Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail

The historic Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail offers a touch of local and national history, as well as a pleasant place to walk off lunch. Many wildflowers grow along the trail as well as an assortment of other brush.

A simple cinder trail winds along the edges of Mason Creek. This rails to trails form allows for quiet solitude away from the traffic. The trail is popular with walkers in the afternoon. Look for falling rock, historical markers, and flowers and berries.

Distance

• The loop trail is 1.7 miles long.

Hike It, Bike It

• There is gravel as well as road parts of the trail, with some opportunities to get off the trail.
• You should ideally begin the hike at Kessler Mill Rd. near Branch Dr. (Hanging Rock) and SR 311 in Salem, as that offers the best entrance point and parking.
• There is wheelchair access as well as mountain biking availability.

Directions/Parking

• From Roanoke, Take I-81S until you take exit 141 and turn left onto Rt. 419.
•  OR take exit 140 off I-81N and turn right onto Rt. 419 – Continue for less than 1/4 mile and turn right onto Dutch Oven Rd. The parking lot is immediately on the left.
• Parking is free and available at the access point.

Add-on Adventures

• Eat at The Homeplace, a restaurant that’s practically famous for Appalachian Trail hikers and residents. Located just north on Rt. 311, the white farmhouse restaurant offers great home cooking and an incredible atmosphere. Be sure to check the hours online to see if it is open beforehand.
• Hike McAfee Knob, just a short drive away in Catawba, for a look at the most photographed scenery on the entire Appalachian Trail.
• Drive down I-81S to Downtown Roanoke and grab fresh groceries, produce, or gifts at the historic Roanoke City Market, located next to the City Market Building.

• Directions
• Website
• Map