in the United States and was featured in the 2015 film A Walk In the Woods starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte.
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McAfee Knob
Appalachian National Scenic TrailDifficulty: Moderate (due to distance and elevation change—trail is very well maintained)
Distance: 8.8 mile round trip hike on the AT from the trailhead parking lot to the summit and back
Level of Trail Traffic: Very high—trailhead parking lot will be full by noon on the weekends if weather is nice.
Drive time from Christiansburg: 45 minutes
Hike Description: As one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge is on the bucket list for hikers from around the world. With its stunning, 270-degree panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains, along with its signature ledge that has become a popular place for photos, McAfee Knob should be included in any trip that includes hiking in Virginia's Blue Ridge. It's been recognized by USA Today Travel as one of the most spectacular hikes in the United States and was featured in the 2015 film A Walk In the Woods starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte.
Difficulty: Strenuous (trail is well maintained but some rock scrambling is required, and in a few sections there are one or two iron rungs in 10-ft high rock faces that must be climbed)
Distance: 8.2 mile round trip hike from the parking lot to Dragon’s Tooth and back (most of it on the AT)
Level of Trail Traffic: Moderate to high
Drive time from Christiansburg: 45 minutes
Hike Description: The Dragon's Tooth Trail is a rugged and rewarding hike. The trail offers incredible views of the area and an opportunity to see some of the unique geological features of Cove Mountain. The mountain is home to various outcrops of rock, and the "Dragon's Tooth" is a unique spire that projects 35 feet above the surrounding rock. The head of the trail also offers excellent views of many nearby and distant peaks. It's a rewarding climb that requires some skill and challenge to travel.
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Dragons Tooth Trail Head
Appalachian National Scenic TrailDifficulty: Strenuous (trail is well maintained but some rock scrambling is required, and in a few sections there are one or two iron rungs in 10-ft high rock faces that must be climbed)
Distance: 8.2 mile round trip hike from the parking lot to Dragon’s Tooth and back (most of it on the AT)
Level of Trail Traffic: Moderate to high
Drive time from Christiansburg: 45 minutes
Hike Description: The Dragon's Tooth Trail is a rugged and rewarding hike. The trail offers incredible views of the area and an opportunity to see some of the unique geological features of Cove Mountain. The mountain is home to various outcrops of rock, and the "Dragon's Tooth" is a unique spire that projects 35 feet above the surrounding rock. The head of the trail also offers excellent views of many nearby and distant peaks. It's a rewarding climb that requires some skill and challenge to travel.
Places to Paddle & Fish
The New River Valley offers some of the best fishing and paddling opportunities in Virginia. Whether you like whitewater or still water, trout fishing or bass fishing, or any other activity that involves being on the water, there are several great options nearby to explore. Here are a few of our favorites.
For non-boaters, Bisset Park in Radford is the best place nearby to access the New River. There is over a mile of riverbank in the park, and from April to November on the weekends an outfitter rents kayaks and inner tubes and provides shuttle service for float trips on the river:
• https://newriveradventure.org/
For boaters, there are four public boat launches on the New River in the Radford area:
• Claytor Dam Boat Ramp: Located about 500 yards south of the Sportsman’s store on Little River Road (address of the store is 2947 Little River Rd, Radford, VA 24141).
• Riverview Park Boat Ramp: Located at the south end of the park.
• Dudley’s Landing: Located 200 yards west of Veteran’s Park on New River Drive (address 1500 New River Dr, Radford, VA 24141).
• Unnamed boat ramp suitable for kayaks, canoes, & johnboats located at the end of Pulaski St (use the address of the Radford Animal Shelter at 110 Pulaski St, Radford, VA 24141 and continue 200 yards further down the road to the river).
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Bisset Park
49 Berkley Williams DrFor non-boaters, Bisset Park in Radford is the best place nearby to access the New River. There is over a mile of riverbank in the park, and from April to November on the weekends an outfitter rents kayaks and inner tubes and provides shuttle service for float trips on the river:
• https://newriveradventure.org/
For boaters, there are four public boat launches on the New River in the Radford area:
• Claytor Dam Boat Ramp: Located about 500 yards south of the Sportsman’s store on Little River Road (address of the store is 2947 Little River Rd, Radford, VA 24141).
• Riverview Park Boat Ramp: Located at the south end of the park.
• Dudley’s Landing: Located 200 yards west of Veteran’s Park on New River Drive (address 1500 New River Dr, Radford, VA 24141).
