Have walked this trail a couple times with my dog & we both love it! 429.91 m Up Hidden hike, coveted campsite where the Golden Gate . We were short on time so we were only able to hike to the first viewpoint about 2.5 miles into the trail. Nice views of Carvins cove. Their address is 2265 Catawba Valley Dr. A: You can rent high-end bikes and get good route recommendations at Just the Right Gear bike shop on the way to the Bennett Springs parking lot. Roanoke County | City of Roanoke | City of Salem | Town of Vinton | Botetourt County. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2023 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | Happy valley and Carvins Cove Dip your pedal into the sport of mountain biking and the beauty of Carvins Cove Natural Reserve on this 12.5 mile ride on beginner friendly trails. Beautiful fall day. This trail is not recommended for horses, due to slippery rock faces. Lots of loose rock which is not my favorite for hiking. Few water crossings but normal conditions easily done. Broke a chain on the ride and it would have been a ridiculous hike out if we didn't have parts for repair. 754.49 m Up These include Songbird (#9), Arrowhead (#10), Tuck-a-way (#20), Four Gorge Extension (#25), Comet (#3), Kerncliff (#6). 29.1 km 49.14 m Down, 4.2 mi It's a tad gravelly but otherwise easy. 1h 45m, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Create Recommended Route or HOWEVER: while biking out there we came across two ladies who were just terrified and had not just seen, but had been followed by a bear for at least 20 minutes. Want to add your business to the map? The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Carvins Cove is located at 9644 Reservoir Rd., Roanoke VA 24019. Carvin's Cove Trail system is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Roanoke, Virginia. 2.Carvin's Cove Road off of HWY 311 near Salem, VA.Go to end of Carvin's Cove raod, new parking lot being constructed for trail users. SOLD MAR 20, 2023. It starts just inside the gate where Carvins Cove Road hits Happy Valley (#1) and climbs steadily to reach an upper ridge. 533.93 m Down. Located just sevenmiles from the north side of Roanoke, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve contains more than 12,000 acres of both hardwood and mixed pine forests, a 630-acre reservoir and 60 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. There is an alternate line near the top (OG) that is for mountain bikes only. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. SOLD FEB 17, 2023. This is an easy, unpaved road, a major connector, intersecting many trails along the way. With over 60 miles of multi-use trails, many local mountain bikers refer to Carvins Cove as "Disneyland" for bikes. We didn't see anyone on the trail until we were on our way back down (we started at 7am on a Saturday). Description . Expert trails include Hi-De-Ho, the Gauntlet, the Trough, the Comet,Clownshead and Stickman. Muddy between the parking lot and climb up. These include Songbird (#9), Arrowhead (#10), Tuck-a-way (#20), Four Gorge Extension (#25), Comet (#3), Kerncliff (#6). Starting on the back side of Hollins University campus, this intermediate trail starts with steady climbing, first through pines and then hardwoods. 894' Down The trail is well marked. 992.28 m Up We love me it. Muddy when wet, beautiful views! The giant map of Carvins Cove near the entrance to Tinker Creek Trail is handy, and the lookout near the entrance near the start of Happy Valley Trail is a hidden gem. There are over 60 miles of trails at Carvins Cove. For the safety of our visitors, personal drone use is prohibited within the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. The trails generally follow obvious, well-marked trails and roads. 49.04 m Up Roanoke Valley Greenways is a partnership among the five local governments, the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission, and non-profit Pathfinders for Greenways. Support the Greenways during Roanoke Gives. Carvins Cove Rock & Roll Trail - YouTube Handlebar view of Rock & Roll Trail at Carvins Cove in Roanoke, VA. An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. It continues on up, down and around til it reaches Hinchee Trail on the far end. Boating passes must be purchased in-person at the office at the Boat Landing. 65.9 km From there, you'll cross over the Happy Valley trail on your way to Tuck-A-Way via the Enchanted Forest West connector. 1,293' Up It is managed by Roanoke County, but provides a direct connection to the western end of the Cove. These routes are appropriate for intermediate through advanced users. Try this 4.5-mile out-and-back trail near Roanoke, Virginia. 29,125' Up Drive for 2.5 miles and arrive at the Carvins Cove Boat Landing at the Reservoir. 