Mountain Lake Conservancy | Recreation

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Spectacular Overlooks:

Bald Knob:
Views southwest of New River Valley
Low technical difficulty, steady fire road hike

Bear Cliffs:
Technically difficult, rewarding views of eastward of Blacksburg and Roanoke

Old Club House:
Gentle hike across old golf course, views from southward facing cliffs toward Radford

Wind Rock:
Hike part of the AT, amazing views north and west into West Virginia

War Spur:
An popular loop hike with stunning northeastern views

Butt Mountain Overlook:
Easy access from road, nice views towards Angel's Rest and Pearisburg

Barney's Wall:
Take the Conservancy Trail down from Butt Mountain Road for a vertigo inducing overlook.

Upper Cascades Connector: coming soon!
Soon to be accessible from the old golf course, this trail will also access the upper Cascades

Come by the Conservancy Visitor's Center for more info and directions!

Wind Rocks

Recreation: Hiking

Trail Access
Parking for hikers is now available at our new Trail Access parking lot, 9/10ths of a mile past the Mountain Lake Hotel on your right. There you will find a new kiosk with a trail map and other information.

A $3 per car donation may be made using the feeder tube beside the kiosk, or you may purchase a yearly Trail Access sticker for $30 from the MLC Visitor's Center, East Coasters Bike Shop in Blacksburg, or Tangent Outdoors in Pembroke.

Please note:
No pets are allowed on Conservancy property. This is for the well-being of you and your pet and to protect our wildlife.

Mountain Lake Conservancy Guided Trail Hikes

Regularly scheduled half day
Tailored to your level of enthusiasm
Free for hotel guests and kids
$5 for adults - not staying with us

Naturalist Walks

Programs vary from week to week
Free for hotel guests and kids
$5 for adults - not staying with us
Check our Community Calendar to see up to date schedule

Picnic Hikes

10 minute shuttle to local section of the Appalachian Trail
Short hike to scenic Wind Rock or War Spur
Free for hotel guests
Bring a box lunch and enjoy a picnic with a view

Bird Watching

Join expert ornithologists Jerry Via and Bill Akers
Learn about species particular to Mountain Lake
See songbirds, Dark-eyed Juncos, Scarlet Tanagers, Warblers, & Finches
Listen for and observe the Red-Tailed Hawks
Free for hotel guests and kids
$5 for adults - not staying with us
Check our Community Calendar to see up to date schedule

Climbing Course

Led by professional guides from Montgomery County Parks and Recreation.
Local trips to our awe inspiring rock faces overlooking the New River
They will ‘put you on belay’ and allow you to reach heights you’ve never dreamed

This introductory course will teach you about safety, care of equipment, uses of the equipment, and techniques of climbing. Pack your lunch and spend a day experiencing the outdoors. The course includes instruction, equipment including 5.10 Climbing shoes and transportation. Although this is an introductory course, it can be custom modified to fit your needs and skill levels. Registration & payment are required in advance of your visit. $35 per person

Caving Trips

Professional guides from Montgomery County Parks and Recreation
Local trips to our incredible local caverns throughout the season.
They will equip you to crawl into the unknown to discover magnificent formations deep underground.

Participants will learn about cave formation, preservation, exploration, and ecology within the wild cave. Wild caves are caves that are not commercialized for the public. We will inspect underground life such as local species of bats and invertebrates. Participants will be provided with caving gear. AGES: 10 & up (Must be at least 4’10”)

This is a technical cave trip which requires some physical exertion such as climbing over obstacles and pulling oneself up and over rock formations. Registration & payment are required in advance of your visit. $35 per person.