• Unnamed boat ramp suitable for kayaks, canoes, & johnboats located at the end of Pulaski St (use the address of the Radford Animal Shelter at 110 Pulaski St, Radford, VA 24141 and continue 200 yards further down the road to the river).
The public ramp at Whitethorne (address 5277 Whitethorne Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060) provides access to a stretch of river about a mile and a half long that is free of rapids or rocks. In normal conditions you can easily paddle upstream or downstream in this area. This makes the boat ramp very popular with power boats and it can get quite busy on the weekends in the spring, summer, and fall. There is a small park adjacent to the boat ramp that provides access to about 600 feet of riverbank for bank fishing.
Whitethorne Boat Ramp
5277 Whitethorne RdThe public ramp at Whitethorne (address 5277 Whitethorne Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060) provides access to a stretch of river about a mile and a half long that is free of rapids or rocks. In normal conditions you can easily paddle upstream or downstream in this area. This makes the boat ramp very popular with power boats and it can get quite busy on the weekends in the spring, summer, and fall. There is a small park adjacent to the boat ramp that provides access to about 600 feet of riverbank for bank fishing.
Claytor Lake is technically a part of the New River. It was created when the Claytor Dam was built in 1939. A 21-mile long section of the river is considered to be part of the lake. There are numerous public access points but the most visitor-friendly and closest is Clator Lake State Park. There is a boat ramp, in-season boat rentals at Claytor Lake Water Sports, a swimming beach, and over a mile of accessible shoreline for bank fishing. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle to access the park.
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Claytor Lake State Park
6620 Ben H Bolen DrClaytor Lake is technically a part of the New River. It was created when the Claytor Dam was built in 1939. A 21-mile long section of the river is considered to be part of the lake. There are numerous public access points but the most visitor-friendly and closest is Clator Lake State Park. There is a boat ramp, in-season boat rentals at Claytor Lake Water Sports, a swimming beach, and over a mile of accessible shoreline for bank fishing. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle to access the park.
Gatewood Reservoir, a 162-acre water supply impoundment owned by the Town of Pulaski, is nestled in the hills of southwestern Pulaski County, in the Wythe Ranger District of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
Gatewood is a scenic lake, where you can still “get away from it all” for a day. It is an excellent spot to bring the family for a picnic or to camp and fish. The lake is known for its large bluegill that grow up to 10 inches or larger. Only boats with electric motors are allowed on the lake so it’s not overrun with speedboats and personal watercraft in the summertime like Claytor Lake.
Primitive paddle-in campsites are scattered around the lake in addition to a campground at Gatewood Park. The park, camping, and boat rental is run by a concessionaire for the Town of Pulaski—visit their website for reservations and more information:
• https://gatewoodpark.com/
Gatewood Park
RR 710Gatewood Reservoir, a 162-acre water supply impoundment owned by the Town of Pulaski, is nestled in the hills of southwestern Pulaski County, in the Wythe Ranger District of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
Gatewood is a scenic lake, where you can still “get away from it all” for a day. It is an excellent spot to bring the family for a picnic or to camp and fish. The lake is known for its large bluegill that grow up to 10 inches or larger. Only boats with electric motors are allowed on the lake so it’s not overrun with speedboats and personal watercraft in the summertime like Claytor Lake.
Primitive paddle-in campsites are scattered around the lake in addition to a campground at Gatewood Park. The park, camping, and boat rental is run by a concessionaire for the Town of Pulaski—visit their website for reservations and more information:
• https://gatewoodpark.com/
There are a few trout streams in the New River Valley that are stocked by the DGIF in the fall, winter, and spring. The dates that the streams are stocked are posted on the DGIF website at 3 pm on the date the stocking occurs. Fishing is good for the 24-48 hours after a stream has been stocked; other than that it is not so good.
There are not many good native trout streams in the NRV, and most stocked trout do not survive or reproduce in the wild due to the hot summers. I would not recommend trout fishing in the summer months, but it is good in the spring, fall, and winter as long as you can get to the stream within a few days of stocking.
Website for the DGIF trout fishing guide: https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/trout/.
Best Trout streams in the NRV (all but Toms Creek require a National Forest stamp on fishing license):
• Craig Creek
• Toms Creek
• Poverty Creek
• Pandapas Pond
• Little Stony Creek
Craig Creek Road
Craig Creek RoadThere are a few trout streams in the New River Valley that are stocked by the DGIF in the fall, winter, and spring. The dates that the streams are stocked are posted on the DGIF website at 3 pm on the date the stocking occurs. Fishing is good for the 24-48 hours after a stream has been stocked; other than that it is not so good.
