Nature
Duck Pond
A perfect place to picnic, the duck pond has picnic tables, park benches and a gazebo. It is located next to the Solitude House, Virginia Tech's oldest building, and it marks the site of the Draper Meadow Settlement and massacre of 1755.
Cascade Falls Trailhead
This highly scenic, 4-mile round-trip trail meanders along a shaded mountain creek to a 66-foot waterfall within Jefferson National Forest. Hike is low to moderate difficulty. Picnicking area is at the beginning of the trail. Native trout fishing available in the Little Stony Creek. Accessible restrooms at the trailhead. Picnic area. Water hydrant for filling water bottles available in the recreation area.
Trail is only for hiking; No bicycles or horses permitted.
Lat: 37.3536
Lon: -80.5997
Elevation: 2200-2900'
There is a $3.00 per vehicle parking fee. The parking area is open from sunrise to sunset only--no overnight parking.
Directions: From Pembroke, turn right on VA 623 (Cascades Drive). Follow for approximately 4 miles; road ends at the recreation area.
Heritage Community Park and Natural Area
Vast expanse of forest & meadow with a creek, picnic shelters & trails for hiking or biking.
Dragon's Tooth Trail
Just a short 45 minute drive from Virginia Tech, this scenic and tough hike is apart of the Appalachian Trail. The 4.6 Mile Round Trip Hike offers is a unique rock formation that rises dramatically from the Appalachian Trail. Its jagged, tooth-like appearance gives the trail its name and provides hikers with an exhilarating destination at the end of their journey.
The trail features a series of rocky scrambles, making it a thrilling adventure for those looking to push their hiking skills to the next level.