Bottom Creek Gorge

Forming the headwaters of the Roanoke River, Bottom Creek Gorge boasts spectacular scenery: the second highest waterfall in Virginia, virgin hemlocks and hundreds of wildflowers.
Bottom Creek is a powerful mountain stream that forms a stair-step series of broad-basin waterfalls known as the "kettles." One of the headwater streams of the South Fork of the Roanoke River, Bottom Creek boasts a 200-foot high waterfall. Flanking Bottom Creek are forests of mixed hardwoods (tulip poplar, maple, oak, hickory) and upland meadows. Five rare species thrive in this habitat.
Download additional Bottoms Creek Gorge Trail Map
Trails are well marked and color coded (blue, yellow, and red)
Directions
From Roanoke and points north: 

From I-81, take exit #141, Route 419 south, to Salem.


Go south on Route 419 for about eight miles to Route 221 at Cave Spring.


Take winding Route 221 south for 13.8 miles to Route 644.


You will pass through the town of Bent Mountain, then pass an entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway on your left. About 0.6 miles past the Parkway entrance, turn right on Route 644. 


After 1.1 miles, the road forks. Stay to the right on Route 669.


Continue straight on Route 669. DO NOT turn right on Bottom Creek Road.


After 1.5 miles, you will come to a "Y" intersection. Bear slightly right, staying on Route 669.


Soon you will be driving alongside Bottom Creek on your left. After 1.3 miles, you will cross a small bridge. Look for the Preserve sign on your left. Turn left at the sign and go up the gravel driveway to the gate.


Park on the side of the road at the gate. Walk about half a mile up the gravel road to the trailheads where you will find another sign and trail maps.

From Blacksburg and Christiansburg: 

Take Route 11/460 northeast to the town of Shawsville.


At Shawsville, turn right on Route 637 (Allegheny Springs Road).


Stay on this road all the way to the first stop sign in Simpsons. [NOTE: after about seven miles, Route 637 turns to the left while Route 653 continues straight. DO NOT turn left on Route 637, but stay straight on Route 653 to Simpsons].


At the stop sign, turn left on Route 610.


At the next stop sign, turn left on Route 221. Stay on Route 221 for about seven miles.


You will pass through the town of Copper Hill. Turn left on Route 644.


After 1.1 miles, the road forks. Stay to the right on Route 669. Follow the above directions from this point.


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