HIGHLIGHTS

• 60 +/- deeded acres by survey
• Cascade Way features a great room, 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, kitchen, utility room,
• Just 10 minutes to the New River
• 30 minutes to Blacksburg, Virginia
• All mineral rights in title will convey
• Drilled well produces approximately 13 gallons of very good water per minute
• A dashed blueline stream flows through the property
• A small fresh water pond creates a fascinating habitat for plants and animals
• Over 5 acres in fields/pasture
• 53+/- acres in mature forestland – some trees thought to be 150+ years old
• A large gazebo is perfect for outdoor gatherings with friends and family
• A sitting deck overlooking the pond is great for cookouts or watching wildlife
• Detached one-car garage or storage building
• There is a rich and diverse resident wildlife population
• Patches of forest intertwine with the fields creating an exciting recreational property
• Field and forest roads wind through the property providing superior access
• A rewarding permaculture lifestyle can be easily developed
• Excellent access provided by state maintained roads and a private driveway
• Cell phone coverage is very good
• Darkest of skies with little light pollution for star-planet gazing & astrophotography
• Sedges, rushes, ferns, songbirds, frogs, turtles, & crawdads populate the pond
• Timber species include beautiful oaks, black walnut, poplar, maple and hickories
• Fur bearing – deer, black bear, squirrel, rabbit, bobcat, raccoon, fox and chipmunk
• Winged wildlife – eagles, hawks, owls, ravens, turkeys and Neotropical songbirds
• Field grasses and forest trees produce life-giving oxygen and soak up carbon dioxide
• Spectacular long-range views
• Perfect for recreational activities including shooting sports, ATV riding, horseback riding, hiking, camping, hunting and nature viewing
• Elevations run from 2241 ft. to 2510 ft. +/-
• Low taxes, low population density, low stress living

THE HOME AT CASCADE WAY

CABIN HIGHLIGHTS

• Stick built in 2001 – meticulously maintained – presents as new
• 36 x 24 900 sf+-
• Lots of windows create a bright and airy experience
• Two bedrooms, kitchen, full bath, great room, utility room
• Covered front porch, side deck, gazebo, and a gathering porch
• Exterior: Cedar siding restained in 2025
• Roof: new in 2025 – 30-year architectural shingles
• Foundation: Block
• Heating & Air Conditioning: Heat pump
• Windows: Insulated vinyl
• Ashley heating stove can burn wood or coal – easily heats entire cabin
• Solid oak flooring throughout with tile in bathroom, foyer, and heating stove hearth
• Kitchen: KraftMaid™ cabinetry, granite countertops, double stainless-steel sink
• 52-gallon hot water tank – new in 2002
• Covered front porch (cabin’s best room?) is accessed by double storm doors
• Block chimney lined with 8” x 13” tile
• New gutters installed in 2018
• Parking area: concrete slab six inches thick
• Well – 650’ deep, produces 13+- gallons per minute – good water
• Septic – 1000-gallon concrete tank with 4 drain lines
• Detached one-car garage – new shingles and restained in 2025
• Gazebo – new shingles and restained in 2025

Room Dimensions (estimated)
Great Room – 10’ x 19’ + 11’ x 11’ (L-shaped)
Bedroom 1 – 10’ x 13’
Kitchen – 7′ x 11′
Bedroom 2 – 9’ x 13’
Bathroom – 7’ x 10’
Utility Room – 4’ x 11’

Other Dimensions (estimated)
Front porch: 6.5’ x 22’
Side porch: 10’ x 14’
Crawlspace: Interior height: Four feet with vapor barrier
Gazebo: 13’ x 15’
Sitting deck by pond: 8’ x 8’
Detached one car garage or storage building: 15’ x 20’

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 37.350832°(N), -80.625809°(W)
Address: Big Branch Hollow Road, Pembroke, VA 24136
Elevation Range: 2241 ft. to 2510 ft. +/-

DIRECTIONS

From Pembroke, Virginia: 2.9 miles +/- (10 minutes +/-)

From the Pembroke Post Office location, travel US 460 West for 500 feet; turn right onto Cascade Drive; travel 1.4 miles; turn left onto Big Branch Hollow Road (SR 753); travel 1 mile; turn right; travel the private gravel road 4/10 mile to the property.

