Hike to Bald Knob
Details
Distance
1 miles
Elevation Gain
403 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Elyse Clark
Bald Knob offers stunning views of the New River Valley and perfect sunset photo opportunities. There is also a large rocky outcrop to explore.
Unobstructed views with little hiking effort make Bald Knob one of the best locations to see the sunset in southwestern Virginia.
Easy to access from US-460 in Giles County, take Mountain Lake Road (VA-700) for 7 miles and park in the gravel lot on the left by the intersection of VA-613 and Mountain Lake Outfitters. Cross VA-700 and begin your hike up the gravel road. After 0.1 miles turn right onto the well-marked "Bald Knob" Trail. This trail is a direct and very steep ascent of 403' in 0.4 miles. You will emerge from the woods onto the rocky summit of Salt Pond Mountain (4365') with views of the New River Valley and West Virginia.
Bald Knob faces southwest, so find a perch and watch the sunset over the mountains directly in front of you. For the 0.5 miles back to the car simply follow the Bald Knob trail back down and turn left on the gravel road.
For an added bonus, you can also explore Mountain Lake, where the movie "Dirty Dancing" was filmed during the 1980's, which is easily accessible from the Bald Knob parking lot.
Know for
Nearby
🌎
Local adventures
Find hikes, backpacking, photo spots, and more around Pembroke.
🏕
Nearby lodging
Search campgrounds, glamping, and hotels near Pembroke.
Reviews
Leave a Review
A quick hike, great views for sunset
This hike is steep, but it is so short that you are there before you thought possible. There is lots of space to sit and watch the sun go down over the opposing mountains. The wind can move up there so if you plan to stick around bring another layer. An easy hike, an incredible view, wonderful for after work or a quick hike to take advantage of unexpected great weather.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
