Botetourt: Discover Mountains, Rivers, and History

Botetourt combines striking mountain landscapes, rivers, historic places, and diverse trails to create a destination with many different facets. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through Botetourt County; the region also provides access to the Appalachian Trail, the James River, and other impressive natural areas.

Mountains, Parkway, and Trails Through Nature

The differences in elevation clearly shape Botetourt’s character. Mountains such as Apple Orchard and Sugarloaf rise more than 4,000 feet above sea level, while the valley floors along the James River lie below 900 feet. The section of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the county includes Harvey’s Knob, the Appalachian Trail, and Apple Orchard Falls, among other sights. The Hay Rock overlook offers views of Virginia’s landscape.

Even shorter trails offer specific destinations for an outing. The Cherry Blossom Trail is 1.17 miles long, forms part of the Greenfield Trail System, and can be reached via Route 220 at International Parkway in Daleville. Cherry trees bloom there in spring; you may also spot deer, squirrels, geese, and native birds. At Boxley Fields, the 0.6-mile wooded Blue Ridge Springs Loop Trail provides an opportunity for exploration and exercise. A 0.1-mile spur from the Roaring Run Trail leads to a natural 30-foot waterfall.

Those seeking more challenging activities will find a trail system in Arcadia within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, with more than 60 miles of challenging singletrack trails as well as connections via forest and fire roads. Greenfield Recreation Park adds three trails, Botetourt’s own Honeybee Sanctuary, a disc golf course, and a large playground. These varied formats make it easier to combine day plans with different interests without making every stage of the trip feel the same.

James River and Upper James River Water Trail

The James River is an important part of the regional landscape. The Upper James River Water Trail covers the river’s first 64 miles, beginning in Botetourt County at the confluence of the Jackson River and Cowpasture River. The first 61 miles are designated as a Virginia Scenic River. Along the James River, there are access points for canoeing, small boats, and shoreline and wade fishing.

The river can also be explored from a historical perspective. The Buchanan Historic District encompasses areas on both sides of the James River. The Buchanan Swinging Bridge spans the river for 366 feet and stands 57.5 feet high; parts of the bridge date back to 1851. Crossing it offers views of the James River and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. A place to stay in Botetourt can therefore serve as a starting point for very different vacation days, from enjoying the landscape to exploring regional history.

Historic Places and Local Culture

Fincastle features architectural examples from American history dating from the late 18th century through the 21st century. The Botetourt County Courthouse was built between 1841 and 1848 in the Greek Revival style. At the Botetourt County Historical Society & Museum, you can see artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the county’s past. In Buchanan, a Downtown Walking Tour leads through the historic town and includes more than 30 stops.

Other notable examples include the Buchanan Theatre, built around 1917 as a place of entertainment and a social gathering spot. Its knotty-pine lobby, simple Art Deco seating area, and streamlined concession counter are part of one redesign, as well as another less extensive remodeling in the 1950s. Glencoe is a largely unaltered, two-story brick house completed in 1871–1872 for James Madison Spiller and Caroline Kyle Spiller.

Wine and Different Bases for Your Trip

The regional wine scene is also part of Botetourt’s profile. Virginia Mountain Vineyards is located in Fincastle on a 91-acre property between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains. Stoney Brook Vineyards and Winery is located in Troutville, a family-run farm winery on the historic Showalter Farm. It produces red, white, and rosé wines; the winery is part of the Botetourt Wine Trail.

For getting oriented within the county, Troutville is a destination in its own right. The town is designated as an A.T. Community and offers hikers free camping at the Town Park at any time. Depending on your preferred vacation focus, you can make historic places, the river landscape, wineries, or nature-oriented excursions a priority when searching for a vacation rental. What matters is which experiences you want to be able to reach most often during your stay.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

Find more destinations in the shared travel area at Falls Church, Essex County, Appomattox County, Salem, King William County, Isle Of Wight County, and Virginia Beach.

For the higher-level travel overview: Virginia.