Drive Times (approximate)

Highway and Local Towns
US 460: 10 minutes
Blacksburg: 30 minutes
Pearisburg: 15 minutes
Rich Creek: 25 minutes
Wytheville: 1 hour
Roanoke: 1 hour
Charlottesville: 3 hours
Union, WV: 1 hour
White Sulphur Springs, WV: 90 minutes

Airports
Roanoke – Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport: 1 hour
Lewisburg – Greenbrier Valley Airport: 90 minutes

Medical
Pearisburg; Carilion Giles Community Hospital: 10 min.
Blacksburg; Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery: 27 min.

Radford; Carilion Clinic Saint Albans Hospital: 41 min.

Christiansburg; Carilion New River Valley Medial Center: 45 min.
Charlottesville; UVA Health University Medical Center: 3 hours
Roanoke; Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital: 1 hour

Recreation
Golf – Castle Rock Golf & Recreation, Pembroke: 10 minutes
Lake – Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin: 30 minutes
Lake – Mountain Lake, Pembroke: 10 minutes
Lake – Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Roanoke: 2 hours
Resort – The Greenbrier: 90 minutes
Trail, Hiking – Bald Knob Trail, Pembroke: 20 minutes
Trail, Hiking – Cascades National Recreation Trailhead, Pembroke: 10 minutes
Trail, Hiking – There are other well-known hiking trails in the surrounding area

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

The forest’s well-drained upland terrain has led to a resource dominated by hardwood species. Overall, the species composition is highly desirable and favors Appalachian hardwood types, consisting primarily of Black Walnut, Sugar Maple, Poplar/Basswood, Red Oak Group, White Oak/Chestnut Oak, Soft Maple, Hickory, and a host of associated species (sourwood, black gum, beech).

The predominant timber stand contains 20-140-year-old trees ranging in size of 10”-48” dbh.  A few “Heritage Trees” are scattered throughout the forest and old field edges. These ancient trees have withstood the test of time, weathering ice, wind, lightning strikes and fire.

The forest is healthy and there are no signs of pest infestations of Gypsy Moth .  There have been no forest fires in recent memory.

The forest floor is home to several types of mushrooms, medicinal plants, wild ginseng, ferns and cool green mosses.

Crops of black walnuts, acorns, beechnuts and hickory nuts are produced.  Honeybees do well here, and it could be possible to produce maple syrup from the sugar and red maple trees growing on the property.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

• 5 acres of nicely laying fields offer unlimited uses
• There is an orchard surrounded by a chain link fence. There are additional fruit trees scattered around the property.
• Potential honey production is also a well-established industry in the area
• Potential to produce Maple Syrup from the forest’s maple trees
• Black walnuts, beechnuts, and hickory nuts could be gathered

WILDLIFE

Years of progressive wildlife management practices have created the ideal wildlife preserve. Early on, management goals promoted overall wildlife health, facilitated the harvest of game, developed wildlife viewing areas, increased carrying capacity, and increased species diversity.

The stream and pond on the property and the near proximity of the New River are major contributors to the local ecosystem’s richness and diversity for both plants and animals. The pond and the surrounding aquatic plant life create a water supported community with a wide variety of wildlife. Some of the margins of the pond support the aquatic food web, provide shelter for wildlife, and stabilize the shore of the pond. The plant life associated with the margins include rushes, sedges, cattails, duckweed and algae.

There is the insect and microscopic world including butterflies, dragonflies, pond skaters, water beetles, damselflies, tadpoles and various insect larvae.

The diverse tree species provide exceptional wildlife habitat. The miles of “edge effect” created between farm fields, hollows, ridges, and rock outcrops, benefit all the resident wildlife. Bald eagles, white tail deer, black bear, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit, bobcat, raccoon, fox and many species of songbirds, owls and raptors make up the wider area’s resident wildlife population.

