Hethwood Pond

The Hethwood Pond – Huckleberry Trail loop from Blacksburg is a fantastic option for an easy touring bicycle ride, offering a diverse and pleasant journey. You'll glide along mostly paved surfaces, passing through urban fringes, quiet rural landscapes, and forested sections. The route features the serene Hethwood Pond, complete with willow trees and gazebos, providing a lovely spot to pause and enjoy the scenery.

This 10.7-mile (17.2 km) loop has a gentle 470 feet (143 metres) of elevation gain, making it an accessible ride for all skill levels, typically taking about 1 hour and 1 minute. Multiple parking areas and trailheads are available, and you can even find share bike hubs from Roam NRV. No permits are needed, so you can simply show up and enjoy the ride.

Part of the extensive Huckleberry Trail system, this route connects you to a significant regional asset that was once a historic rail line. The trail's smooth, wide surface is a major draw for cyclists, and its connection to the larger 60-mile network of trails in the New River Valley makes it a great starting point for exploring more of the area's cycling opportunities.

The Hethwood Pond – Coal Mining Heritage Park loop from Price Mountain offers a diverse touring cycling experience, guiding you through serene natural settings and significant historical sites. You'll pedal along the paved Huckleberry Trail, winding through rural forests and farmland, before reaching the peaceful Hethwood Pond, a lovely spot for a rest. The route then delves into the Coal Mining Heritage Park, where dirt paths and wooden boardwalks lead you past remnants of the Merrimac mining community, providing a unique journey through both nature and history.

This moderate 18.1-mile (29.1 km) route, with an elevation gain of 944 feet (288 metres), typically takes about 1 hour and 48 minutes to complete. While much of the trail is paved and suitable for touring bikes, be ready for some unpaved sections within the Coal Mining Heritage Park that add to the adventure. No special permits are required, and the trail is generally accessible, making it a great option for a morning or afternoon ride.

What truly sets this route apart is its deep connection to the region's past; the Coal Mining Heritage Park preserves the history of the Merrimac mining community, which once supplied coal to power the ironclad Merrimac during the Civil War. Along the trail, you'll find historical markers and educational signage, offering insights into the area's industrial heritage. A portion of the Coal Mining Heritage Loop Trail is even ADA accessible, ensuring that more people can explore this fascinating historical site.

This extensive touring cycling loop, starting from the WUVT-FM Studio, offers a challenging ride through the varied landscapes surrounding Virginia Tech. You'll experience a journey that begins with the tranquil, paved paths around the popular Duck Pond, home to geese and the historic Solitude house, before venturing into more demanding sections with significant rolling hills and climbs. The route weaves through urban, agricultural, and forested areas, providing a diverse visual experience for the duration of your ride.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with the WUVT-FM Studio providing a convenient starting point on the Virginia Tech campus. While the immediate Duck Pond area is accessible for all skill levels, this particular loop is rated difficult, covering 33.9 miles (54.6 km) with 2254 feet (687 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes around 3 hours and 27 minutes. Be sure to check campus parking regulations and consider starting earlier in the day, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a smooth experience.

The Duck Pond is a central and beloved feature of the Virginia Tech campus, serving as a hub for connecting to the wider trail system, including the extensive Huckleberry Trail. This network is highly rated by the cycling community for its smooth, wide, and often paved surfaces, though this specific route incorporates more strenuous sections. The region itself, nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, offers a rich backdrop of mountainous terrain and scenic views, making this a comprehensive exploration of Blacksburg's cycling potential.