There are not many good native trout streams in the NRV, and most stocked trout do not survive or reproduce in the wild due to the hot summers. I would not recommend trout fishing in the summer months, but it is good in the spring, fall, and winter as long as you can get to the stream within a few days of stocking.
Website for the DGIF trout fishing guide: https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/trout/.
Best Trout streams in the NRV (all but Toms Creek require a National Forest stamp on fishing license):
• Craig Creek
• Toms Creek
• Poverty Creek
• Pandapas Pond
• Little Stony Creek
Walking & Biking Trails
There are several excellent paved walking & biking trails located in the New River Valley, and the closest one is less than a mile down the street!
The Huckleberry Trail is an asphalt-paved, handicap accessible walking and cycling trail that connects Christiansburg to Blacksburg and the Jefferson National Forest. In Christiansburg, it starts at the Rec Center on Franklin Street and passes just west of the New River Valley mall on its way to Blacksburg.
Near the Southgate exit from Rt 460 to the Virginia Tech Campus, the trail forks and goes in two different directions. Turn right and go through the tunnel under Rt 460, and the trail will take you past Lane Stadium before ending at the Blacksburg Public Library. Continue straight (north), and the trail will take you to Heritage Park, which borders Jefferson National Forest.
The closest access to the trail from this location is at the New River Valley Mall, less than a mile east on Peppers Ferry Road. There is a sidewalk on Peppers Ferry Road the entire distance from New Village Drive to the Huckeberry Trail.
Huckleberry Trail
Huckleberry TrailThe Huckleberry Trail is an asphalt-paved, handicap accessible walking and cycling trail that connects Christiansburg to Blacksburg and the Jefferson National Forest. In Christiansburg, it starts at the Rec Center on Franklin Street and passes just west of the New River Valley mall on its way to Blacksburg.
Near the Southgate exit from Rt 460 to the Virginia Tech Campus, the trail forks and goes in two different directions. Turn right and go through the tunnel under Rt 460, and the trail will take you past Lane Stadium before ending at the Blacksburg Public Library. Continue straight (north), and the trail will take you to Heritage Park, which borders Jefferson National Forest.
The closest access to the trail from this location is at the New River Valley Mall, less than a mile east on Peppers Ferry Road. There is a sidewalk on Peppers Ferry Road the entire distance from New Village Drive to the Huckeberry Trail.
The New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback.
The park's Foster Falls area offers guided horseback trips; canoe and bike rentals; boat launches; gift shops; and a horse arena. Fishing is popular, and primitive campsites dot the trail. The park's Hoover Mountain Biking Area is also popular with those seeking extra adventure. There are access points to the trail at Allisonia, Chestnut Yard, Cliffview, Dannelly Park (near Galax), Draper, Dora Junction (near Pulaski), Foster Falls, Fries, Galax, Gambetta, Hiwassee and Ivanhoe.
Website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/new-river-trail
New River Trail State Park
New River Trail State ParkThe New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback.
The park's Foster Falls area offers guided horseback trips; canoe and bike rentals; boat launches; gift shops; and a horse arena. Fishing is popular, and primitive campsites dot the trail. The park's Hoover Mountain Biking Area is also popular with those seeking extra adventure. There are access points to the trail at Allisonia, Chestnut Yard, Cliffview, Dannelly Park (near Galax), Draper, Dora Junction (near Pulaski), Foster Falls, Fries, Galax, Gambetta, Hiwassee and Ivanhoe.
Website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/new-river-trail
The Riverway is a walking and biking trail built with support from Pathways for Radford, The City of Radford and a local Engineering Firm. The trail begins near Dedmond Center at Radford University, parallels the New River into Bissett Park, runs under West Main St., through Wildwood Park, and currently ends at the intersection of Park St. and Sundell Drive. Open dawn - dusk 7 days a week. The trail has several parking lots: 1. Corner of Park Rd and Sundell Dr. 2. Corner of Stockton St. and Pulaski St. 3. Wildwood Park, corner of East Main St. and Wildwood Park Dr. 4. Bissett Park, Berkley Williams Dr.
