forest

A large portion of the county, 63,352 of 228,480 acres, is part of the Jefferson National Forest, where you can experience nature first-hand while camping, mountain biking, horseback riding or hunting. Lots of hiking options of varying skill levels are available throughout the county. Giles County is also home to 57 miles of the Maine to Georgia Appalachian Trail. A camera is a must, whether you hike part of the Appalachian Trail or one of the many other available trails, as you will discover wide vistas, gentle streams, waterfalls and a wide variety of flora, fauna and fowl.

The forest is mainly Appalachian mixed hardwoods interspersed with conifers.Wildflowers and autumn leaves create a profusion of color in spring and fall. Camping and picnicking are permitted forest-wide unless otherwise indicated. The Jefferson offers 950 miles of hiking and riding trails, including 300 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the 68-mile Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, designed for horseback riders and wagon trains.

Elevations in the 690,000-acre forest range from 600 feet on the James River in the northeast corner of the forest to 5,729 feet atop Mount Rogers, the state's highest point.

Hikers and horseback riders enjoy the Pine Mountain high country adjacent to Mount Rogers. It offers 5,000 acres of open grassy meadows, huge rock outcrops and fields of rhododendron and blueberries, all closed to motor vehicles.

White Rocks Recreation Area
This is a remote wooded campground with excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. It also features "the Virginia's Walk" a 1 1/2 mile loop that begins and ends in the campground. It contains 49 camping units each with lantern post, fireplace, tent pad, picnic table and parking spur. The site also has central water fountains, garbage containers, trailer waste disposal station, flush toilets.

White Pine Horse Camp
A small, primitive camping area designed to accommodate horses and their riders. A stand of white pine shades the area. There are numerous marked horse trails (orange blaze) inn the vicinity of the camp to explore. Directly adjacent to White Pines is Dismal Creek, a stocked trout stream. The falls of Dismal is located just off of Rt. 201.

War Spur and Chestnut Trails
These two trails form a short loop through a portion of the Mountain Lake Wilderness to War Spur Overlook. The overlook has an outstanding view of the valleys below. From the overlook, the War Spur Trail returns through a virgin hemlock, fir, and spruce stand.

Birding Trail

Peters Mountain Wilderness
The 3,328-acre Peters Mountain Wilderness lies on the east slope of Peters Mountain, with elevations ranging from 3000 feet on Stoney Creek to 3956 feet on the crest of Peters Mountain. Vegetation on the high slopes is primarily upland oak with yellow-poplar, red oak and hickory found in the coves. Special features include a high, mountain bog and numerous sandstone outcroppings on the crest of Peters Mountain, which afford rewarding views of the surrounding countryside. The Appalachian Trail traverses the area through Pine Swamp Branch and follows Peters Mountain along the wilderness boundary. Several other trails provide access into the area.

Angels Rest Trail
The Appalachian Trail ascends the northern end of Pearis Mountain. At the top, the Angels Rest Trail (a blue-blazed trail) leads 50 yards to view rock, with views of the New River Valley, Pearisburg, and Peters Mountain on the left; Butt Mountain at the center right; and Bald Knob at the extreme right. The trail passes through many thickets of rhododendron and azalea on top of the mountain. Follow the trail around the edge of Pearis Mountain to a rock ledge overlooking Wilburn Valley and the mountains to the east.

Cascades National Recreation Trail
For hiking and picnicking access follow VA 460 to Pembroke. Turn right onto VA 623. Follow 4 miles to the Cascades parking lot. Total travel distance: 19.5 miles.

Cascades Recreation Area is located in the Little Stony Creek Valley. The central picnic area is in the lower section of the valley. It is predominantly grassy and shaded by apple and pear trees as well as native buckeyes, boxelders, and walnut trees. The creek runs adjacent to the picnic area. Little Stony Creek is a native trout stream (single barbed hook/artificial lures only). The Cascades National Recreation Trail ascends the gorge for two miles to the picturesque 66-foot Cascades Waterfall. It is a four-mile round trip.

Ribble Trail
Beginning at the upper trail head, follow the blue blazes past cabin. The trail begins in upland hardwoods; a small stream is on the left. The trail crosses through several white pine groves and rhododendron thickets. This area is noted for its wide variety of mushrooms in spring and fall. The trail ends at a red gate on VA 201. This trail can form a loop with the AT, returning you to your vehicle.

Rice Fields
The Appalachian Trail ascends Peters Mountain and follows the ridge line. The crest of the Peters Mountain ridge is the West Virginia-Virginia state line. The ascent to the ridge is steep and rocky. Once on the ridge the trail crosses many saddles and peaks featuring sweeping westward views. The Rice Fields are extensive open pastures with rock outcroppings and are located on the southern end of Peters Mountain.