Pearisburg is a town in Virginia, situated within the Appalachian region and serving as the county seat of Giles County. The area is characterized by its mountainous terrain, including Pearis Mountain, and the presence of the New River, one of the world's oldest rivers. This diverse geography provides a setting for several outdoor sports, including hiking and cycling. The Jefferson National Forest also encompasses a significant portion of the surrounding land, offering extensive natural areas.
5
Routes
17
People visited

7
hikers
4.22km
01:25
360m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
3.32km
01:22
440m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
4.52km
01:39
450m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

7.94km
02:39
400m
400m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Pearisburg offers a range of outdoor activities, primarily focusing on hiking and water sports. The area features sections of the Appalachian Trail, the New River for kayaking and canoeing, and extensive areas within the Jefferson National Forest. Komoot lists routes for hiking and road cycling.
Pearisburg is known for its access to the Appalachian Trail. A prominent hike is Angels Rest, which offers panoramic views of the New River Valley. Another popular destination is Cascade Falls, a 4-mile (6.4 km) round-trip hike to a 69-foot waterfall.
While Angels Rest is challenging, the 4-mile (6.4 km) round-trip hike to Cascade Falls is generally considered accessible. Whitt Riverbend Park also provides walking trails along the New River. For more options, consult the Hiking around Pearisburg guide.
Many trails in the Jefferson National Forest and sections of the Appalachian Trail generally permit dogs, often requiring them to be on a leash. Visitors should verify specific regulations for each trail or park before bringing pets.
Angels Rest is a challenging hike on the Appalachian Trail near Pearisburg, leading to panoramic overlooks of the New River Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail features significant elevation gain and passes through diverse forest. The total length of the hike can vary depending on the starting point, but it is considered a substantial day hike.
The New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, meanders through Pearisburg and is a prominent natural feature. It offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and tubing. The river is also considered one of Virginia's best fishing rivers, with various freshwater game fish.
Komoot provides a dedicated guide for hiking in the area. This guide offers detailed information on various routes, including descriptions and maps. Explore the Hiking around Pearisburg guide for more details.
Komoot currently lists 2 routes in the Pearisburg region. These routes cover sports such as hiking and road cycling. More than 20 visitors have explored the area using komoot.
Cascade Falls is a magnificent 69-foot waterfall located about a 15-minute drive from Pearisburg. The 4-mile (6.4 km) round-trip hike to the falls follows Little Stony Creek through a picturesque forest. It is a popular scenic destination.
Most day hikes in the Jefferson National Forest and on the Appalachian Trail near Pearisburg do not require specific permits. However, visitors planning overnight stays or using certain designated areas should check with the U.S. Forest Service for any applicable regulations or fees.
The official website for the town of Pearisburg is www.pearisburg.org. This site provides general information about the town and its services.
Giles County, where Pearisburg is situated, encompasses 92.4 square miles of the Jefferson National Forest. This vast area provides extensive opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, contributing significantly to the region's outdoor recreational landscape.