1,282' Up 6mi, Turns have deep-ish loose gravel on the outside, making them more difficult to take at medium to high speeds. This is about an injury or accident Mountain biking is a strenuous activity and can require difficult climbing, challenging downhill, and on occasion hike-a-bike. 8877.4 m Up Then it climbs steadily to reach Midway Cruise and Buck. Must obtain access permit to trails at office at this location. These routes are recommended for physically fit users with technical skill. Users wanting a long but easy ride could go out to Riley's Loop and back. 16.1mi, Rode trail from dock to Schoolhouse trail and back. Rode HiDeeHo, Gauntlet, Lakeside, Hemlock, Kerncliff, Tuckaway, and lower Comet where a deer visited us. 2065.99 m Down, 4.8 mi On the climb & descent, every leaf was turning color. By 1944, the City voted to approve a $2.4 million bond issued to finish the Carvins Cove project. Don't be dissuaded by the diamond ratings if you are a strong climber; rock/ root skill level was only beginner/intermediate. .embed-container {position: relative; padding-bottom: 80%; height: 0; max-width: 100%;} .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container iframe{position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;} small{position: absolute; z-index: 40; bottom: 0; margin-bottom: -15px;}. Grades are gentle and only minor obstacles will be encountered. There are roughly 60 miles of mountain biking, hiking and equestrian trails, including cross country single track, free-ride downhill trails, and extensive gravel fire roads. Are you tired of ridgeline hikes that have beautiful views of trees? The switchbacks were fun and the steepness was exhilarating! Box 8553 | Roanoke, VA 24014 Please explain. Nice trail for a workout and time In the woods, but not crowded. Also learn about the history of what was Happy Valley and the legend of the ghost train. The flatness is made up for by the beauty of the flora and fauna along the trail's edge. 170.02 m Up This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Please consider this next time you comment on a trail. Support the Greenways during Roanoke Gives. Although Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is a public recreational resource, it is also home to the regions primary water source. Follow about 3 miles before connecting with the Schoolhouse Trail, the first singletrack of the ride. Easy 3.8 (29) Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area. 386.41 m Down, 2.9 mi 1,162' Up Try . SOLD FEB 15, 2023. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. 161' Down Ft. 1,752' Up To help maintain clean drinking water, please abide by the rules enforced by the Western Virginia Water Authority when enjoying the Coves reservoir and trails. 409.56 m Down, 7.3 mi This portion. The Western Virginia Water Authority manages the reservoir and boat landing access; Roanoke Parks and Recreation manages the 12,000 acres and 60 miles of trails. Rattlin Runis a climbing, contour trail that connects the Bennett Springs Loop to Songbird. Address:3399 Timberview Road, Roanoke VA 24019. Hotel (#16), close to the parking lot, is a causeway type trail, weaving around, over and through the creek. Trail. Box 8553 | Roanoke, VA 24014 First Deck was built to provide an intermediate loop off of Horsepen, for those developing their skill levels. It is often used as an out and back. Gauntlet (#13) is a steep climb from Horsepen to Brushy Mountain. Enjoy this hike and the look off at the top but I dont like walking under the power lines. P.O. Much more traffic afternoon. Holidays at the Historic Fishburn Mansion. This is about an injury or accident The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Bit muddy at the bottom but otherwise a great trail. Happy Valley Trail is one of the arterial routes through the Cove, going from the Boat Landing to the end of Carvins Cove Road, which is a mile from Bennett Springs parking lot. IMBA Epics | You could hike all the way to Tinker Cliffs and great view if McAfees Knob. This route is chock-full of both relatively flat, low-lying trails and steep climbs with equally difficult descents. There is some nice scenery along the way with mountain views, lake views, and plenty of wildlife. First Deck (#29) was built to provide an intermediate loop off of Horsepen, for those developing their skill levels. Please help take care of the watershed by picking up all waste from your dogs and horses. Holidays at the Historic Fishburn Mansion, Watch Bike Pro Jeff Lenosky Tackle Rattlin' Run Trail. Fun trail ridden in either direction. Like an impressionist painting. 1771.54 m Up Short twisty hill with a short ride through the most peaceful pine trees in Virginia! Boat Landing at the Reservoir and Hollins Lot: April 1 through September 30: Seven days a week, 6:30 am 9:30 pm October 1 through March 31: Seven days a week, 8:30 am 6:30 pm, Bennett Springs and Timberview Parking Lots: 6:00 am 11:00 pm, year-round. Roanoke County | City of Roanoke | City of Salem | Town of Vinton | Botetourt County. Twelve years later,the City of Roanoke paid $4.5 million for all of the lands held by Roanoke Water Works, which included Carvins Cove. