Hikes and rivers near Wilderness Adventure: Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob and more
Our favorite trails, waterfalls and paddling spots near New Castle, Virginia, from an easy wetlands loop to the Appalachian Trail's best-known views.
Wilderness Adventure sits on 500 acres beside Craig Creek in Craig County, Virginia, with the Jefferson National Forest on its doorstep. That makes it a good base for exploring some of the best hiking in southwest Virginia. Here are our favorite trails and rivers, starting at the property and working outward.
Drive times are rough estimates from our address at 11176 Peaceful Valley Road, New Castle. Trail lengths and conditions change, so check the official pages linked below before you set out.
On the property: trails, the pond and Craig Creek
You don't have to drive anywhere to get outside. Guests staying in our lodges, cabins and campsites have more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails on the property, plus the pond and the lawn games. In summer, tubing down Craig Creek is one of the most popular things to do here, and you can rent tubes, boats and bikes on our activities and rentals page.
Fenwick Mines: an easy loop a few miles away
Just a few miles up Peaceful Valley Road (about 10 to 15 minutes by car), Fenwick Mines is a Forest Service day-use area on the site of a 19th-century iron mine. The Wetlands Trail is an easy loop of about a mile through hardwood forest, past beaver ponds and marsh, and much of it is wheelchair accessible. You can still see old mining pits and foundations, and a short walk takes you to a small waterfall. There's a pavilion, picnic tables and a fishing pond, which makes it a good outing with younger kids.
Dragon's Tooth: a rocky scramble on the Appalachian Trail
About half an hour south near Catawba, Dragon's Tooth is one of the most popular hikes in the Roanoke area. The out-and-back hike is roughly 4.5 miles with around 1,300 to 1,450 feet of climbing. The last stretch is a steep, rocky scramble up to a tall stone spire with views across the valleys. Wear proper shoes and allow three to four hours.
The trailhead lot is just off Route 311 and fills up on nice weekends. Parking along Route 311 itself isn't allowed, so go early or on a weekday.
McAfee Knob: the classic view
McAfee Knob is one of the best-known viewpoints on the whole Appalachian Trail. Its rock ledge juts out over the Catawba Valley, and it's about half an hour from us. From the parking lot at the top of Catawba Mountain on Route 311, it's roughly 8 miles round trip with about 1,700 feet of climbing, so plan on most of a day. Together with Dragon's Tooth and Tinker Cliffs it makes up "Virginia's Triple Crown." Again, there's no roadside parking, so check Roanoke County's page for current parking and shuttle information before you go.
North Mountain Trail: a long ridge walk
North Mountain Trail (Forest Trail 263) follows the ridge of North Mountain through the Jefferson National Forest for roughly 13 miles, with rocky outcrops and long views along the way. Most people hike a section of it rather than the whole thing, or treat it as an overnight backpacking trip. It's a good choice if you want quieter trails than the busy Triple Crown hikes.
The Cascades: a 66-foot waterfall
For a waterfall day, head to the Cascades National Recreation Trail near Pembroke, about an hour and a quarter west of us. The hike to the 66-foot falls is about 4 miles round trip and follows Little Stony Creek most of the way. The pool at the bottom is a favorite spot on a hot day. The Forest Service charges a small parking fee.
Paddling Craig Creek
Craig Creek flows past New Castle and on through Craig and Botetourt counties to join the James River near Eagle Rock. It's mostly gentle Class I–II water. It runs best in spring and fall, or after good rain; in a dry summer some stretches get too shallow to paddle. Check the water level before you go, and if you're new to moving water, start with a guided trip or a calm section.
Before you go
- Check for closures. Forest Service trails and parking areas sometimes close for work or storm damage.
- Watch for ticks and poison ivy. Long sleeves, long pants and bug spray help in summer.
- Leave No Trace. Pack out everything you bring in, stay on the trail, and leave rocks and plants where they are.
- Carry water and a map. Cell service is patchy in the mountains, so don't rely on your phone.
