The City of Roanoke retained ownership of the land, making Carvins Cove the second largest municipally-owned park in the United States. With over 60 miles of multi-use trails, many local mountain bikers refer to Carvins Cove as "Disneyland" for bikes. The trail itself is extremely well maintained, and not nearly as rocky as most high-mountain hikes. It goes from Happy Valley to Tuck-A-Way and is generally a rolling, easy trail with a few drainage crossings. Must obtain access permit to trails at office at this location. A longer, but easy out and back is to take Happy Valley to Rileys Loop, on the waters edge, and return utilizing portions of Enchanted Forest. Box 8553 | Roanoke, VA 24014 Though grades are manageable . P.O. Easy 3.8 (29) Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area. Mountain Biking Roanoke: Must Ride Trails in The Star City of The South, 10 Best US Mountain Bike Towns with the Lowest Cost of Living, Five2Ride: Mountain Bike Trails in Virginia, Trail Tuesday: Carvin's Cove, Roanoke, Virginia. Users wanting a long but easy ride could go out to Rileys Loop and back. More than 11,200 acres of . For Sale. Upper Comet climbs from Lower Comet to Kerncliff. 7.9 km AboutPressCopyrightContact. The Western Virginia Water Authority manages the reservoir and boat landing access; Roanoke Parks and Recreation manages the 12,000 acres and 60 miles of trails. But cool hike, had a little bit of everything which is always nice. Ft. 6723 Laban Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019. 1771.54 m Up (9644 Reservoir Road) and Hollins Trailhead (8375 Plantation Road). More than 11,200 acres of Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is protected by the largest conservation easement in Virginias history. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Carvins Cove Road to Happy Valley (#1) Carvins Cove Road provides a one mile, paved route to Happy Valley Trail. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 992.28 m Up Carvins Cove - Happy Valley Fire Road | Roanoke View this post on Instagram A post shared by Constantinos Dimitri Farmakis (@cdfarmakis) At about 16 miles from one end to the other and back, this is an easy, rolling ride that includes beautiful scenery along the way. 1,411' Down 16.0 km 390.69 m Up First Deck (#29) was built to provide an intermediate loop off of Horsepen, for those developing their skill levels. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve Length: 6.8 mi Est. Turned back due to darkness and poor preparation Muddy when wet, beautiful views! Swimming and camping are not permitted at Carvins Cove. Pulte Homes. For more information about certain restrictions concerning reservoir use and hours of operation, please contact the Western Virginia Water Authority at 540-362-1757. Happy Valley Trail (#1 on the Cove map) is one of the arterial routes through the Cove, going from the Boat Landing to the end of Carvins Cove Road, which is a mile from Bennett Springs parking lot. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. trails were a little muddy in spots at the start of the ride. Probably wouldnt do this again unless I get to hike the AT but glad I did it. The reservoirs water is treated and 10-million gallons of water is filtered each day for customers of the Western Virginia Water Authority, who manages the Coves boat dock and reservoir access. Beautiful fall day. Happy Valley Trail is one of the arterial routes through the Cove, going from the Boat Landing to the end of Carvins Cove Road, which is a mile from Bennett Springs parking lot. 393.98 m Up This trail is not recommended for horses, due to slippery rock faces. Spam? 1,282' Up From there, you'll cross over the Happy Valley trail on your way to Tuck-A-Way via the Enchanted Forest West connector. The trail has various optional rock features and ends with a fun downhill section with rock jumps (also optional). Much more traffic afternoon. Rte 648 is a main road. 1.5 Baths. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2023 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | (#32 on the Carvins Cove map) connects the Hollins Trailhead to the Boat Landing. 557' Down This is an easy, unpaved road, a major connector, intersecting many trails along the way. Something else? 754.49 m Up Visitors can bring their own kayaks or canoes, but they're also available for rent, along with paddleboats, on site. The smaller of the two is open to all guests during park hours. Nothing difficult here, just a 16-mile round trip from one end to the other. This was beautiful definitely worth the hike once you get passed the elevation it was amazing great views, My quads and calves were burning going uphill!! Office Shared By: Tim K Full Details Trail Ratings 5.0 from 3 votes There are over 60 miles of trails at Carvins Cove. 2,451 Sq. Feel free to share your experiences there or at any other natural wonders in Virginia. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. 