Falls Ridge Preserve Hike

Falls Ridge Preserve - Blacksburg, VA


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Length	Difficulty	Streams	Views	Solitude	Camping
3.3 mls			N/A		N/A
Hiking Time: Elev. Gain: Resources:	1 hour and 30 minutes with 10 minutes of breaks 610 ft Topo Hike Trails Map (PDF) Blacksburg VA Weather Forecast Garmin (GDB), Gaia/Trails App (GPX) (What's this?)
From:	Park at the end of North Fork Rd. at the preserve. 37.194892, -80.323465 NOTE: These coordinates are where Google Maps marks the end of North Fork Rd. Continue on the gravel road to the Falls Ridge Preserve Parking area.

By Trail Contributor: Zach Robbins

Falls Ridge Preserve is located in the North Fork Roanoke River Valley close to Blacksburg, VA. This small preserve is held by The Nature Conservancy and protects a spring-fed travertine waterfall. Travertine describes limestone created by the build-up of spring water with high mineral concentrations. Over thousands of years the rocks grow in size, calcifying plants and other organic materials in the process. This waterfall was formed by the process, and has an interesting array of bulbous rocks at each cascade. It is clearly evident where moss and plants have calcified because there are many shades of green streaks in the rocks. The total height of the cascades is roughly 50-60 feet high and the upper cascades are particularly delightful. You can also add some mileage by taking the Chamberlain Trail loop along the ridges above the valley. On the way back be sure to check out the caves at the base of the limestone cliffs, another feature of travertine formations.

Finding the parking lot – The road to the parking lot is hidden behind the railroad tracks and is easy to miss because the end of North Fork Rd. road isn’t shown on Google Maps. When you cross the railroad tracks you need to make an immediate left turn on gravel North Fork Rd., and continue to its end and parking area for the Falls Ridge Preserve.

Mile 0.0 – From the parking area follow the access trail through the field.
Mile 0.25 – Reach the Bradley Trail loop (silver blaze) and turn right heading to the waterfall.
Mile 0.3 – Stairs on the left lead down to an overlook for the base of the travertine waterfall. The primary flow is on the right side while travertine buildup is more evident on the left side of the falls.

Mile 0.5 – The Bradley Trail crosses a bridge above the main waterfall with beautiful, colorful cascades upstream. The color of the water and the rock formations are striking.
Mile 0.6 – Trail curves left with a side trail continuing straight to private property.
Mile 0.65 – After descending a set of stairs turn right at a Y-junction with the Chamberlain Trail (red blaze). The Chamberlain Trail ascends an unnamed knob above the valley through mixed pine and hardwood forests.
Mile 1.5 – Turn right at the Y-junction for the upper Chamberlain Trail loop.
Mile 2.8 – Return to the parking area by turning right on the Bradley Trail, passing by limestone cliffs with caves before crossing a footbridge to finish the Bradley Trail loop.
Mile 3.3 – Hike ends at the parking lot.

Early January

Video

Falls Ridge Preserve Hike Comments

Archived Comments

By: PEXPED	Rating:	Date of Hike: Sunday, January 29, 2017
I'm Paul Daigneault with the PEXPED (Paul Expeditions) YouTube channel. Me and my team decided to hike Falls Ridge for our latest video. This is a great short hike. There are aplenty of great little spots to enjoy, from the limestone caves and outcroppings to an abandon brick furnace, or what I believe was a furnace! At this time of year, it was pretty cold and the rock cold as well, so be prepared to dress warm and wear gloves if exploring the rocks. Be safe around the cliff-face, while we were there multiple rocks fell from above and almost hit us in the head, so be safe. Overall, this is a great little hike for the whole family. If you don't want to do the whole hike, it's only about a 10 min walk to the caves! Enjoy!