Angels Rest Hike - Appalachian Trail
Hiking Route
· United States of America

Responsible for this content
Roanoke Outside
Roanoke Outside
The climb to Angel's Rest above Pearisburg is notorious among Appalachian Trail hikers for its punishing incline. You must endure a 1.5-mile, 1,650-ft. climb before you can sprawl over a boulder enjoying the view of the New River below.
moderate
Distance 4.1 km
The climb to Angel’s Rest above Pearisburg is notorious among Appalachian Trail hikers for its punishing incline. You must endure a 1.5-mile, 1,650-ft. climb before you can sprawl over a boulder enjoying the view of the New River below.
The well-worn trail leads into a spring-fed ravine and briefly along an old logging road before settling into a consistent, thrashing course of switchbacks. The path crosses over two ancient rockslides and passes through thick poplar and oaks, as well as laurel and rhododendron.
Gradually, the thriving hardwood forest of the lowlands gives way to stunted oaks and shrubs. When you reach the boulders at the top, detour a few hundred feet to the right on a blue-blazed trail for a view of Pearisburg and the twisting New River. The AT continues to the crest of Angel’s Rest and follows along a rock ledge overhanging Wilburn Valley for more spectacular views.
Steep and beautiful
Length: 2.3 miles one way (4.6 miles round trip)
Directions to Trailhead:
I-81 S to exit 118B (460W towards Blacksburg)
Follow 460W for ~30 miles (past Blacksburg, Newport, and Pembroke)
Take 2nd exit after crossing New River (Pearisburg/Rt. 100S)
Take 2nd right onto Johnston Avenue (Beside the Dairy Queen)
Take the next right onto Rt. 634 (Morris Avenue)
Follow 0.6 miles to where the Appalachian Trail crosses Rt. 634
There is limited roadside parking
Add On:
After you hike head to The Bank restaurant for some great food and drink
Not done yet? Rent a canoe or go fishing with Tangent Outfitters (540.626.4567)
Roanoke Outside Land Activities and Attractions visit the website.
The well-worn trail leads into a spring-fed ravine and briefly along an old logging road before settling into a consistent, thrashing course of switchbacks. The path crosses over two ancient rockslides and passes through thick poplar and oaks, as well as laurel and rhododendron.
Gradually, the thriving hardwood forest of the lowlands gives way to stunted oaks and shrubs. When you reach the boulders at the top, detour a few hundred feet to the right on a blue-blazed trail for a view of Pearisburg and the twisting New River. The AT continues to the crest of Angel’s Rest and follows along a rock ledge overhanging Wilburn Valley for more spectacular views.
Steep and beautiful
Length: 2.3 miles one way (4.6 miles round trip)
Directions to Trailhead:
I-81 S to exit 118B (460W towards Blacksburg)
Follow 460W for ~30 miles (past Blacksburg, Newport, and Pembroke)
Take 2nd exit after crossing New River (Pearisburg/Rt. 100S)
Take 2nd right onto Johnston Avenue (Beside the Dairy Queen)
Take the next right onto Rt. 634 (Morris Avenue)
Follow 0.6 miles to where the Appalachian Trail crosses Rt. 634
There is limited roadside parking
Add On:
After you hike head to The Bank restaurant for some great food and drink
Not done yet? Rent a canoe or go fishing with Tangent Outfitters (540.626.4567)
Roanoke Outside Land Activities and Attractions visit the website.

Author
Roanoke Outside
Update: December 05, 2017
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Highest point
1,133 m
Lowest point
619 m
Start
Coordinates:
DD
37.329319, -80.751104
DMS
37°19'45.5"N 80°45'04.0"W
UTM
17S 522049 4131434
w3w
///chemist.gullible.reframe
Note
all notes on protected areas
Coordinates
DD
37.329319, -80.751104
DMS
37°19'45.5"N 80°45'04.0"W
UTM
17S 522049 4131434
w3w
///chemist.gullible.reframe
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
4.1 km
Duration
1:47 h
Ascent
514 m
Descent
15 m
Highest point
1,133 m
Lowest point
619 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- Waypoints
- Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
Would you like to the ask the author a question?
Rating
Help others by being the first to add a review.
Photos from others