Tucked into the foothills where the New River winds through dramatic mountain landscapes, a small Virginia town offers the perfect antidote for tourists seeking to escape overcrowded destinations. Established in 1806, Pearisburg sits at the heart of Virginia's natural playground with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge area. Located at the foot of Pearis Mountain, which rises to 3,700 feet southwest of town, Pearisburg serves as a gateway to both the Appalachian Trail and the New River, combining small-town
charm with outdoor recreation.
Apart from the many surrounding scenic trails, you can also explore local art installations, such as the River Sculpture Walking Trail. Or, enjoy boating on the New River, and at the end of a long day, unwind and relish the atmosphere at family-owned restaurants and inns that embody Pearisburg's welcoming hospitality. Overall, the charming town's quiet harmony with its serene surroundings can create the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for your next trip, just an hour from Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport and three hours away from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
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Angels Rest And The Best Hikes In Pearisburg
Angels Rest stands as Pearisburg's crown jewel hiking experience. The Appalachian Trail section climbs steeply — gaining 1,900 feet of elevation in 2.4 miles—before opening to stunning viewpoints showcasing the New River Valley, the historic town of Pearisburg, and layer upon layer of Blue Ridge Mountains. Arguably, it belongs among the 14 most breathtaking parks on the East Coast. The trail rewards hikers with two overlooks: Angels Rest itself and the Wilburn Valley Overlook.
The trailhead is easily accessible from downtown Pearisburg via Morris Avenue, with limited roadside parking where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road. Generally considered challenging, the hike takes an average of two to three hours to complete, with the trail open year-round. The blue-blazed Angels Rest Trail leads through a rhododendron grove to View Rock, where hikers can scramble atop for sweeping views of Peters Mountain, Butt Mountain, and Bald Knob.
However, the adventure doesn't end at Angels Rest! Savvy hikers can continue an extra 0.6 miles south along the Appalachian Trail to reach the Wilburn Valley Overlook, where the sprawling view of the valley awaits. Most visitors would agree that the second viewpoint offers the hike's most gratifying vistas and provides additional space to rest and take in the uninterrupted tranquility. The trail welcomes dogs and remains open to the public year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
Pearisburg's Cascade Falls And Top-Rated Stays
While Angels Rest commands the attention of adventurous hikers, Pearisburg's enviable perch in Virginia's Blue Ridge unlocks outdoor experiences for every kind of nature lover — ensuring that the adventure extends far beyond a single summit. Just a scenic 15-minute drive west in Pembroke, Cascade Falls ranks among Virginia's most breathtaking views. Here, a 69-foot torrent plunges into a pristine, emerald pool sheltered by 200-foot sheer cliffs.
A moderate 4-mile round-trip hike — ideal for most families — winds through the lush Jefferson National Forest, leading to wooden viewing platforms and broad stone steps where you can feel the spray and photograph the spectacle up close. For a modest $3 day-use fee (at the time of this writing), visitors of all ages can encounter the falls at their own pace, enjoying a gentler outing than the steep climb up Angels Rest.
Accommodations around Pearisburg suit every taste, from rustic authenticity to relaxed indulgence. Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke delivers Hollywood allure as the iconic "Dirty Dancing" filming location. Its nostalgic charm shines each August during the Dirty Dancing Days Summer Festival, drawing fans from everywhere to relive movie magic in mountain style. For unmatched intimacy, Lilly Valley Inn crowns the region's hospitality scene. This European-inspired hideaway overlooks the New River with private suites, gourmet breakfasts showcasing local flavors, and a veranda with massage chairs and curated wine selections.
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