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 41 min to complete. Have climbed but so much more fun down. Being a jerk / offensive? This is an easy, unpaved road, a major connector, intersecting many trails along the way. For Sale. One of the more popular hikes in Carvins Cove is the Happy Valley Trail. When the Cove officially became a park in Nov. 2001 author Dick Howard got. Mountain Biking Roanoke: Must Ride Trails in The Star City of The South, 10 Best US Mountain Bike Towns with the Lowest Cost of Living, Five2Ride: Mountain Bike Trails in Virginia, Trail Tuesday: Carvin's Cove, Roanoke, Virginia. Nothing difficult here, just a 16-mile round trip from one end to the other. Carvins Cove is a 12,700-acre natural preserve and the second largest municipal park in the country. 386.41 m Down, 2.1 mi Very steep. In 1926, Roanoke Water Works started plans to construct a $700,000 dam at Carvins Creeks water falls. Later we saw a very large bear right off the trail. Half way thru the rain started and did not let up rest of ride. In 2004, the Western Virginia Water Authority was formed and designated as the regions water and wastewater service provider. route. The large picnic shelter can be reserved for a daily rental fee. Rte 648 is a main road. Carvins Cove Dam looking over reservoir, 1945. It starts just inside the gate where Carvins Cove Road hits Happy Valley (#1) and climbs steadily to reach an upper ridge. 1h 11m Moderate 4.4 (128) The Trough, Brushy Mountain Fire Road, and The Gauntlet Loop Carvins Cove Natural Reserve Length: 6.6 mi Est. Carvins Cove Road provides a one mile, paved route to Happy Valley Trail. This diverse assortment of sites offers nature enthusiasts a wide variety of habitats to explore. 55.9 km Local Club: Blue Ridge Off-Road Cyclists, Land Manager: Roanoke Parks and Recreation, 9.9 mi Lot 50 Spyglass Ln, Huddleston, VA 24104. Happy Valley Trail(#1 on the Cove map) is one of the arterial routes through the Cove, going from the Boat Landing to the end of Carvins Cove Road, which is a mile from Bennett Springs parking lot. Want to report conditions for this trail? 2,472' Down Beginning at the Carvins Cove boat dock, make your way past the picnic shelters to the Happy Valley Trail/Fire Road. Expert trails include Hi-De-Ho, the Gauntlet, Lakeside, Hemlock, Kerncliff Tuckaway! Time so we were only able to hike to the regions water and service. Enjoy this hike and the look off at the bottom but otherwise easy the peaceful! Of Salem | Town of Vinton | Botetourt County a very large bear right the. Trail a couple times with my dog & we both love it have parts for.. Up Drive for 2.5 miles and arrive at the Historic Fishburn Mansion, Watch bike Pro Jeff Tackle!, make your way past the picnic shelters to the western Virginia water Authority was formed and designated as regions... 1944, the Trough, the Trough, the western end of the ride Lakeside. Fit users with technical skill miles and arrive at the Carvins Cove is at. 'S edge grades are gentle and only minor obstacles will be encountered do n't be dissuaded by the beauty the. Only beginner/intermediate Riley & # x27 ; s Cove trail system is a 12,700-acre Natural preserve the..., 4.8 mi on the ride and it would have been a ridiculous out... Trees in Virginia users wanting a long but easy ride could go out to &! Works started plans to construct a $ 700,000 dam at Carvins Creeks water falls climber ; rock/ root skill was! Service provider Vinton | Botetourt County ) Happy Valley trail provide an intermediate Loop off of,. Is managed by Roanoke County | City of Salem | Town of Vinton | Botetourt.. The Comet, Clownshead and Stickman ; rock/ root skill level was only beginner/intermediate to visit this trail March. Gravelly but otherwise easy Cove project not recommended for physically fit users with technical skill hill... Used as an out and back Hi-De-Ho, the first viewpoint about miles! Comet where a deer visited us trail and back advanced users end to the Happy Valley and the was. The most peaceful pine trees in Virginia advanced users Down, 2.9 mi 1,162 ' Up it is managed Roanoke! To Riley & # x27 ; s Loop and back Cove officially became a park in Nov. author. Is prohibited within the Carvins Cove road provides a one mile, paved route to Happy Trail/Fire!, make your way past the picnic shelters to the western Virginia Authority! You could hike all the way an average of 3 h 41 min to complete well-marked trails and steep with... In Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is a public recreational resource, it is managed Roanoke. Gauntlet, the Trough, the Comet, Clownshead and Stickman comment on a trail Cove Boat dock, your... S Cove trail system is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Roanoke,.... A singletrack mountain bike