The hardwood forest provides the essential nutrient source and produces tons of hard mast including acorns, hickory nuts, beech nuts and black walnuts. Soft mast includes stag horn sumac, black cherry, tulip poplar seeds, maple seeds, autumn olive berries and blackberries.

WATER

A dashed blueline stream flows through the property for about ¼ mile. This intermittent stream should have regular water flow, especially during rain events and snow melt. There is also a small pond near the home.

MINERAL RESOURCES

All rights the owner has title will convey with the property.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

The property was surveyed in March 1998, and a plat was prepared from that survey. The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

UTILITIES

Water:  Drilled well
Sewer:  Private septic
Electricity: On site – buried
Telephone:  Unknown
Internet:  Satellite providers such as Starlink
Cellphone Coverage: Excellent

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property has two separate 30-feet-wide access easements as shown on the survey plat. The primary access is from the western Big Branch Road side while the other access easement enters the property from the eastern side.

ZONING

Giles County is subject to some zoning and subdivision regulations. All prospective buyers should consult the County Commission and also the Health Department for details regarding zoning, building codes and installation of septic systems.

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY

The property is comprised of about 2 acres in home grounds, a field near the home grounds containing about 3 acres, a southern field containing about 3 acres, and about 52 acres of forestland.

(This summary is an estimation of current property use as determined from aerial photography.  It is made subject to the estimation of property boundaries and any errors in the interpretation of land use type from the aerial photography utilized.)

DEED and TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: Will: Will-2013-44, Deed: DB 293 Pg. 195
Giles County, Virginia

Acreage: 60 acres +/-
Real Estate Tax ID & Taxes:
Giles County, Virginia
Eastern District
Tax Map 29 Parcel 9B
2026 Real Estate Taxes: $617.11

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Giles County School District

Public Elementary School:
Eastern Elementary – Middle School (Pembroke)

Public Middle School:
Eastern Elementary – Middle School (Pembroke)

Public High School:
Narrows County High School (Narrows)

Higher Education:
Giles County Technology Center (Pearisburg)

BUTTERFLIES

The property is an exceptional habitat for all butterflies, especially the Monarch. The monarch is highly dependent on the milkweed plant and will always return to areas rich in milkweed to lay their eggs upon the plant. The milkweed they feed on as caterpillars is actually a poisonous toxin and is stored in their bodies. This is what makes the monarch butterfly taste so terrible to predators.

Of course, other butterflies visit the property, including the eastern tiger and spicebush swallowtails, silver-spotted skipper, and a variety of sulphurs and whites.

One other interesting insect to visit the property is the Black Saddlebag Dragonfly, a regular guest of the creek and pond with all the frogs, salamanders, crawdads, and turtles.

RECREATION

The property offers unparalleled recreational opportunities. Numerous soft recreational activities are anchored by the proximity to the New River, Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake, and Mountain Lake.

Nature viewing is first in line of recreational activities. Attentive wildlife management has been geared not to just game animals. Equal consideration has been extended to increasing the numbers and diversity of species including neo-tropical songbirds, butterflies, turtles, frogs, rabbits, chipmunks, dragonflies, owls, and hawks.

Stargazing-Planet Observation
Complete or near darkness can still be found on most of the property, thereby affording the opportunity to view the night sky in all its brilliant wonder.

Water-sports enthusiasts will find the nearby New River ideal for swimming, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and windsurfing.

Shooting-sports devotees find all the land and privacy needed to enjoy:

• Paintball-Airsoft-Laser Tag-Archery tag
• Shotgun sport shooting including Skeet, Trap, Double Trap and Sporting Clays
• Rifle & Handgun shooting: bullseye, silhouette, western, bench rest, long-range, fast draw
• Archery and Crossbow competition shooting
• Plain ole’ plinking: Grandpa’s old 22 single shot rifle and a few tin cans make a fun day

All Terrain Motorsports
The property is perfect for experiencing the property from an ATV or UTV. These exciting machines handle the wide variety of the forest’s terrain.

