Outdoor recreation is as popular as ever here in the New River Valley. So if youโre one of those travelers looking for a quick getaway to the great outdoors without venturing too far from home, here are some of the top adventures that await you this spring in Montgomery County.
Jefferson National Forest is one of two forests that stretch across the entire state of Virginia, watched over by the beautiful Appalachians that provide the year-round scenic views for which the region is known. Two thousand miles of hiking trails set among the forest are perfect for spring adventures like hiking and mountain biking. Additionally, 330 miles of the internationally famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail, along with 160 miles of National Recreation Trails, call the two forests home.
Some of the best mountain biking in the New River Valley can be found in the Pandapas Pond area, also located in Jefferson National Forest. Claimed as some of the best trails on the East Coast, mountain bikers can kick up mud over 19 trails and more than 30 miles of terrain. Trails are suitable for all skill levels from greenhorns to shredders, while rough rock gardens, switchbacks and grueling vertical climbs await all visitors.
Falls Ridge Preserve, part of a rugged ridge along the Roanoke River reaching about 80-feet in height, treats visitors to a scenic hike any time of year. The preserve boasts a spring-fed waterfall as small pockets of cascading water lead the way.
