Giles County VA

Roots Recommendations:

Appalachian Trail

Giles County is home to over 60 miles of Appalachian Trail. You don’t need to be a thru hiker to enjoy some miles on the AT in Giles. Favorite spots include Dismal Falls and Angels Rest. Treat yourself to a night at Woods Hole hostel if you’re after an overnight experience!

New River Water Trail

The New River flows 37 miles through Giles and offers ample opportunities for swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, camping, boating and enjoying majestic river views. Check out Tangent Outfitters in Pembroke for Boat Rentals and tours.

Palisades Restaurant

Located in the tiny hamlet of Eggleston, the Palisades is named for the beautiful cliffs nearby on the New River. It is a converted former General Store, and now features gourmet, award-winning food and drink, live music, and even an artisan gift shop!

Cascades Recreation Area

The Cascades is a scenic 4-mile round trip hike along Little Stony Creek in Pembroke that features a 65-foot waterfall. It is beautiful all year round. Adventurers can catch frozen falls in the deep winter or enjoy an icy cold dip at bottom of the falls in the hot summer.

Mountain Lake

Mountain Lake is one of Virginia’s two natural lakes, though it has experienced historic low levels or no water at all for the past 2 decades (owing to its unique geology!) This place is still worth a visit for so many reasons, though. It features Mountain Lake Lodge, a beautiful resort (where Dirty Dancing was filmed!) with dining and lodging facilities, a retreat and event center, swimming pools, ice skating, ropes courses, and so many other recreational and adventure opportunities. There are also extensive hiking trails with views worth the trek.

Mill Creek Trails

If you are game for some beautiful hiking, fishing, biking, and camping in Jefferson National Forest head to the Town of Narrows and visit Mill Creek recreation area. Waterfalls abound in this beautiful nature reserve.

Doe Creek Farm

Doe Creek Farm is a working farm and apple orchard in Pembroke. In the Fall they have a you-pick orchard and also sell fresh-pressed Apple Cider! A great way to enjoy the Fall foliage.

Additional Links:

• virginiasmtnplayground.com
• newrivervalleyva.org/our-region/giles-county-va/
• visitnrv.com/communities/giles