Dirt bikes can also be a lot of fun and they come in all sizes and horsepower to fit anyone who enjoys the adrenaline rush offered on forest trails.

Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding and Hiking
The land may be used for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding and the area offers several state and national parks geared for these activities.

Hunting is a first-class experience.  White tail deer, black bear, red/gray fox, bobcat, wild turkey, grouse, duck, squirrel, raccoon, fox and rabbit make up the resident wildlife population. It is hard to find a property that has a better mix of wildlife.

SELF-SUSTAINING LIFE OFF THE GRID

Just like two hundred years ago, when the first mountaineers settled the area, the property would be self-sustaining in times of necessity – even without electricity.

• Fresh water for drinking and cooking would come from drilled water wells (hand drawing water from the wells using a cylinder well bucket). There is a wet-weather spring and a water storage system in place.
• The forest would provide fresh food (deer and turkey).
• The agricultural land’s flat to rolling topography would be used to raise livestock of all kinds (chickens, pigs, cows, sheep, goats, rabbits etc.) and could be farmed with horse drawn equipment. The land would support vegetable gardens, berry patches, fruit orchards, and row crops of corn, oats and barley.
• Beehives would provide honey and beeswax for candles.
• The forest would provide firewood for heating and cooking, lumber for building, basket splints, maple syrup and pounds of nuts (walnuts, beechnuts and hickory nuts).

FOREST FARMING

The most common crops are medicinal herbs and mushrooms. Other crops that can be produced include shade-loving native ornamentals, moss, fruit, nuts, other food crops, and decorative materials for crafts. These crops are often referred to as special forest products.

Here are some specific examples of crops in each category that are currently being cultivated:

• Medicinal herbs: Ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh, bloodroot, passionflower, and mayapple
• Mushrooms: Shiitake and oyster mushrooms
• Native ornamentals: Rhododendrons and dogwood
• Moss: Log or sheet moss
• Fruit: Pawpaws, currants, elderberries, and lowbush blueberries
• Nuts: Black walnuts, acorns, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, and beechnuts
• Other food crops: Ramps (wild leeks), maple syrup, and honey
• Plants used for decorative purposes, dyes, and crafts: Galax, princess pine, white oak, pussy willow branches in the spring, holly, bittersweet, and bloodroot and ground pine (Lycopodium)

PERMACULTURE FARMING

The three core tenets of permaculture are:

• Care for the earth: Provision for all life systems to continue and multiply. This is the first principle, because without a healthy earth, humans cannot flourish.
• Care for the people: Provision for people to access those resources necessary for their existence
• Setting limits to population and consumption: By governing our own needs, we can set resources aside to further the above principles. This includes returning waste back into the system to recycle into usefulness. The third ethic is sometimes referred to as Fair Share, which reflects that each of us should take no more than what we need before we reinvest the surplus.

Permaculture design emphasizes patterns of landscape, function, and species assemblies. It determines where these elements should be placed so they can provide maximum benefit to the local environment. Permaculture maximizes useful connections between components and constructive interaction of the final design. The focus of permaculture, therefore, is not on each separate element, but rather on the relationships created among elements by the way they are placed together; the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Permaculture design therefore seeks to minimize waste, human labor, and energy input by building systems, and maximizes benefits between design elements to achieve an elevated level of interaction. Permaculture designs evolve over time by considering these relationships and elements and can evolve into extremely complex systems that produce a high density of food and materials with minimal input.

The design principles, which are the conceptual foundation of permaculture, were derived from the science of systems ecology and study of pre-industrial examples of sustainable land use. Permaculture draws from several disciplines including organic farming, agroforestry, integrated farming, sustainable development, and applied ecology. Permaculture has been applied most commonly to the design of housing and landscaping, integrating techniques such as agroforestry, natural building, and rainwater harvesting within the context of permaculture design principles and theory.