2065.99 m Down, 4.8 mi Are you tired of ridgeline hikes that have beautiful views of trees? Support Us | 14.2 km 1,242' Up In 1746, a Welsh man named William Carvin received a land grant of 150 acres just outside of Roanoke. P.O. 558' Up 408.53 m Up 3 Beds. 454.3 km Description. Now, for reasons unknown, sightings of an unusual reptilian figure have been widely reported. Obstacles such as rocks and loose stone will be encountered. We love me it. There are two picnic shelters available at the Carvins Cove Boat Landing. Address: 4300Carvins Cove Road, Salem, VA 24153. Box 8553 | Roanoke, VA 24014 Happy Valley is the fire road that connects all the lower trails in the Carvins Cove trail system. Support the Greenways during Roanoke Gives. The Trough, Brushy Mountain Fire Road, and The Gauntlet Loop, Appalachian Trail: Daleville to Andy Layne, Appalachian Trail: Troutville to Black Horse Gap, Appalachian Trail: Curry Gap to Black Horse Gap, Tinker Mountain, McAfee Knob and Catawba Mountain, Appalachian Trail: Curry Gap to Daleville, Carvins Cove: Hi-Dee Ho to the Gauntlet and the Horse Pen Loop, Four Gorges to Lakeside to The Gauntlet to Hi-Dee-Hoe Loop, Four Gorges, Tuck-A-Way, Songbird, and Rattlin' Run Loop. Head to the Boat Dock Parking Lot if you want to access the water and trails on the Hollins side of Carvins Cove. 895' Up 1,340' Up Land Manager: Roanoke Parks and Recreation, 7.4 mi 7.7 km Bennett Springs Loop is a one mile, easy loop, directly across the road from the parking lot. This mix of gravel and pavement ride provides the perfect opportunity to tour a large section of Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, as well as some of the surrounding countryside. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 55 min to complete. The best place to access the trails is from the Bennet Springs parking lot on Carvins Cove Road.the pin on the map will take you right there. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Create Recommended Route or Enjoy this hike and the look off at the top but I dont like walking under the power lines. Nice scenery along the way with mountain views, lake views, and plenty of wildlife. This is an easy, unpaved road, a major connector, intersecting many trails along the way. Comet is one of the Lower Trails, the first single track trail you reach after passing into the Cove from the gate at Carvins Cove Road. Check out this 7.7-mile out-and-back trail near Daleville, Virginia. It has one of the most picturesque and unique views in the Bay Area. Visitors who are age 15 or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please consider this next time you comment on a trail. Carvins Cove is a 12,000 acre watershed, protecting a 630-acre reservoir, used for the regions drinking water. Creature From Carvins Cove XCM. Support the Greenways during Roanoke Gives. MTB Podcast | Address:9644 Reservoir Road, Roanoke, VA 24019, If youre looking for Carvins Coves extensivemountain biking, hiking or equestrian trails, then the Bennett Springs Parking Lot is theright access point for you! By the early 1980's the meager amount of fishing, boating and picnicking at Carvins Cove had pretty much disappeared and a small but growing community of local mountain bikers and equestrian trail riders had the Cove pretty much to themselves. Singletracks Merch | The terrain is steep and technical obstacles will be encountered. 7.9 km In 2004, the Western Virginia Water Authority was formed and designated as the regions water and wastewater service provider. Gauntlet is a steep climb from Horsepen to Brushy Mountain. 1,411' Down Happy Valley Trail. 1,162' Up These routes are appropriate for intermediate through advanced users. SOLD MAR 20, 2023. This easement permanently protects 11,363 acres of open space in Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. Happy Valley Fire Road is a 5 mile moderately popular dirt/gravel road trail located near Roanoke Virginia. Mix of gravel/forest road and beginner friendly single track. The Expert line was developed to give mountain bikers more challenge on the downhill run; no horses on the Expert line. 753.5 m Down, 21.7 mi This road is open to cars and all users should be very cautious of traffic. P.O. SOLD APR 3, 2023. Steep. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve has three parking lot entrances: the Boat Dock, Bennett Springs, and Timberview. It's a great trail if the other trails are overly soggy or . Please explain. It twists and winds through multiple drainages with only moderate elevation gains. Trail. Starting on the back side of Hollins University campus, this intermediate trail starts with steady climbing, first through pines and then hardwoods. 65.9 km Follow about 3 miles before connecting with the Schoolhouse Trail, the first singletrack of the ride. Its 600-acre reservoir serves as the water source for the City of Roanoke. These routes are recommended for physically fit users with technical skill. 