Guidebook for Blacksburg
Parks & Nature
A must hike in the area, It has amazing panoramic views and it is the most photographed place on the Appalachian Trail.
https://www.visitroanokeva.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventure/appalachian-trail/mcafee-knob/
116 locals recommend
McAfee Knob
Appalachian National Scenic TrailA must hike in the area, It has amazing panoramic views and it is the most photographed place on the Appalachian Trail.
https://www.visitroanokeva.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventure/appalachian-trail/mcafee-knob/
It is a great hike on the Appalachian Trail and it is only 25 minute drive from the house.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/dragons-tooth-trail
25 locals recommend
Dragons Tooth
It is a great hike on the Appalachian Trail and it is only 25 minute drive from the house.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/dragons-tooth-trail
Easy access with nice hiking and mountain biking trails. Relaxing fishing spot.
43 locals recommend
Pandapas Pond
Easy access with nice hiking and mountain biking trails. Relaxing fishing spot.
Mountain Lake is one of the locations where the film Dirty Dancing was filmed. For those who enjoyed the film, it is fun to see the lake, the lodge and pavilion where many scenes took place.
Bald Knob Trail is a great short 1 mile hike that gives you panorama view of the area, great place for sunset.
Easy to access from US-460 in Giles County, take Mountain Lake Road (VA-700) for 7 miles and park in the gravel lot on the left by the intersection of VA-613 and Mountain Lake Outfitters. Cross VA-700 and begin your hike up the gravel road. After 0.1 miles turn right onto the well-marked "Bald Knob" Trail.
https://www.theoutbound.com/virginia/hiking/hike-to-bald-knob#photo-123798
Mountain Lake Road
Mountain Lake RoadMountain Lake is one of the locations where the film Dirty Dancing was filmed. For those who enjoyed the film, it is fun to see the lake, the lodge and pavilion where many scenes took place.
Bald Knob Trail is a great short 1 mile hike that gives you panorama view of the area, great place for sunset.
Easy to access from US-460 in Giles County, take Mountain Lake Road (VA-700) for 7 miles and park in the gravel lot on the left by the intersection of VA-613 and Mountain Lake Outfitters. Cross VA-700 and begin your hike up the gravel road. After 0.1 miles turn right onto the well-marked "Bald Knob" Trail.
https://www.theoutbound.com/virginia/hiking/hike-to-bald-knob#photo-123798
Fun tubing on the New River, 15 min from downtown. Good way to chill off on hot summer days.
23 locals recommend
New River Junction
2591 Big Falls RdFun tubing on the New River, 15 min from downtown. Good way to chill off on hot summer days.
Beautiful vista at top of the mountain, relatively easy hike.
10 locals recommend
Buffalo Mountain Peak
Beautiful vista at top of the mountain, relatively easy hike.
Bike rentals available at trailhead by library.
The Huckleberry Trail is a 7-mile rail trail in Montgomery County, Virginia, connecting the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg. The trail is 12 feet wide with an asphalt surface. The trail takes its name from the former route of the Virginia Anthracite Coal and Railway Company, nicknamed the "Huckleberry", upon which the trail was constructed. The "Huckleberry" moniker was introduced by the railroad's passengers, who would pick huckleberries alongside the tracks during the railroad's frequent service interruptions and breakdowns.
Trailhead is 8 min from the house downtown by the library. The original route headed to Christiansburg and Ben & Jerry’s in the New River Valley Mall is always a big incentive for kids. The other direction goes through part of town/neighborhoods to the recent addition that takes you through friends and woods and ends in the beautiful Heritage Park with great vista view.
https://www.traillink.com/trail/huckleberry-trail/
https://huckleberrytrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2018-03-07-Huckleberry-Trail-Map-V3.pdf
17 locals recommend
Huckleberry Trail
Huckleberry TrailBike rentals available at trailhead by library.
The Huckleberry Trail is a 7-mile rail trail in Montgomery County, Virginia, connecting the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg. The trail is 12 feet wide with an asphalt surface. The trail takes its name from the former route of the Virginia Anthracite Coal and Railway Company, nicknamed the "Huckleberry", upon which the trail was constructed. The "Huckleberry" moniker was introduced by the railroad's passengers, who would pick huckleberries alongside the tracks during the railroad's frequent service interruptions and breakdowns.