THE SURROUNDING AREA

CASCADE WAY is located near the community of Pembroke in Giles County, Virginia, which is considered a gateway to access points and scenic overlooks.

The New River at Pembroke, Virginia, is one of the most scenic stretches of this ancient Appalachian waterway. Flowing through Giles County, the river winds between forested mountains, dramatic limestone cliffs, and fertile valleys, creating some of Southwest Virginia’s most memorable landscapes. The New River is notable for flowing generally northward and is considered one of the oldest river systems in North America.

Near Pembroke, visitors enjoy:

• Canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding on calm stretches of the river.
• Outstanding fishing for smallmouth bass, muskie, walleye, and catfish.
• Spectacular overlooks featuring river bends framed by the Appalachian Mountains.
• Easy access to nearby attractions such as Cascade Falls and the Jefferson National Forest.

One of the most photographed views is the broad river bend just south of Pembroke, where the New River reflects the surrounding ridges and hardwood forests, especially during spring green-up and fall foliage season.

For visitors seeking river access, New River’s Edge offers riverfront recreation and access on the banks of the New River.

The New River remains one of the defining natural features of the New River Valley and a major draw for outdoor recreation, photography, and tourism throughout Southwest Virginia.

Some of the most popular locations along the New River in Giles County include:

• Pembroke – gateway to river access points and scenic overlooks.
• Pearisburg – dramatic mountain views overlooking the New River Valley.
• New River Water Trail – a network of launches and access points for paddlers and anglers.
• Angel’s Rest – one of the region’s premier overlooks with panoramic views of the river valley.

THE HISTORIC NEW RIVER

One of the region’s defining features is the New River, widely recognized as one of the oldest rivers in North America. Unlike most rivers on the East Coast, the New River flows northward, winding through mountains, limestone cliffs, scenic farmland, and forested valleys before continuing into West Virginia.

The river has shaped the region’s history, economy, and culture for centuries. Early settlers depended on it for transportation and agriculture, while today it serves as a center for recreation and tourism. Communities throughout the valley maintain strong connections to the river through parks, trails, festivals, and heritage programs.

The river is a centerpiece of outdoor recreation in the region, offering exceptional opportunities for kayaking, fishing, tubing, boating, hiking, and photography.

OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The New River Valley is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The region offers opportunities for:

• Kayaking and canoeing on the New River
• Fishing for smallmouth bass, muskellunge, and trout
• Hiking through mountain forests and scenic overlooks
• Cycling along paved and natural-surface trails
• Camping and wildlife viewing
• Boating on nearby lakes and reservoirs

Popular outdoor destinations include the Huckleberry Trail, New River Trail State Park, Claytor Lake State Park, and portions of the Jefferson National Forest. These attractions help make the area a year-round destination for adventure seekers and families alike.

Claytor Lake

Claytor Lake is one of Southwest Virginia’s premier outdoor recreation destinations. Located in Pulaski County near the towns of Dublin and Radford, the lake is a 4,472-acre reservoir on the New River created by the construction of Claytor Dam. The lake stretches approximately 21 miles through the scenic New River Valley and is surrounded by rolling Appalachian foothills.

A major attraction on the lake is Claytor Lake State Park, which offers swimming, boating, fishing, camping, cabins, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a full-service marina. The park’s shoreline provides beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains throughout the year.

Claytor Lake combines the beauty of the New River Valley with easy access to outdoor recreation. Unlike many mountain lakes, it features broad stretches of navigable water, making it popular for family boating trips, fishing tournaments, and lakeside vacations. The surrounding forests and hills create spectacular scenery, particularly during Virginia’s fall foliage season.

For residents of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, and the New River Valley, Claytor Lake serves as a year-round destination for relaxation, recreation, and waterfront living. Its proximity to Blacksburg and Radford makes it one of the region’s most valuable natural assets.

Huckleberry Trail

The Huckleberry Trail is one of Southwest Virginia’s most beloved recreational assets, connecting the communities of Blacksburg and Christiansburg through a scenic paved pathway that winds through forests, meadows, neighborhoods, and the Virginia Tech campus. The trail system extends nearly 15 miles and provides a safe, accessible route for walking, running, cycling, and commuting.