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Wildwood Park
The Riverway is a walking and biking trail built with support from Pathways for Radford, The City of Radford and a local Engineering Firm. The trail begins near Dedmond Center at Radford University, parallels the New River into Bissett Park, runs under West Main St., through Wildwood Park, and currently ends at the intersection of Park St. and Sundell Drive. Open dawn - dusk 7 days a week. The trail has several parking lots: 1. Corner of Park Rd and Sundell Dr. 2. Corner of Stockton St. and Pulaski St. 3. Wildwood Park, corner of East Main St. and Wildwood Park Dr. 4. Bissett Park, Berkley Williams Dr.
Wineries
There are many award-winning wineries located in the New River Valley. Some are large operations with daily tours and full-service restaurants on site, while others are small operations that are only open seasonally or on weekends and that just have a small tasting room. Rather than list all the wineries in the NRV, for this guide we just list our four favorites.
Beliveau Farm is a boutique Virginia winery located on the edge of Montgomery County 12 miles from downtown Blacksburg. Our 12 acres of vines grow the majority of grapes used in our wines. Wines are handcrafted, produced, and bottled on-site. We are a destination winery where visitors welcome the opportunity to relax and spend a tranquil afternoon sipping and savoring moments with friends and family.
Website: https://www.beliveaufarm.com/winery
Serves Food: Yes (limited menu)
Hours: Wednesday 12-8, Thursday 12-6, Friday 12-9, Saturday and Sunday 12-6.
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Beliveau Estate Winery
3899 Eakin Farm RdBeliveau Farm is a boutique Virginia winery located on the edge of Montgomery County 12 miles from downtown Blacksburg. Our 12 acres of vines grow the majority of grapes used in our wines. Wines are handcrafted, produced, and bottled on-site. We are a destination winery where visitors welcome the opportunity to relax and spend a tranquil afternoon sipping and savoring moments with friends and family.
Website: https://www.beliveaufarm.com/winery
Serves Food: Yes (limited menu)
Hours: Wednesday 12-8, Thursday 12-6, Friday 12-9, Saturday and Sunday 12-6.
Nestled in the New River Valley, only a short distance from the New River and Little River, Whitebarrel winery sits on land that has been farmed for over a century in historic Childress. Childress is a mid-nineteenth century unincorporated area of Montgomery County, Virginia and the vineyards are near the old post office (1852-1952), and community store. Three historic buildings are all within 1 mile of the winery (Bowyer-Trollinger Farm, Cromer House, and Thomas Hall House). The Tasting Room and Wine production barn are both passive solar buildings with exquisite views of the vineyards.
Editor’s note: We like the wine at Whitebarrel and the food is ok, but the food service can be a bit slow. If you go to eat here, allow plenty of time.
Website: http://whitebarrel.com/
Serves Food: Yes
Hours: 12-5 Monday & Tuesday, 12-7 Wednesday & Thursday, 11-8 Friday & Saturday, 12-6 on Sunday
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Whitebarrel Winery
4025 Childress RdNestled in the New River Valley, only a short distance from the New River and Little River, Whitebarrel winery sits on land that has been farmed for over a century in historic Childress. Childress is a mid-nineteenth century unincorporated area of Montgomery County, Virginia and the vineyards are near the old post office (1852-1952), and community store. Three historic buildings are all within 1 mile of the winery (Bowyer-Trollinger Farm, Cromer House, and Thomas Hall House). The Tasting Room and Wine production barn are both passive solar buildings with exquisite views of the vineyards.
Editor’s note: We like the wine at Whitebarrel and the food is ok, but the food service can be a bit slow. If you go to eat here, allow plenty of time.
Website: http://whitebarrel.com/
Serves Food: Yes
Hours: 12-5 Monday & Tuesday, 12-7 Wednesday & Thursday, 11-8 Friday & Saturday, 12-6 on Sunday
Julie and Tim Block fell in love with the fantastic Italian Varietals and beautiful scenery and purchased the winery in 2018. We are a Virginia Farm Winery producing wine in a local vineyard established in 1989. Enjoy a piece of Tuscany in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Along with our unique wines, we offer cheese plates daily with, bread, fruit, olives and local cheeses.
Website: https://villaappalaccia.com/
Serves Food: Cheese plates only
Hours: 11-5 Wednesday-Friday, 11-6 Saturday, 12-4:30 Sunday, Closed Monday & Tuesday
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Villa Appalaccia Winery
752 Rock Castle Gorge RdJulie and Tim Block fell in love with the fantastic Italian Varietals and beautiful scenery and purchased the winery in 2018. We are a Virginia Farm Winery producing wine in a local vineyard established in 1989. Enjoy a piece of Tuscany in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Along with our unique wines, we offer cheese plates daily with, bread, fruit, olives and local cheeses.