Trailhead is 8 min from the house downtown by the library. The original route headed to Christiansburg and Ben & Jerry’s in the New River Valley Mall is always a big incentive for kids. The other direction goes through part of town/neighborhoods to the recent addition that takes you through friends and woods and ends in the beautiful Heritage Park with great vista view.
https://www.traillink.com/trail/huckleberry-trail/
https://huckleberrytrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2018-03-07-Huckleberry-Trail-Map-V3.pdf
Claytor Lake State Park is 35 minute from the house, it has a small beach and boat rentals are available.
14 locals recommend
Claytor Lake
Claytor Lake State Park is 35 minute from the house, it has a small beach and boat rentals are available.
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. Horse trailer parking is available at Allisonia, Austinville, Cliffview, Dora Junction, Draper, Fries, Ivanhoe and the Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex.
Draper Mercantile is a good starting/ending point with a shop for refreshments.
New River Trail State Park
New River Trail State ParkNew 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. Horse trailer parking is available at Allisonia, Austinville, Cliffview, Dora Junction, Draper, Fries, Ivanhoe and the Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex.
Draper Mercantile is a good starting/ending point with a shop for refreshments.
25 minute from our house. Great place to book kayaking/ canoeing trip on the New River. Eggleston to Pembroke ( 7 miles) is very scenic and has a couple of rapids. Pembroke to Bluff City (10 miles) has more rapids and some islands to explore.
https://www.tangentoutfitters.com/canoe-trips/
19 locals recommend
Tangent Outfitters
1710 New River Dr25 minute from our house. Great place to book kayaking/ canoeing trip on the New River. Eggleston to Pembroke ( 7 miles) is very scenic and has a couple of rapids. Pembroke to Bluff City (10 miles) has more rapids and some islands to explore.
https://www.tangentoutfitters.com/canoe-trips/
10 minute drive from the house, one of The Nature Conservancy’s preserves.
https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/falls-ridge-preserve/
13 locals recommend
Falls Ridge Preserve
Falls Ridge Road10 minute drive from the house, one of The Nature Conservancy’s preserves.
https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/falls-ridge-preserve/
A local favorite, some places to cool off in the water along the hike. Mostly shaded.
170 locals recommend
Cascade Falls Trailhead
2068 Cascade DrA local favorite, some places to cool off in the water along the hike. Mostly shaded.
Arts & Culture
State of the arts performance center with rotating exhibitions.
Moss Arts Center
190 Alumni MallLyric Theatre
135 College AveThe heart of Blacksburg with movie and performances
Food scene
622 North Restaurant and Wine Bar
622 N Main StNice ambience and good food in town
Gaucho Brazilian Grille
880 University City BlvdThe drive out to the Palisades is beautiful and crosses the New River. The food here incorporates a lot of local ingredients and is very creative.
63 locals recommend
The Palisades Restaurant
168 Village StThe drive out to the Palisades is beautiful and crosses the New River. The food here incorporates a lot of local ingredients and is very creative.
Our vibrant farmers market brings to you wonderful local produce and goods, there is usually live music. Big Lick Ice Cream is a must and pickup some local honey from Birdsong Farm as gifts to take home.
31 locals recommend
Blacksburg Farmers Market & Market Square Park
108 W Roanoke StOur vibrant farmers market brings to you wonderful local produce and goods, there is usually live music. Big Lick Ice Cream is a must and pickup some local honey from Birdsong Farm as gifts to take home.
Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro
1329 S Main StFrench style bakery
Friday night jamborees are a wonderful event giving you a feel of mountain music and dance.
113 locals recommend
Floyd Country Store
206 S Locust StFriday night jamborees are a wonderful event giving you a feel of mountain music and dance.
Zeppoli's Italian Restaurant and Wine Shop
810 University City BlvdGreat Italian restaurant in town
Great place in downtown for an ice cream/chocolate stop. They serve Homestead Creamery Ice Cream from nearby Wirtz.
