Hike through Falls Ridge Preserve
Christiansburg, Virginia
Details
Distance
1 miles
Elevation Gain
100 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Elyse Clark
Temporarily Closed! Easily accessible from Blacksburg, VA and I-81, this small preserve has both a 60 foot waterfall, caves to explore, a small loop trail, and an abundance of wildflowers in the spring/summer months.
As of January 27th, 2022, Falls Ridge Preserve is closed until further notice. Learn more on the Nature Conservancy website.
Dogs are not allowed on this preserve, so please do not bring a dog along.
From the parking lot walk through the mowed field until you reach the woods. You will intersect a small loop trail (Bradley Trail). Turn right on this trail and shortly you will see the spring-fed travertine (Calcium-rich deposits) waterfall.
Continue up the trail which curves left around the side of the falls. On the right side of the trail here wildflowers are abundant in the spring. You will cross a small bridge over the stream and loop around through the forest.
The loop will curve around the travertine deposits and there are a few openings to explore these "mini caves". The loop trail will cross a bridge over the stream one more time, then turn right to walk back through the mowed field to your car.
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Hike through Falls Ridge Preserve Reviews
This was an enjoyable hike, I highly recommend NOT exploring any of the caves because after doing the hike I found that the preserve is known to have sinkholes underneath part of the property (see nature.org). I don't think I will go back again for that reason and I'll point out there is not signage on the property that says so which doesn't seem right to me.
1.0
I hiked this last year and just now reviewing it. Very awesome hike, highly recommend - great for photo shoots!
5.0
I recently visited Blacksburg, VA and hiked this Preserve with several friends of various fitness levels. It was terrific! We hiked both the Red Trail and Silver Trail as they conveniently connect. Very beautiful and not crowded at all. We explored some incredible caves and took our time. If I am ever in the area again, I would definitely go back.
4.0
This trail requires hardly any skill. If you can walk, you can complete the trail. The loop around the mountain offers very little scenery, at least picture wise. The falls are soft and subtle and the caves are very cool. Great for the whole family.
5.0
Easy access from parking lot, just 20 minutes or so from VT campus. Lots of rock and water to explore.
5.0
Minimal walking to get to the falls, definitely worth to check out if you haven't visited. The caves Elyse talks about are pretty sweet to explore and crawl around in too! Will definitely be back to see some wild flowers in the coming months.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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