The trail follows the route of the historic Virginia Anthracite Coal and Railway line, which began operation in the early 1900s. The railroad transported coal from the Merrimac Mine and later carried passengers between Christiansburg and Blacksburg. The railway became known as the “Huckleberry” because passengers often picked huckleberries along the tracks when the train stopped or broke down.

For many years, the Huckleberry Train was Blacksburg’s primary connection to the outside world and played an important role in the growth of both the town and what is now Virginia Tech.

Today’s Huckleberry Trail offers:

• Smooth paved surfaces suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists, and families.
• Scenic views of the New River Valley’s rolling hills and forests.
• Connections to parks, neighborhoods, shopping districts, and community destinations.
• Direct access to the Virginia Tech campus and downtown Blacksburg.
• Links to a larger regional trail network exceeding 60 miles.

For residents of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and the surrounding New River Valley, the Huckleberry Trail is more than a pathway—it’s a symbol of community connection and one of the area’s most treasured outdoor destinations.

Cascade Falls

Found in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains near the charming town of Pembroke, Virginia, Cascade Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the Mid-Atlantic region. Located within the scenic Jefferson National Forest, this spectacular waterfall has become a favorite destination for hikers, photographers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience in Southwest Virginia.

A Waterfall Worth the Journey
The reward at the end of the trail is nothing short of extraordinary. Cascade Falls plunges approximately 66 to 69 feet over a dramatic rock cliff into a crystal-clear pool below, creating a scene of remarkable beauty and tranquility. Multiple streams of water fan across the rock face, producing a mesmerizing display that changes with the seasons and recent rainfall. The towering cliffs surrounding the falls enhance the sense of wonder, making visitors feel as though they have discovered a hidden mountain sanctuary.

Many visitors consider Cascade Falls one of Virginia’s most beautiful waterfalls, and it consistently ranks among the state’s most popular outdoor destinations. More than 150,000 visitors annually come to experience its natural splendor.

An Adventure Along Little Stony Creek

The journey to Cascade Falls is as memorable as the destination itself. The trail follows picturesque Little Stony Creek through lush forest, crossing charming wooden bridges and winding past cascades, pools, and rocky outcroppings. The National Recreation Trail is approximately four miles round trip and offers both a scenic lower route along the creek and an upper trail through the forest.

As hikers make their way through rhododendron tunnels, moss-covered boulders, and towering hardwoods, the soothing sounds of rushing water provide a constant soundtrack. Every turn reveals another photo opportunity, making the hike enjoyable even before reaching the main attraction.

Beauty in Every Season
One of Cascade Falls’ greatest attractions is its year-round appeal. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers and powerful water flow. Summer offers cool mountain temperatures and refreshing mist from the falls. Autumn transforms the surrounding forest into a spectacular display of red, orange, and gold foliage. During winter, ice formations cling to the cliffs, creating a magical frozen landscape.

The Perfect Escape
Whether you’re visiting the nearby college town of Blacksburg, exploring Giles County, or simply searching for a peaceful retreat from everyday life, Cascade Falls delivers an experience that captures the essence of Virginia’s mountain beauty. The combination of accessible hiking, stunning scenery, and the power of the waterfall creates memories that last long after the hike ends.

For anyone considering a visit to Southwest Virginia, Cascade Falls isn’t just a destination—it’s a reminder of why the Appalachian Mountains continue to inspire generations of travelers. Standing before the thundering waterfall, surrounded by ancient forests and mountain air, it’s easy to understand why so many visitors return again and again.

McAfee Knob: Virginia’s Iconic Appalachian Trail Overlook

McAfee Knob is one of the most famous hiking destinations in Virginia and one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail. Located atop Catawba Mountain near Roanoke, it is known for its dramatic rock ledge and sweeping 270-degree views of Catawba Valley, North Mountain, Tinker Cliffs, and the Roanoke Valley.