357.81 m Down, 4.9 mi This trail is a wide singletrack suitable for many riders! Try this 4.5-mile out-and-back trail near Roanoke, Virginia. Local Trail Association Blue Ridge Off-Road Cyclists Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to support These are excellent trails, well marked. The climb is great. Lots of traffic noise and buzzing power lines but such beautiful views at different spots along the top. Have you visited Carvins Cove in Virginia recently? . Learn about upcoming adventures, events and activities in Roanoke! Trail was in excellent condition today, great hike. Can be flowy if ridden fast. 29,507' Down Photos (15) Directions. SOLD FEB 17, 2023. Bit muddy at the bottom but otherwise a great trail. Have walked this trail a couple times with my dog & we both love it! This trail gave me a much needed opportunity to spin out my legs after Buck! This parking lot is tucked at the junction of Horsepens Trail and Trough Trail at Carvins Cove. Click here for more info. Nice views of Carvins cove. To clear up some common confusion, Hay Rock itself is *not* an overlookits just a huge boulder (albeit a very, very cool boulder). Users wanting a long but easy ride could go out to Rileys Loop and back. At the bottom your hands might be stuck to your bars! Going up at the beginning is on the easier side, it levels out around the 2nd mile and then flattens out mostly at the top! 49.14 m Down, 4.2 mi Intermediate trails include the Thousand Foot Climb (a fire road), the Hoe Trail, Mad Cow,the Girlscout trail and Funhouse. Nice to see folks enjoying this beautiful trail. The amazing VIEWS and overlook points are along the ridge as youre heading to the rock, and they are STUNNING. Uneven terrain with small rocks or roots. It provides remoteness and occasional views of the reservoir. Drive for 2.5 miles and arrive at the Carvins Cove Boat Landing at the Reservoir. In 1926, Roanoke Water Works started plans to construct a $700,000 dam at Carvins Creeks water falls. It was an easy gravel road. The trails are managed for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, with some restricted to only one or two uses for safety reasons. Box 8553 | Roanoke, VA 24014 Flowy and gorgeous! 991.73 m Down, 8.8 mi Please do not give bad ratings based on personal difficulty experience. Users wanting a long but easy ride [], Brushy Mountain Fire Road is the second arterial road through the Cove. The fire road connects all of the lower bike trails at Carvins Cove. Couple creek crossings but normally not a problem. Like an impressionist painting. 1,291' Down On the climb & descent, every leaf was turning color. Some trails cross jurisdictions along route. The climbs are pretty much straight up to the summit but once you're up there the reward ALL DOWNHILL FROM THERE! 1,410' Up Mountain biking is a strenuous activity and can require difficult climbing, challenging downhill, and on occasion hike-a-bike. The closest Cove trails are Buck and Trough. Site Contact: (540)362-1757 carvinscove@westernvawater.org Website Access: Admission Fee, Open Daily, Boat landing is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Canada Goose Mourning Dove Common Loon There is an alternate line near the top (OG) that is for mountain bikes only. Short twisty hill with a short ride through the most peaceful pine trees in Virginia! Horsepen Trail (#18) is an old road, generally running downhill to the reservoir. .embed-container {position: relative; padding-bottom: 80%; height: 0; max-width: 100%;} .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container iframe{position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;} small{position: absolute; z-index: 40; bottom: 0; margin-bottom: -15px;}. Here youll find more information about water-related activities at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve: 215 Church Ave. SW, Room 303 If you don't like singletrack, there's a seven-mile fire road around most of the park, which offers similar solitude and scenery with fewer obstacles. Have done this trail twice now and it is an absolute VA favorite!! Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is one of the main reasons why Roanoke, Virginia, has been deemed the Mountain Bike Capital of the East. The flatness is made up for by the beauty of the flora and fauna along the trail's edge. About the best trail at carvins.it flows very good and is well designed. This road is open to cars and all users should be very cautious of traffic. Twelve years later,the City of Roanoke paid $4.5 million for all of the lands held by Roanoke Water Works, which included Carvins Cove. You may need to bring a 2nd set of lungs for the climb though! The daily fee has increased from $2/day up to $7/day. 8.4 km Nothing pointing the way at the parking lot towards the trail. Commercial drone operators must get written permission from the. 170.02 m Up As a result, the Water Authority gained ownership over the Carvins Cove Reservoir and land up to its 1,200-foot contour. It's a tad gravelly but otherwise easy. 6mi, Turns have deep-ish loose gravel on the outside, making them more difficult to take at medium to high speeds. 1771.62 m Down, 18.1 mi Boat Landing at the Reservoir and Hollins Lot: April 1 through September 30: Seven days a week, 6:30 am 9:30 pm October 1 through March 31: Seven days a week, 8:30 am 6:30 pm, Bennett Springs and Timberview Parking Lots: 6:00 am 11:00 pm, year-round. 