Angel’s Rest

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-foot climb before you can sprawl over a boulder enjoying the view of the New River. The Appalachian Trail continues to the crest of Angel’s Rest and follows along a rock ledge overhanging Wilburn Valley for spectacular views.

This hike is recommended for adults because of the vertical challenge, and is good training for other Appalachian Trail hikes.

Distance

• The entire hike is a 4.6 mile round trip.

Hike it

• The beginning of the trail is well marked with white blazes for the Appalachian Trail and blue blazes for both the Angels Rest Overlook and the spring-fed water source.
• 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.

Directions/Parking

• From Roanoke, Take I-81 S to US-460 W in Blacksburg (44.2 miles). Continue on US-460 W and take exit toward US-460 Bus E/Pearisburg/VA-100 S.
• Continue onto North Main Street for .3 miles. Turn right onto Johnston Avenue for .1 miles, and turn right onto Morris Ave (.1 miles). Continue onto Rt. 793/Cross Ave for 1.4 miles and turn left until Angels Rest Tower Rd.
• There is rough parking lot at the tower road (free).

Add-on Adventures

• Float the New River in many different locations throughout the surrounding area and enjoy all that the New River Valley has to offer.
• Angel’s Rest is fairly secluded, but it is not too far away from Blacksburg and Virginia Tech, where you can tour the region’s largest university and catch a sports game for whatever teams are in season. You can also enjoy the local fare in Blacksburg and enjoy a beer at a brewery in town.
• Check out Beliveau Estate Winery, located between Salem and Blacksburg, for a glass of wine or take a bottle home for later.

• Directions
• Map