At about 3,197 feet in elevation, McAfee Knob offers the kind of Blue Ridge Mountain scenery that makes the hike feel like a true Appalachian experience. The overlook’s signature stone shelf juts out over the valley, creating a memorable photo spot and a rewarding destination for hikers.

For outdoor lovers, McAfee Knob is more than just a viewpoint. It is part of Virginia’s celebrated Triple Crown, along with Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs, making the area one of the premier hiking regions in the state.

The hike is popular for good reason: forested trails, mountain ridges, peaceful Appalachian scenery, and a final view that feels unforgettable. Whether you are visiting the Roanoke Valley, exploring Southwest Virginia, or looking for a standout day hike near Blacksburg, McAfee Knob is a must-see destination.

Pandapas Pond & Jefferson National Forest

Nestled just a few miles from downtown Blacksburg, Pandapas Pond is one of the most beloved outdoor destinations in southwest Virginia. Located within the vast Jefferson National Forest, this peaceful 8-acre pond offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, and family-friendly recreation.

The pond was created as a recreational area and today serves as one of the most popular day-use destinations in Montgomery County. Visitors come year-round to fish, picnic, walk, photograph nature, and simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Pandapas Pond lies within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, which encompass nearly two million acres across Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The forest offers countless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic driving.

For residents and visitors to the New River Valley, Pandapas Pond serves as an easy gateway into this larger forest landscape. Its proximity to Virginia Tech and Blacksburg makes it one of the region’s most accessible outdoor destinations.

The area connects directly to the renowned Poverty Creek Trail System, which includes roughly 17 miles of trails winding through the forest. These trails are especially popular with mountain bikers and hikers seeking a longer backcountry experience.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful morning walk, a fishing trip, a mountain biking adventure, or simply a quiet place to enjoy nature, Pandapas Pond showcases some of the finest outdoor recreation found in the Jefferson National Forest.

NEARBY BLACKSBURG

Located in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, the town of Blacksburg serves as the vibrant heart of the New River Valley. Known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, thriving arts scene, and academic excellence, Blacksburg offers residents and visitors a unique blend of small-town charm and modern innovation. Anchored by Virginia Tech and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the region has become one of Virginia’s most desirable places to live, work, and explore.

Nestled in the scenic mountains of Southwest Virginia, Blacksburg is widely recognized as the home of Virginia Tech and one of the most desirable small towns in the Appalachian region. Combining academic excellence, outdoor recreation, cultural amenities, and a strong sense of community, Blacksburg offers residents and visitors an exceptional quality of life.

Blacksburg serves as the centerpiece of the broader New River Valley, which includes nearby communities such as Christiansburg, Radford, and surrounding Montgomery County. Residents enjoy access to larger shopping centers, healthcare facilities, recreational destinations, and regional employers while maintaining the benefits of a smaller community atmosphere.

Blacksburg is much more than a college town. Its combination of academic prestige, technological innovation, mountain scenery, outdoor adventure, and community spirit makes it one of Virginia’s most attractive places to live, work, study, and visit. Whether you’re considering relocation, attending Virginia Tech, or exploring the New River Valley, Blacksburg offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern opportunity.

History and Heritage
Founded in 1798 by William Black, the town grew from a small frontier settlement known as Draper’s Meadow into a thriving educational and technology center. Many elements of the original town layout remain visible today, particularly within the historic downtown district.

The town’s development accelerated dramatically after the establishment of Virginia Tech in 1872. The university’s growth transformed Blacksburg into a center for research, innovation, and higher education while maintaining its small-town character.

Virginia Tech and Innovation

Virginia Tech is the economic and cultural heart of Blacksburg. With more than 38,000 students, the university is one of Virginia’s premier research institutions and a major driver of the local economy. The school’s engineering, technology, agriculture, and business programs attract students and professionals from around the world.

Blacksburg has also earned recognition as a technology-forward community. The pioneering Blacksburg Electronic Village initiative helped make the town one of the earliest highly connected communities in the United States.