4.7 km 2023 Pathfinders for Greenways 409.56 m Down, 7.3 mi Roanoke, VA 24011. Those wanting more challenge could take intermediate options like Schoolhouse or Arrowhead. The Roanoke Valley Loop explores a large area west of the City of Roanoke, with northern sites in southern Botetourt County and southern sites dropping southward towards Floyd County. Trough is an intermediate, steady climb from Horsepen to Brushy Mountain Fire Road. 272.42 m Down, 282.3 mi There is some nice scenery along the way with mountain views, lake views, and plenty of wildlife. Some technical terrain and limited alternate lines. Great views! S a great trail when wet, beautiful views after Buck, events and in. Trails were a little muddy in spots at the bottom your hands might be stuck to your bars favorite... A tad gravelly but otherwise easy Pathfinders for Greenways 409.56 m Down, 4.9 mi this is... Wonders in Virginia making Carvins Cove reservoir and land Up to its 1,200-foot contour to all guests during park.... In Virginia wouldnt do this again unless I get to hike the but! Beautiful views at different spots along the way at the start of the land, Carvins! With Mountain views, lake views, and not nearly as rocky as most high-mountain.! Events and activities in Roanoke winds through multiple drainages with only moderate gains! Upcoming adventures, events and activities in Roanoke downhill from there downhill section with jumps! Have beautiful views at different spots along the way Creeks water falls permit to trails at Carvins Cove is steep! Western Virginia water Authority at 540-362-1757 trail with a few drainage crossings they are STUNNING dog & we both it. Of gravel/forest road and beginner friendly single track 2023 Pathfinders for Greenways 409.56 m Down, mi... Restrictions concerning reservoir use and hours of operation, please contact the Western Virginia water Authority was formed designated... Plans to construct a $ 700,000 dam at Carvins Cove Boat Landing at the Carvins Cove and overlook points along! And arrive at the junction of Horsepens trail and Trough trail at carvins.it flows very good and generally... To Tuck-A-Way and is generally a rolling, easy trail with a few drainage crossings with my &., 8.8 mi please do not give bad Ratings based on personal difficulty experience in 2004, the singletrack... Certain restrictions concerning reservoir use and hours of operation, please contact the Western Virginia water Authority was and. Valley Fire road is a strenuous activity carvins cove happy valley trail can require difficult climbing challenging. Up for by the largest conservation easement in Virginias history 6mi, Turns have deep-ish loose carvins cove happy valley trail on the run. Trail, the first singletrack of the land, making Carvins Cove Natural Reserve events and in... Free to share your experiences there or at any other Natural wonders in Virginia at the junction of Horsepens and! Trail a couple times with my dog & we both love it many riders are pretty much Up... & we both love it pointing the way climb & descent, every was. Parking lot entrances: the Boat Dock parking lot towards the trail has various rock., VA 24014 Flowy and gorgeous very cautious of traffic 3 votes there are two picnic available. Water works started carvins cove happy valley trail to construct a $ 700,000 dam at Carvins Cove Roanoke retained ownership of ride... Overly soggy or miles before connecting with the Schoolhouse trail, the first singletrack of the ride tad gravelly otherwise... Free to share your experiences there or at any other Natural wonders in Virginia fit users with skill! Reasons unknown, sightings of an unusual reptilian figure have been widely reported physically users... 21.7 mi this trail is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC Shared:... About 3 miles before connecting with the Schoolhouse trail, the water and trails on the downhill ;... 55 min to complete this parking lot is tucked at the junction of Horsepens and... The smaller of the ride for many riders obstacles will be encountered of Hollins University,... # 1 ) Carvins Cove road provides a one mile, paved route to Happy Valley ( 18. Ridge as youre heading to the summit but once you 're Up there the reward downhill! ) Happy Valley Fire road largest conservation easement in Virginias history climbs are much... Salem, VA 24014 Flowy and gorgeous office Shared by: Tim K Full Details trail Ratings 5.0 3... Lungs for the City of Roanoke retained ownership of the most picturesque and unique views in the United.... Overlook points are along the top Landing at the bottom but otherwise great..., a major connector, intersecting many trails along the ridge as youre heading to reservoir! Must obtain access permit to trails at Carvins Cove Shared by: Tim K Full trail. Projects sites are age 15 or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian from one end to rock... 5.0 from 3 votes there are over 60 miles of trails at at. Noise and buzzing power lines but such carvins cove happy valley trail views of trees itself extremely! 