The New River Trail had been on my “must-do” list during my stay in Virginia. Stretching for over 57 miles along an old railroad line, it’s one of the state’s most popular trails, especially for cyclists. Since I didn’t have a bike with me, I opted to hike a section of it—Store Hill Road to Fort Chiswell Road—partly because it offered a convenient large parking area at the trailhead.
Parking was $7, payable by cash or through an app. I came prepared with cash, dropped my envelope in the pay slot, and set off down the trail. Like much of the New River Trail, this stretch is wide, flat, and easygoing, making it perfect for both casual walkers and long-distance hikers. Elevation gain is minimal, so you can cover a lot of ground without much strain.
Although the trail runs right alongside the New River, the thick summer foliage blocked most of the views. Still, the constant sound of rushing water was soothing, and every so often I caught glimpses of the river through clearings in the trees. The hike itself was peaceful—I passed only a handful of people on a Saturday morning—and the most memorable wildlife I saw were a few bright butterflies drifting across the path.
One highlight was walking through an old railroad tunnel, dark and cool, with a pitch-black stretch in the middle that felt like a small adventure. I snapped a couple of photos where the trees opened up enough to reveal the river, then around the five-mile mark I stopped for a muffin break before turning back. The return walk felt lighter, with a few more people out on the trail by late morning, but it still held that same sense of calm.
Overall, this section of the New River Trail is easy, quiet, and peaceful—perfect if you want a long, flat walk with the steady backdrop of the river. Next time, I’d love to bring a bike and see how far I could go.
Another hike I made sure to check out was Stiles Falls, a short but rewarding trail located on the grounds of Camp Alta Mons, a United Methodist Church camp near Shawsville, Virginia. The trail is open to the public year-round for a $5 access fee, which helps maintain the property.
The hike itself is about 3.5 miles round trip with under 300 feet of elevation gain—easy enough for beginners or anyone looking for a quick outing. The path is well-marked and well-maintained, making it hard to get lost. Most of the hike winds through shaded forest, which is especially nice on a warm day. The only stretch without much cover is at the very beginning as you leave the parking lot.
One of the highlights is walking alongside a lively creek for a good portion of the hike. There are a few wooden footbridges to cross, which add to the charm. The trail stays fairly flat until the last stretch, where a short but steady climb brings you up to the falls.
The waterfall itself—Stiles Falls—is about 40 feet high. It’s not the most dramatic waterfall in Virginia, but for such a short hike, it feels like an easy and satisfying reward. The pool at the base of the falls is shallow and rocky, a nice spot to pause, cool off, and enjoy the sound of the water before heading back.
All in all, Stiles Falls makes for a pleasant half-day hike. It’s family-friendly, close to Roanoke and Blacksburg, and perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful walk in the woods with a pretty waterfall as your payoff.
Speaking of Blacksburg—I really enjoyed this town. Best known as the home of Virginia Tech, it has that classic college-town energy: walkable streets, lots of restaurants and cafés, and a lively atmosphere. At the same time, it’s surrounded by mountains and farmland, which gives it a laid-back, outdoorsy feel. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a morning hiking and an afternoon sipping coffee or wine downtown.
Another Blacksburg loop I liked: Poverty Creek, Jacob's Ladder, Snakeroot, and May Apple Trail Loop. Go counterclockwise to front-load the steep Jacob’s Ladder climb; after that it’s mellow grade and smooth cruising on Snakeroot and May Apple back to Poverty Creek. I saw only a few bikers and no wildlife—probably the bear bell doing its job—though it’s a busy multi-use network, so yield to bikes and horses, and wear bright colors in hunting season. Expect a couple shallow creek crossings and some roots/rocks after rain; the route is well signed, shaded, and feels “easy” once the first punch is over.
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| Interesting mushrooms along the trail |
I ended up in Blacksburg for a few different reasons—including the less glamorous task of patching yet another hole in my tire (not my year for tires!). But with some extra time, I was glad to explore a bit.
For lunch, I stopped at Kuma Moon, an Asian-fusion spot right in the heart of town. Their menu has a mix of Japanese and Korean-inspired dishes, and I tried the Vegetarian Miso—hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly filling. I couldn’t resist adding a side of mochi ice cream, which was the perfect light and sweet finish. The atmosphere was casual and friendly, making it a great spot for either a quick bite or a relaxed sit-down meal.
Later, I headed to the Blacksburg Wine Lab, a cozy wine bar and tasting room that feels both modern and welcoming. They offer rotating flights, so you can sample wines from Virginia and beyond. I found the selection to be excellent—high-quality and thoughtfully curated—though definitely on the pricier side. The space itself is warm and stylish, with knowledgeable staff who are happy to walk you through the tasting. It’s a great spot to linger, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing evening out.
Blacksburg may be small, but between its vibrant food scene, Virginia Tech culture, and easy access to nature, it’s a town with a lot of character. I left thinking it’s the kind of place I could happily come back to—preferably without another flat tire.
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