Website: https://villaappalaccia.com/
Serves Food: Cheese plates only
Hours: 11-5 Wednesday-Friday, 11-6 Saturday, 12-4:30 Sunday, Closed Monday & Tuesday
Chateau Morrisette is a third-generation tradition in Virginia winemaking in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you visit us, enjoy the rustic elegance of the Chateau Morrisette Restaurant or take in one of our Black Dog Music Festivals or other special events. Savor the view, ranked among the top restaurant views in America. Sip some wine by one of our fireplaces, on our restaurant terrace, or in our winery courtyard. Relax and enjoy. Chateau Morrisette is open year-round. Find us along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, Virginia. We welcome you and thank you for supporting Chateau Morrisette.
Editor’s note: Chateau Morrisette is a major player in the wine industry in Southwest Virginia. Most of their wines are distributed at Kroger grocery stores throughout the region so if you don’t have the chance to visit a local winery, you can pick up a bottle at the grocery store. Note that they are located just down the road from Villa Appalachia, so if you make the drive out to visit one you should visit the other as well.
Website: https://www.thedogs.com/
Serves Food: Yes, full-service restaurant (reservations available and recommended on summer weekends)
Hours: See website for tasting room hours, restaurant hours, and times of daily tours
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Chateau Morrisette Winery
291 Winery Rd SWChateau Morrisette is a third-generation tradition in Virginia winemaking in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you visit us, enjoy the rustic elegance of the Chateau Morrisette Restaurant or take in one of our Black Dog Music Festivals or other special events. Savor the view, ranked among the top restaurant views in America. Sip some wine by one of our fireplaces, on our restaurant terrace, or in our winery courtyard. Relax and enjoy. Chateau Morrisette is open year-round. Find us along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, Virginia. We welcome you and thank you for supporting Chateau Morrisette.
Editor’s note: Chateau Morrisette is a major player in the wine industry in Southwest Virginia. Most of their wines are distributed at Kroger grocery stores throughout the region so if you don’t have the chance to visit a local winery, you can pick up a bottle at the grocery store. Note that they are located just down the road from Villa Appalachia, so if you make the drive out to visit one you should visit the other as well.
Website: https://www.thedogs.com/
Serves Food: Yes, full-service restaurant (reservations available and recommended on summer weekends)
Hours: See website for tasting room hours, restaurant hours, and times of daily tours
Breweries
In recent years the craft beer industry has exploded in southwest Virginia, including the New River Valley. Many of the area’s best breweries didn’t exist even two or three years ago. Listed below are some of our favorite breweries in the area. For the purposes of this section of the guide, a “brewery” is defined as an establishment whose primary purpose is the brewing of beer (vs a brewpub that produces a few beers in-house, or a winery that added on a brewery as a secondary income source, etc.).
Rising Silo Brewery is a truly unique movement for Blacksburg, and one of Southwest Virginia's only farm breweries. We boast a tap line up ranging from 10-12 beers with a brew for every palate. All beers are brewed with exclusively organic malts and water from the Farm's well.
Produce from Glade Road Growing and other local farms are creatively incorporated in many of our beers and vary seasonally based on availability. Here you can pick up fresh veggies, dairy and meat raised on-site through Glade Road Growing and other friends of the farm, fill your growler or enjoy a pint on draft, take a walk around the farm to bask in the beauty of the New River Valley, or just relax in the company of friends old and new.
Editor’s note: The Huckleberry Trail ends about 300 yards from Rising Silo on Glade Road. It’s about a 1-hour bike ride to the brewery from this address, and other than New Village Drive (start) and Glade Road (end), the entire route is either on sidewalks or the Huckleberry Trail.
Website: https://www.risingsilobrewery.com
Serves Food: Yes, limited menu
Hours: Thursday-Friday 3-9 pm, Saturday 12-9 pm, Sunday 11-6 pm
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Rising Silo Brewery
2351 Glade RdRising Silo Brewery is a truly unique movement for Blacksburg, and one of Southwest Virginia's only farm breweries. We boast a tap line up ranging from 10-12 beers with a brew for every palate. All beers are brewed with exclusively organic malts and water from the Farm's well.
Produce from Glade Road Growing and other local farms are creatively incorporated in many of our beers and vary seasonally based on availability. Here you can pick up fresh veggies, dairy and meat raised on-site through Glade Road Growing and other friends of the farm, fill your growler or enjoy a pint on draft, take a walk around the farm to bask in the beauty of the New River Valley, or just relax in the company of friends old and new.