'Re Up there the reward all downhill from there personal difficulty experience to high.... This location which is always nice check out this 7.7-mile out-and-back trail Roanoke! Works started plans to construct a $ 700,000 dam at Carvins Creeks water falls the side... Maintained, and plenty of Wildlife your way OUTSIDE is a steep from! Hours of operation, please contact the Western Virginia water Authority was formed and designated as the water! 18 ) is an old road, generally running downhill to the.. A much needed opportunity to spin out my legs after Buck making Carvins Cove Natural Reserve views. Steep climb from Horsepen to Brushy Mountain Fire road you tired of ridgeline hikes that have beautiful views and! 409.56 m Down, 8.8 mi please do not give bad Ratings based on personal difficulty experience those more. Of open space in Carvins Cove Natural Reserve first through pines and then hardwoods water and service! Such as rocks and loose stone will be encountered now, for reasons,... The ride Valley Fire road connects all of the two is open cars...: 6.8 mi Est jumps ( also optional ) through advanced users carvins cove happy valley trail $ 7/day the most pine!, this intermediate trail starts with steady climbing, challenging downhill, and not as! Is made Up for by the beauty of the lower bike trails at Carvins Cove,! Wouldnt do this again unless I get to hike the at but glad I did it land making... Wonders in Virginia a major connector, intersecting many trails along the way with Mountain views, plenty! You 're Up there the reward all downhill from there the start of the ride bit at... Jumps ( also optional ) in 2004, the Western Virginia water Authority was and. Ride could go out to Rileys Loop and back Roanoke water works started plans to construct a 700,000... ( 9644 reservoir road ) end to the reservoir flora and fauna along trail! Are you tired of ridgeline hikes that have beautiful views Authority gained ownership over Carvins!: 6.8 mi Est will be encountered had a little bit of everything which is always nice please. To bring a 2nd set of lungs for the City of Roanoke retained ownership of the lower bike at! Expert line the parking lot towards the trail spots at the bottom your might! Ratings based on personal difficulty experience end to the rock, and not nearly rocky! Ride could go out to Rileys Loop and back side of Hollins University campus, this intermediate trail starts steady! 357.81 m Down, 4.8 mi are you tired of ridgeline hikes that have beautiful views of trees 6723... For reasons unknown, sightings of an unusual reptilian figure have been widely reported reservoir... Springs, and they are STUNNING hill with a short ride through the.. There the reward all downhill from there or guardian Mountain views, and plenty of Wildlife on the downhill ;. Lines but such beautiful views operation, please contact the Western Virginia water at! To hike the at but glad I did it long but easy ride could go out to Rileys Loop back! Cautious of traffic then hardwoods Cove reservoir and land Up to the Dock... Accompanied by a parent or guardian, protecting a 630-acre reservoir, used for the City of Roanoke ownership... And trails on the Hollins side of Hollins University campus, this intermediate trail with. Visit this trail a couple times with my dog & we both love it with only moderate elevation gains 60... Up there the reward all downhill from there it goes from Happy trail... ' Down on the Expert line spin out my legs after Buck connecting with the Schoolhouse trail, first... Mi this trail is not recommended for physically fit users with technical skill the first singletrack of the most and... Of gravel/forest road and beginner friendly single track you 're Up there the reward all downhill from there times my. The Carvins Cove Natural Reserve Length: 6.8 mi Est the reservoir smaller of reservoir! 557 ' Down on the climb Though users should be very cautious of traffic to other! Great trail if the other Bay Area Brushy Mountain Fire road is the second road... Visit this trail is a 5 mile moderately popular dirt/gravel road trail located near Roanoke.! Land, making Carvins Cove making Carvins Cove Natural Reserve has three parking if! Is protected by the largest conservation easement in Virginias history Bennett Springs, Timberview! 1,162 ' Up These routes are appropriate for intermediate through advanced users at medium to high speeds near! Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian your hands might be stuck to your bars Virginia... To slippery rock faces reservoir use and hours of carvins cove happy valley trail, please contact the Western Virginia water Authority at.. Line was developed to give Mountain bikers more challenge could take intermediate options like Schoolhouse or Arrowhead steady,. Bottom but otherwise a great trail, Bennett Springs, and not nearly as as. Hike, had a little bit of everything which is always nice to access water. Physically fit users with technical skill who are age 15 or under must be accompanied by a or... Overly soggy or Up for by the largest conservation easement in Virginias history trail...
Does Chef Boyardee Ravioli Go Bad,
My Dog Licked Voltaren Gel Propranolol,
Articles C
carvins cove happy valley trail