Grassy Hill is a prominent landmark on the west side of Rocky Mount. This preserved parcel of the Virginia natural heritage program offers a pair of loops that run atop Grassy Hill, with oak and […]

Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve

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Grassy Hill is a prominent landmark on the west side of Rocky Mount.

This preserved parcel of the Virginia natural heritage program offers a pair of loops that run atop Grassy Hill, with oak and hickory forests (which are colorful in the fall) and rocky slopes. Three overlooks provide views of Rocky Mount and the area below.

Shallow, basic, heavy-clay soils predominate, and outcrops of magnesium-rich bedrock are common. These unusual soil and rock substrates provide habitat for rare woodland communities. Several rare plants grow in small grassy openings near the hill’s summit.

In the late 1990s, the 1,295-acre preserve was added to the Virginia natural heritage program. The views attract hikers along the three-mile ridge that forms Grassy Hill.

The trail includes 6.6 miles of hiking trails with signage. Parking for trail users is adjacent to the preserve. Note that from time to time part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection, deer management or prescribed burning activities. Please call before making travel plans.

Distance

  • 6.6 miles, two trail loops

Hike It, Bike It

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • The hike starts at the base in Rocky Mount and ascends to the ridgeline. There are two trail loops that scale across the ridge top and ridgeline.
  • Plan at least 3.5 hours to embark on the hike.
  • The trailhead is about 500 feet NE of the YMCA. Visitors can park at the YMCA or The Gereau Center for Applied Technology and Career Exploration (after school hours only).
  • Trails are maintained thoroughly and include sets of rocky steps to help the climb.

Directions/Parking

From Roanoke – Take US-220 E towards Rocky Mount, and then take Business Rt. 220 into town. After the first stop light, turn right onto Technology Dr. Go 0.1 miles and the trailhead kiosk will be located on the right.

Add-On Adventure

  • After exploring these trails, stop at Hammer & Forge Brewing to taste a variety of craft beer. Check out their signature IPAs and more. Click here for more information.
  • Bring a bathing suit and go for a swim at the Smith Mountain Lake Community Park ($2 for adults; children 3 and under are free).

Resources

Nearby Breweries

  • Hammer & Forge Brewing Co. Expand Collapse

    Hammer & Forge Brewing Company exists as a celebration of the hard workers in every industry! The company brews each beer to honor the dedication of everyday hard working people; individuals who see each new day as an opportunity to improve themselves and the world around them.

    Life is not about the end goal; life is an adventure meant to be enjoyed with the people you love by learning new things and experiencing new places. Our journey just happens to include making great beer!

    Open Thursday through Saturday.

Nearby Wineries

  • Brooks Mill Winery Expand Collapse

    Brooks Mill Winery is a small farm fruit winery operated by H.T. and Rhonda Page near SMith Mountain Lake in Franklin County, Virginia. We have been making fruit wine as a hobby for more than 16 years.

    From dry dinner wines to sweet dessert wines, Brooks Mill has a wine for you. The winery also has several award-winning wines, including the popular Blackberry (Fingerlakes Wine Competition bronze medal), Blueberry (Fingerlakes Wine Competition gold medal), and Pear dessert wine (Fingerlakes Wine Competition bronze medal).

    The winery also grows blueberries, pears, apples, peaches, and cherries.

    The tasting room is open Thursday through Monday from March to December; call for hours the rest of the year.

Nearby Food

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