Hikes
General Hike Information
We will be offering multiple hike options on Wednesday, June 3rd at varying degrees of difficulty. Hikes will be selected during registration. Please note that once your hike is assigned, you will NOT be able to change hikes. Note that capacity will be limited for all hikes, so hike options will become unavailable as individual capacities are met. Buses will be provided for transportation to and from the hike locations. We will depart after the morning session on Wednesday (~11:30 AM) and return before the evening lawn party (6:00 PM).
Hike Options
Cascades Falls Trail - Capacity of 86 (30 min. drive from Virginia Tech, 4.0 mi round-trip trail, 718 ft elevation gain) in Pembroke, VA follows a scenic, rocky path along Little Stony Creek, crossing footbridges and passing numerous small waterfalls and swimming holes along the way. The main attraction is Cascades Waterfall — a 69-ft waterfall. There are two main routes to the falls: the Lower Trail, which hugs the creek and offers close-up views of the water, and the Upper Trail, which provides a smoother, higher path through the forest — perfect for the return hike. The entire loop takes about 2–3 hours at a leisurely pace. Hike is at capacity, no additional slots are available.
McAfee’s Knob - Capacity of 52 (40 min drive from Virginia Tech, 7.9 mi round-trip hike, 1,807 ft elevation gain) in Catawba, Virginia is one of the most iconic outdoor experiences on the Appalachian Trail. The moderately challenging trail ends with panoramic, 270-degree views from the famous rocky ledge that juts dramatically over the Catawba Valley—one of the most photographed spots on the entire Appalachian Trail. The out and back trail takes approximately 4-5 hours at a steady pace. Note that this hike will have the most limited capacity and those that choose this hike may arrive late to the informal conference Lawn Party on the evening of the hike. Hike is at capacity, no additional slots are available.
Pandapas Pond Day Use Area - Capacity of 75 (10 min drive from Virginia Tech, extensive trail network with over 24 miles of trails to choose from) in Blacksburg, VA offers a network of trails to choose from including a 1 mi loop around stream fed pond, and a boardwalk through the wetlands. Great opportunities for birding and spotting other wildlife. There are also numerous picnic areas to stop and take a break or have lunch.
Mountain Lake - Capacity of 200 (30 min drive from Virginia Tech, trail network with a range of loop and out-and-back options) in Pembroke, VA offers a range of hiking options as well as an outdoor bar and restaurant at the lodge where the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed (with self-guided and guided tours of key movie scene sites available). The Bald Knob loop (1.6 mi) offers stunning panoramic views of the mountains which can be extended to Bear Cliffs (3.5 mi) with an out and back. Other options include a hike through the now dry lake bed of Mountain Lake.
Self Guided Campus Hike - No capacity limit. Virginia Tech is nestled between the scenic Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains and offers a range of options to explore including the campus farm, a series of ponds that offer great wildlife opportunities (even the occasional otter), and an arboretum. Pre-planned routes will be provided this spring to explore on your own or in a coordinated group.
No Hike / Self-Organized Activities (e.g., floating the New River, mountain biking, etc.) - No capacity limit.
Blacksburg has many exciting outdoor activities if you wish to enjoy the region but prefer to design your own adventure. Note that many of these will require that you have your own transportation. A few examples include:
About 20 minutes from campus, you can spend the afternoon floating on inner tubes on one of the oldest rivers in the world. This relaxing float ends in an optional run of McCoy Falls (Class II rapids), for those seeking a little adrenaline jolt. The same location has kayaking, canoeing, and paddle board opportunities.
- New River Junction
(20 min from VT campus)
Spend the afternoon floating on inner tubes on one of the oldest rivers in the world. This relaxing float ends in an optional run of McCoy Falls (Class II rapids), for those seeking a little adrenaline jolt. New River Junction provides everything you need from tube rentals, parking, restrooms, and a free shuttle that returns you to the starting point for unlimited tubing fun. The area is also good for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking–if you bring your own gear you can pay modest parking and shuttle fees at the Junction.
Blacksburg is known for its world class mountain biking trails. See below for multiple options.
- Mountain Biking
(various trails 40 min - 1 hr from VT campus)
Discover the incredible trails and riding opportunities around Roanoke in Virginia's Blue Ridge and experience what makes it America's East Coast Mountain Biking Capital! The region features over 400 miles of trails for mountain biking, ranging from easy downhill rides to challenging cross country treks. Virginia's Blue Ridge is also a designated Silver-Level Ride Center™ by the International Mountain Bicycling Association and home to Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28 Team!