Editor’s note: The Huckleberry Trail ends about 300 yards from Rising Silo on Glade Road. It’s about a 1-hour bike ride to the brewery from this address, and other than New Village Drive (start) and Glade Road (end), the entire route is either on sidewalks or the Huckleberry Trail.
Website: https://www.risingsilobrewery.com
Serves Food: Yes, limited menu
Hours: Thursday-Friday 3-9 pm, Saturday 12-9 pm, Sunday 11-6 pm
We are a group of individuals who are passionate about all things brewing, passionate about local food/fare, and passionate about the community that we have been a part of for decades. For us, Eastern Divide is the place where it all comes together. We brew and serve a full line up of beers as well as assorted non-alcoholic teas, kombuchas, and sodas in our on-site tap room. Any of which can be paired with offerings from local food purveyor Feast & Company. We also serve as host to a program of events to further build upon the New River Valley community. We are so excited to have finally made Eastern Divide a reality, and we can't wait to share it with you all sometime soon!
Website: https://www.easterndivide.com
Serves Food: No
Hours: Thursday & Friday 3-9, Saturday 12-9, Sunday 12-6
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Eastern Divide Brewing Company
3175 Commerce StWe are a group of individuals who are passionate about all things brewing, passionate about local food/fare, and passionate about the community that we have been a part of for decades. For us, Eastern Divide is the place where it all comes together. We brew and serve a full line up of beers as well as assorted non-alcoholic teas, kombuchas, and sodas in our on-site tap room. Any of which can be paired with offerings from local food purveyor Feast & Company. We also serve as host to a program of events to further build upon the New River Valley community. We are so excited to have finally made Eastern Divide a reality, and we can't wait to share it with you all sometime soon!
Website: https://www.easterndivide.com
Serves Food: No
Hours: Thursday & Friday 3-9, Saturday 12-9, Sunday 12-6
The idea for Buffalo Mountain Brewing Company was conceived in 2012. We retired in 2014, moved home, and started the journey to open this brewery. We brew small batch beers here on premise in our 2BBL brewing system. We double batch each time, so 4BBL’s of beer goes into each fermentation tank. We’ll brew many different styles of beer as time progresses. Some will be limited releases others will remain on tap or return periodically.
Website: https://buffalomountainbrewery.com
Serves Food: Yes—limited menu
Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday 4-9 pm, Closed Wednesday, Thursday 4-9 pm, Friday 2-10 pm, Saturday 1-10 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm
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Buffalo Mountain Brewing Company
332 Webbs Mill Rd NThe idea for Buffalo Mountain Brewing Company was conceived in 2012. We retired in 2014, moved home, and started the journey to open this brewery. We brew small batch beers here on premise in our 2BBL brewing system. We double batch each time, so 4BBL’s of beer goes into each fermentation tank. We’ll brew many different styles of beer as time progresses. Some will be limited releases others will remain on tap or return periodically.
Website: https://buffalomountainbrewery.com
Serves Food: Yes—limited menu
Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday 4-9 pm, Closed Wednesday, Thursday 4-9 pm, Friday 2-10 pm, Saturday 1-10 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm
Moon Hollow Brewing Company (20 minute drive)
Part of the Old Prices Fork School Revitialization Project, Moon Hollow Brewing is named for the small plot of land behind the brewery space. This 5 Barrel brewing system provides an inviting venue where people can connect over fresh, local brews. All ages are welcome, a selection of non-alcoholic beverages from Moon Hollow Brewing and Rising Silo Brewery are featured on tap.
Website: https://www.moonhollowbrewing.com/
Serves Food: No, but food trucks on site.
Hours: Thursday-Friday 3-9 pm, Saturday 12-9 pm, Sunday 12-7 pm
4237 Prices Fork Rd
4237 Prices Fork RoadMoon Hollow Brewing Company (20 minute drive)
Part of the Old Prices Fork School Revitialization Project, Moon Hollow Brewing is named for the small plot of land behind the brewery space. This 5 Barrel brewing system provides an inviting venue where people can connect over fresh, local brews. All ages are welcome, a selection of non-alcoholic beverages from Moon Hollow Brewing and Rising Silo Brewery are featured on tap.
Website: https://www.moonhollowbrewing.com/
Serves Food: No, but food trucks on site.
Hours: Thursday-Friday 3-9 pm, Saturday 12-9 pm, Sunday 12-7 pm