11 locals recommend
Sugar Magnolia
102 N Main StGreat place in downtown for an ice cream/chocolate stop. They serve Homestead Creamery Ice Cream from nearby Wirtz.
The Homeplace Restaurant
4968 Catawba Valley DriveFamily style southern food.
Neighborhood coffee & bakeshop, large variety of flavored drinks. Love their soups.
https://www.nextdoorbakeshop.com
7 locals recommend
Next Door Bake Shop
460 Turner St NWNeighborhood coffee & bakeshop, large variety of flavored drinks. Love their soups.
https://www.nextdoorbakeshop.com
Our local donut shop has been making delicious fresh donuts since 1968!
22 locals recommend
Carol Lee Donut Shop
1414 N Main StOur local donut shop has been making delicious fresh donuts since 1968!
A local favorite- Quality local roasted coffee shop next to the farmers market
7 locals recommend
Idego Coffee
119 N Main StA local favorite- Quality local roasted coffee shop next to the farmers market
Cafe MeKong Viet-Thai Cuisine
1405 S Main StSimple Viet Thai restaurant with delicious options.
Farm setting brewery and delicious farm to table dishes with open air seating.
https://www.risingsilobrewery.com
30 locals recommend
Rising Silo Brewery
2351 Glade RdFarm setting brewery and delicious farm to table dishes with open air seating.
https://www.risingsilobrewery.com
Local brewery with amazing food choices. Kid friendly environment.
https://easterndivide.com
28 locals recommend
Eastern Divide Brewing Company
3175 Commerce StLocal brewery with amazing food choices. Kid friendly environment.
https://easterndivide.com
Vegetarian restaurant with homey ambience. Popular spot for Saturday and Sunday brunch; also serves tasty lunches and dinners.
http://lep2.blacksburg.net/~gbhome/
40 locals recommend
Gillie's Inc
153 College AveVegetarian restaurant with homey ambience. Popular spot for Saturday and Sunday brunch; also serves tasty lunches and dinners.
http://lep2.blacksburg.net/~gbhome/
An 18 minute drive to our local winery.
https://www.beliveaufarm.com
11 locals recommend
Beliveau Estate Winery
3899 Eakin Farm RdAn 18 minute drive to our local winery.
https://www.beliveaufarm.com
Brewery in house, they have amazing smoked wings and great chili. Located at First & Main shopping center, nice ambience with choice of out door seating
27 locals recommend
Bull & Bones Brewhaus
1470 S Main StBrewery in house, they have amazing smoked wings and great chili. Located at First & Main shopping center, nice ambience with choice of out door seating
Sightseeing
Tangent offers kayak trips on the New River, Eggleston to Pembroke section is our favorite. Pack a picnic and enjoy the easy paddle and beautiful surrounding.
http://www.tangentoutfitters.com
19 locals recommend
Tangent Outfitters
1710 New River DrTangent offers kayak trips on the New River, Eggleston to Pembroke section is our favorite. Pack a picnic and enjoy the easy paddle and beautiful surrounding.
http://www.tangentoutfitters.com
New to the area, well reviewed, 1 hour drive from the house. Check for online promotions.
https://www.buffalomountainziplines.com
36 locals recommend
Buffalo Mountain Ziplines
3253 Black Ridge Rd SWNew to the area, well reviewed, 1 hour drive from the house. Check for online promotions.
https://www.buffalomountainziplines.com
Groceries
organic & bulk store. Great cheese & herbal remedy selections.
Eats Natural Foods
708 N Main StTraveler advice
Don't miss
Transamerica Bike Trail
We are 2 minutes ride from the Trans America Bike Trail!
Take a left our the driveway and in about 2 min, you will come to a junction. The left is is Catawba Valley, the right is Ellet Valley, both part of the bike trail and scenic. We usually bike Cawtaba since it has less cars.
https://www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/CatawbaRoadAVirginiaByway/#:~:text=A%20portion%20of%20the%20Catawba%20Road%20is%20designated,Road%20is%20also%20part%20of%20the%20TransAmerica%20Bikeway.
https://www.visitroanokeva.com/biking/road-biking-cycling/transamerica-bicycle-trail/