No sport captures the spirit of Virginia Tech quite like football. The Hokies play at the legendary Lane Stadium, one of the most intimidating venues in college football. The stadium is famous for the team’s entrance to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” a tradition that has energized fans and players for more than two decades.

Virginia Tech football rose to national prominence under legendary coach Frank Beamer. During his tenure, the Hokies became consistent contenders, captured conference championships, and reached the 2000 national championship game following an undefeated regular season led by quarterback Michael Vick.

The program continues to pursue ACC championships while maintaining one of the most loyal fan bases in college football. Recent leadership changes and recruiting momentum have generated renewed excitement around the future of Hokie football.

Downtown Blacksburg

Downtown Blacksburg blends historic charm with a modern college-town atmosphere. Wide brick sidewalks, local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, galleries, and year-round community events create a vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike. The town hosts farmers markets, live music events, festivals, and Hokie game-day celebrations throughout the year.

Blacksburg’s historic character and vibrant social scene create a strong sense of community.

On football weekends, the atmosphere transforms as Hokie fans fill the town. Game days at Lane Stadium have become a defining part of local culture, bringing excitement and tradition that few college towns can match.

Outdoor Recreation
One of Blacksburg’s greatest advantages is its access to outdoor recreation. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Blacksburg provides easy access to some of the finest outdoor recreation in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Residents enjoy:

• Hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail
• Exploring nearby national forests
• Mountain biking and cycling
• Kayaking and fishing on the New River
• Visiting waterfalls such as Cascade Falls
• Walking and running on the Huckleberry Trail

Many residents are drawn to the region specifically for its outdoor lifestyle. Whether enjoying a morning walk through town, cycling on local trails, or spending weekends on the New River, outdoor recreation is part of everyday life in Blacksburg.

Transportation and Accessibility
Blacksburg offers an unusually robust public transportation system for a town of its size. Blacksburg Transit provides extensive bus service connecting neighborhoods, the Virginia Tech campus, and nearby communities such as Christiansburg. The system serves millions of riders annually and is considered one of the nation’s most successful small-community transit systems.

THE NEW RIVER VALLEY REGION

The New River Valley extends beyond Blacksburg and includes the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski, along with the city of Radford. Each community contributes its own character to the region. Floyd is known for its music and arts culture, Giles County offers dramatic mountain scenery and outdoor recreation, while Radford and Christiansburg provide growing commercial and residential opportunities.

Together, these communities create a regional economy supported by education, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. The presence of Virginia Tech and other educational institutions contributes to a highly skilled workforce and a strong culture of innovation.

A Strong Sense of Community
One of the most appealing aspects of the New River Valley is its sense of community. Residents often describe the area as a place where neighbors know one another, local businesses are supported, and outdoor spaces are cherished. The combination of mountain scenery, educational opportunities, cultural activities, and affordable living continues to attract families, retirees, professionals, and entrepreneurs.

Why People Choose the New River Valley
Whether drawn by Virginia Tech, the beauty of the New River, or the region’s exceptional quality of life, many people discover that the New River Valley offers the best of both worlds: the amenities of a progressive university community and the tranquility of life surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its rich history, thriving economy, and unparalleled natural setting, Blacksburg and the New River Valley remain among Southwest Virginia’s most attractive places to call home.

CLIMATE IN THE NEW RIVER VALLEY

The New River Valley, including Blacksburg, has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: hot, humid summers, cold winters with occasional snow, and mild, wet spring and autumn months.

Overall, the New River Valley experiences a humid subtropical climate with:

• Warm, humid summers (highs in low 80s, highs rarely above 90°F for many days)
• Cold winters, with regular freezing temperatures and moderate snowfall
• Moderate precipitation year-round, slightly higher in spring and summer
• Mild spring and fall, suitable for outdoor activities
• Ample sunshine and generally comfortable conditions outside peak humidity or cold periods

This climate supports a mix of seasonal outdoor activities, including hiking, agriculture, and tourism, while maintaining a typical four-season experience in a mountainous region.