Carvins Cove Natural Reserve

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Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the second largest municipal park in the nation. It holds a major water source within its 12,700 acres and overflowing recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, and boat rentals. The cove includes 11,363 acres that are protected by the largest conservation easement in Virginia’s history.

The Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is managed for watershed protection and public recreation, including hiking, fishing, boating, and equestrian use by Roanoke Parks & Recreation (non water/marina areas) and Western Virginia Water Authority (water and marina area). The property is located near Interstate 81 and borders 14 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The rock outcrop at nearby McAfee Knob, which overlooks the property, is one of the most frequently visited and photographed panoramas on the Appalachian Trail.

With more than 60 miles of trails and an 600+ acre reservoir Carvins Cove is a mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating paradise.

Carvins Cove in Roanoke, VA

Quick facts

  • Less than eight miles from downtown Roanoke.
  • An access/user fee exists for trail and water use. Cash or check only for onsite payment. There are drop boxes at the Bennett Springs and Timberview parking lots. The Marina is managed by staff. You may also purchase a pass online.
  • There are three entrances to the Cove:
  • The majority of trail users use the Bennett Springs or Timberview Road access points while water users start from the Marina access point which includes picnic tables, pay phone, restrooms, boat rentals, security personnel and lot parking.
  • The 600+ acre lake limits boats to 10HP engines or less. Learn more about boating regulations.
  • Boat rentals (cash or check only) include 14′ row boats, two-person paddle boats, four-person paddle boats, single-person kayaks (sit-on-top), two-person kayaks (sit-on-top). All rentals include lifejackets and paddles. Click here for rental rates.
  • Call 540-362-1757 for more details.
  • Download Master Carvins Cove Map.
  • Interactive map of Carvins Cove with elevation profiles
  • All organized recreation and/or events must be approved and scheduled with Roanoke Parks and Recreation.

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