Pearisburg, Va.

• Enjoy a stroll through the River Sculpture Walking Trail. Pearisburg was inspired to install this public art display to promote environmental education and the revitalization of small towns. The trail consists of five sculptures, some of which were made from items salvaged from the New River and transformed into works of art.
• Hustle over to the Andrew Johnston House, history buffs! The oldest surviving brick house in Giles County is the home built by Colonel Andrew Johnston in 1829. This Georgian manor house features many of the original decorative accents and charm of 19th century Giles County.
• Play on the New River Water Trail! Enjoy 37 miles of award-winning fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, paddle-boarding and swimming. This waterway connects hiking trails, wildlife viewing, local lodging and dining options. Reach out to a local guide or outfitter to enhance your river adventure.
• Pick up some perfect gifts at Pearis Mercantile including special items for home and garden, locally made products, jewelry and hiking supplies.

These businesses support the Trail by taking part in the A.T. Community Supporter program.

Angels Rest Overlook Day Hike

• Route Type: Out and Back
• Hike Difficulty Rating: Strenuous
• Hike Length: 5.6 miles
• A vigorous climb on the Appalachian Trail takes you to a scenic overlook with views of the New River, Pearisburg, and the mountains beyond. From the trailhead parking with access to the town’s namesake’s cemetery, ascend Pearis Mountain on the white-blazed A.T. The Trail gains 1,900 feet in 2.4 miles, so factor in a little extra time to catch your breath on the way up! Starting out in a hardwood forest, the Trail passes by interesting boulders and gets rockier as you approach the crest of the ridge.
• At the top, the blue-blazed Angels Rest Trail leads 50 yards through a rhododendron grove to View Rock. An easy scramble atop the rock provides 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. For a slightly longer hike, continue south on the A.T. between towering boulders and along the crest of Pearis Mountain, 0.6 miles to a rock ledge on the left overlooking Wilburn Valley and the mountains to the east. Return to your car the same way you came up, following the A.T. north.
• Driving Directions: From Blacksburg, follow VA 460 west to VA 100 at Pearisburg. Turn right onto North Main Street (just before the Dairy Queen). At stop sign turn left onto Thomas Drive (VA 100) and follow approximately 1/2 mile to where the Appalachian Trail parking and trailhead is on your right. 37.334286, -80.756156

Whitt-Riverbend Park

• Route Type: Out and Back
• Hike Difficulty Rating: Easy
• Hike Length: 1 mile
• Whitt-Riverbend Park features 28 acres on the New River. The park is open to the general public for fishing, taking leisurely walks on the paved walking trail or river bottom trail, picnicking, canoeing and camping by permit. The park trail is .71 miles long and traverses a beautiful open field along the New River. The trail surface is asphalt and has very little grade change. There are restroom facilities along the trail.
• Driving Directions: From Blacksburg, follow VA 460 west to VA Bus 460 at Pearisburg. Turn right at stop sign on VA 636. Proceed 2 miles to parking area at Ripplemead Boat Landing.
  LAT: 37.32295649019821 LONG: -80.68284273147584