- Pandapas Pond Day Use Area Biking
(9 min from the VT campus)
Explore 17 miles of scenic trails in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest near Blacksburg and Virginia Tech at the Poverty Creek Trail System. This renowned network offers mountain biking opportunities through hardwood and rhododendron forests, particularly stunning during the blooming season. The primary trail, Poverty Creek Trail, spans over 7 miles and connects to various spurs, providing intermediate and expert riders with thrilling descents on both sides of Brush Mountain.
- New River Trail
(45 min from the VT campus)
New River Trail State Park is a 57-mile linear park in southwestern Virginia, spanning 4 counties and running largely parallel to the New River on a former railroad line. Renowned for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, this crushed-stone trail features historic tunnels, bridges, and scenic forest views from Pulaski to Galax.
- Huckleberry Trail
(on the VT campus)
The Huckleberry Trail is a multipurpose trail that measures almost 15 miles in length in Montgomery County, Virginia, connecting the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg.
Whether you prefer to chase smallmouth bass on the New River or trout in smaller streams nearby, Blacksburg offers many angling options within 30 mins of campus. See below for a few options.
Guided Trips and Outfitters
- Tangent Outfitters
(18 min from VT campus)
Tangent Outfitters is a full-service outdoor recreation provider. It offers guided fishing trips as well as canoe, kayak, and rafting rentals, along with shuttle services for river and trail trips.
- New River Outdoor Co
(30 min from VT campus)
Specializes in trophy Smallmouth and Muskie trips across 100+ miles of the river.
- New River Fly Fishing
(40 min from VT campus)
Offers professional float and wade trips for all skill levels.
Popular Public Boat Ramps
These sites are ideal for launching motorboats, canoes, or kayaks and include parking for trailers.
Whitethorne Boat Ramp
(16 min from VT campus)
Perhaps the most popular access point, known for its large parking lot and proximity to prime Smallmouth Bass and Muskie waters.Eggleston
(21 min from VT campus)
A newer concrete ramp providing access to a scenic stretch of river with towering cliffs and deep pools favored by trophy Muskie.- Bisset Park / Dudley's Landing
(25 min from VT campus)
Wade fishing is extremely popular off the banks of Bisset Park near the Route 11 bridge that spans high above the New River. Whether its small mouth bass or giant muskie, the fish are almost always biting. In fact, Radford’s stretch of the New River has been the site of many state-record breaking catches in recent years.
The group hikes organized by the conference only scratch the surface of tremendous trekking opportunities around Blacksburg. If you wish to design your own hike to locations such as Dragons Tooth on the Appalachian Trail or Mill Creek Nature Park—there is no shortage of great options. See below for a selection of popular hikes.
- Dragons Tooth
(35 min from VT campus)
Dragon Tooth's Trail is a challenging but extremely fun route that includes a scramble to the top at the end. While shorter at 4.6 miles out-and-back, the last 0.7–1 mile is a steep, intense, and often slow-going rock scramble. This hike will have you climbing slowly towards Cove Mountain and being rewarded with some amazing views of the surrounding areas.
- Tinker Cliffs
(45 min from VT campus)
Following the Andy Layne Trail off Catawba Road, this 7.7-mile out-and-back hike will test your strength as the trail features nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Once you reach Tinker Cliffs, which are made from limestone that's over 250 million years old, stand in awe of the Blue Ridge Mountains to your south, which includes Catawba Mountain and McAfee Knob. From an elevation of 3,000 feet, it's an amazing view.
- Rice Fields
(30 min from VT campus)
The Rice Fields is a short but rewarding trail that leads to a wide, open meadow on a bluff overlooking the New River. This 5 mile out-and-back hike has a moderate uphill climb at the start, followed by easier walking. At the top, you’re greeted with sweeping views of the river, surrounding mountains, and grassy “fields” that resemble rice paddies (though no rice is grown there). It’s especially popular for sunset, wildflowers, and picnicking thanks to the open space and scenic overlook.
- Buffalo Mountain
(1 hr from VT campus)
Buffalo Mountain is one of the most significant natural areas in Virginia, supporting an amazing 15 rare plant occurrences, three rare animals and nine significant natural communities. The combination of high-elevation, wind-exposed rocky openings at the summit, and magnesium rich soils make it unlike any place else in the Commonwealth. A short 2-mile out-and-back hike leads to the rocky summit with sweeping views. After your hike, be sure to stop by the iconic Floyd County Store to enjoy local music, food, and the charm of downtown Floyd.
- Mill Creek Nature Park
(35 min from VT campus)
Within the mountains of Narrows, this nature park spans 145-acres of beautiful landscape. There are short trails leading to scenic falls and visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and fishing for native trout in a pristine mountain stream.