Forming the headwaters of the Roanoke River, Bottom Creek Gorge boasts spectacular scenery: the second highest waterfall in Virginia, virgin hemlocks and hundreds of wildflowers.
Bottom Creek is a powerful mountain stream that forms a stair-step series of broad-basin waterfalls known as the “kettles.” One of the headwater streams of the South Fork of the Roanoke River, Bottom Creek boasts a 200-foot high waterfall. Flanking Bottom Creek are forests of mixed hardwoods (tulip poplar, maple, oak, hickory) and upland meadows. Five rare species thrive in this habitat.
8.1 Miles
This is a garmin connect link for the trails
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/250261530
Trails are well marked and color coded (blue, yellow, and red)
No dogs (not even on leash)
Location: From I-81, take exit #141, Route 419 south, to Salem. Go south on Route 419 for about eight miles to Route 221 at Cave Spring. Take winding Route 221 south for 13.8 miles to Route 644. You will pass through the town of Bent Mountain, then pass an entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway on your left. About 0.6 miles past the Parkway entrance, turn right on Route 644. After 1.1 miles, the road forks. Stay to the right on Route 669. Continue straight on Route 669. DO NOT turn right on Bottom Creek Road. After 1.5 miles, you will come to a “Y” intersection. Bear slightly right, staying on Route 669. Soon you will be driving alongside Bottom Creek on your left. After 1.3 miles, you will cross a small bridge. Look for the Preserve sign on your left. Turn left at the sign and go up the gravel driveway to the gate. Park on the side of the road at the gate. Walk about half a mile up the gravel road to the trailheads where you will find another sign and trail maps.