Blacksburg

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Land of the Hokies

A June 1995 trip to Blacksburg by senowitc

Blacksburg, Va is perhaps best know as the location of Virginia Tech, a major technological University. However, Blacksburg is an excellent vacation choice, especially if you are interested in outdoor activiities. Its proximity to the Appalachian Trail and the New River provides many recreational activities.

  • 5 reviews

Land of the HokiesBest of IgoUgo

Overview

The Cascades Recreational Area was one of the most memorable sights near Blacksburg. The waterfall located at the end of the trail is truly impressive.

Quick Tips:

If you like to see the leaves change in the Fall, this is an excellent location to do so.

Best Way To Get Around:

A rental car is definitely the preferred mode of transportation.

Mountain Lake HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Best known as one of the locations used in the movie "Dirty Dancing", this hotel is nestled in the mountains in front of a small lake. It is rather isolated and really gives you the feeling of being away from it all. It is perhaps a little expensive but you get what you pay for. Boat rentals are available on the lake.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by senowitc on December 17, 2000

Mountain Lake Hotel
115 Hotel Circle Blacksburg, Virginia
(540) 626-7121

Cascades Recreation AreaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This hike consists of an easy two mile walk through a heavily forested area which leads to a very impressive 68 ft. waterfall. For the daring, there is also a very narrow ledge which can be traversed to get behind the waterfall. Looking out from behind the waterfall with the water rushing in front of you is an amazing sensation. It is possible to swim in the pool which the waterfall empties into but the water is usually extremely cold. Picnic and Restroom facilities are located at the trailhead
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by senowitc on December 17, 2000

Cascades Recreation Area
Route 623 Blacksburg, Virginia

Dragon's ToothBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

A rather strenuous 1700 ft. gain in altitude in a little over 2 miles, this hike rewards your efforts with excellent views from the top of the neighboring mountains and valleys. The fact that there is very little civilization viewable from the top impressed me. A good portion of the hike is on the Appalachian Trail. The hike is named for the craggy outcrop at its end which really does look like an oversized dragon's tooth. The altitude at the top is a little over 3000 ft.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by senowitc on December 17, 2000

Dragon's Tooth
Route 624 Blacksburg, Virginia

New & Gauley River AdventuresBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "New & Gauley River Adventures"

The New River is widely regarded as containing some of the best white water rapids in the Unites States. The scenery in the New River Gorge is also quite spectacular, especialy the New River Gorge Bridge. The river contains many class III-V rapids. However, there are large calm areas between the rapids which give you an opportunity to take it easy. I took New & Gauly River Adventures "New River Express" package which lasts 2-3 hours. It is shorter and cheaper than some of their other packages but it still hits most of the good rapids. I found the river guides to be very professional and they were definitely concerned with my safety. They also give you the opportunity to swim through some of the rapids.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by senowitc on December 17, 2000

New & Gauley River Adventures
PO Box 44 Blacksburg, Virginia

About the Writer

senowitc
senowitc
Essex Junction, Vermont
  • "I have travelled extensively throughout North America. I have also visited England, Belgium, Hollan..."
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