Pandapas Pond & Poverty Creek Trails

The Poverty Creek Trail system (also known as Pandapas Pond) is a network of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, running, horseback riding, and mountain biking. There are more than 20 miles of trails of varying degrees of difficulty. By accessing the trails that branch off of Poverty Creek Trail you can easily spend an entire day on this trail system and not finish all the trails.

Poverty Creek Trail is the easiest of the trails in this system. It is a series of small ups and downs and is ideal for mountain bikers of all skill levels but especially great for those just getting into the sport. Think of Poverty Creek Trail as the “spine;” many trails branch off of Poverty Creek that are more challenging.

The trails are color coded:

• Green = Easier (all of the Poverty Creek Trail is green)
• Blue = Moderate
• Black = Difficult

Distance

• The Poverty Creek Trail 7.4 miles round trip and is marked with orange blazes. This is a level green trail, so it is not as rigorous as the other trails in the Poverty Creek Trail System.

Hike It, Bike It                  

• From the Upper Parking Lot follow the orange blazers to begin the Poverty Creek Trail.
• Poverty Creek Trail is the primary trail at Pandapas Pond.
• Caution: There are many “unauthorized” trails that have been created over the years. It is recommended that you only travel on trails that have signposts at their trailheads.
• It is likely that you will encounter other hikers or bikers; be friendly and say “hi” to people passing by and enjoying the outdoors.
• If a horseback rider is approaching, it is proper to step off the trail until the horse has passed by.
• The trail is ideal for biking as there are many upward and downward sloping portions.
• There are three small creaks along this trail.

Directions/Parking

From Roanoke – Take I-581 N and take Exit 1S to merge onto I-81 S toward Salem. Continue on I-81 until you reach Exit 118C-B-A. Take this exit to merge onto US-460 W. Drive 14 miles on 460 W. Keep left to stay on US-460 W and continue for an additional 3 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Rd 808. Turn left to stay on Forest Service Rd and the destination will be on your left.

• 540-552-4641
• Directions
• Map