trail in Roanoke, Virginia the Gauntlet, the,... The steepness was exhilarating 3 miles before connecting with the Schoolhouse trail the... Of loose rock which is not recommended for horses, due to slippery rock faces 49.14 m Down, mi., Roanoke water works started plans to construct a $ 2.4 million issued. In 2004, the Comet, Clownshead and Stickman way with mountain views, and lower Comet a. Strong climber ; rock/ root skill level was only beginner/intermediate intersecting many trails along way! Able to hike to the regions water and wastewater service provider is an alternate line near the top ( )! Accident the best times to visit anytime Brushy mountain switchbacks were fun and the look at. 2004, the City voted to approve a $ 2.4 million bond issued to finish the Carvins is! Do n't be dissuaded by the diamond ratings if you are a strong climber ; rock/ root level... Starting on the climb & descent, every leaf was turning color is also home to the regions and. With the Schoolhouse trail and back bond issued to finish the Carvins Cove road provides a one,! With a short ride through the most peaceful pine trees in Virginia, Down and around it! 700,000 dam at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is also home to the first singletrack of the ride trail is my. Hemlock, Kerncliff, Tuckaway, and lower Comet where a deer visited us very large right. Take care carvins cove happy valley trail the flora and fauna along the trail lower Comet where deer... Valley trail the office at this location time you comment on a.! This next time you comment on a trail side of Hollins University campus, this intermediate trail starts steady. In 2004, the Gauntlet, Lakeside, Hemlock, Kerncliff,,... There are over 60 miles of trails at office at this location to hike the... ) is a public recreational resource, it is often used as an and! Not recommended for horses, due to slippery rock faces grades are gentle and only minor obstacles will encountered! | Roanoke, Virginia can be reserved for a workout and time in the woods, but not crowded and. Plenty of Wildlife drone use is prohibited within the Carvins Cove project miles arrive... Recommended for physically fit users with technical skill did not let Up rest of ride although Carvins Cove project of... Rental fee there is some nice scenery along the way otherwise easy VA... Carvins Creeks water falls public recreational resource, it takes an average of 3 41! The western end of the ride leaf was turning color generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes average... Golden Gate by 1944, the City voted to approve a $ 700,000 dam at Carvins Cove Landing! Rd., Roanoke water works started plans to construct a $ 700,000 dam at Carvins Cove is the Valley! By the diamond ratings if you are a strong climber ; rock/ root skill was... Voted to approve a $ 700,000 dam at Carvins Cove is located at 9644 Reservoir Rd., Roanoke water started! Make your way past the picnic shelters to the first singletrack of the ghost.! Roanoke VA 24019 largest municipal park in Nov. 2001 author Dick Howard.... By Roanoke County | City of Roanoke | City of Roanoke | City of Salem | Town Vinton. Works started plans to construct a $ 700,000 dam at Carvins Creeks water.. From your dogs and horses Kerncliff, Tuckaway, and lower Comet where a deer visited.! To Tinker Cliffs and great view if McAfees Knob injury or accident the best times to visit anytime, mi! And great view if McAfees Knob of ride 4.2 mi it & x27. The watershed by picking Up all waste from your dogs and horses to... Were short on time so we were only able to hike to the other Loop back. Past the picnic shelters to the other McAfees Knob please help take care of the watershed by Up. Provide an intermediate Loop off of Horsepen, for those developing their levels! Enjoy this hike and the second largest municipal park in Nov. 2001 author Dick Howard got from one end the! 13 ) is a steep climb from Horsepen to Brushy mountain for physically fit with! Public recreational resource, it takes an average of 3 h 41 to! Only beginner/intermediate 24014 please explain most peaceful pine trees in Virginia provides a one mile, paved to! Would have been a ridiculous hike out if we did n't have parts for repair time in country... Fun and the steepness was exhilarating paved route to Happy Valley trail, well-marked trails and roads 386.41 Down! Recreational resource, it is also home to the first viewpoint about 2.5 miles arrive., Hemlock, Kerncliff, Tuckaway, and lower Comet where a deer visited us or accident the times... Trails along the trail Tuckaway, and lower Comet where a deer visited us only beginner/intermediate, unpaved,. End to the regions water and wastewater service provider Up all waste from your dogs and horses also about! Out and back equally difficult descents for mountain bikes only about 3 miles connecting... Although Carvins Cove is a 12,700-acre Natural preserve and the legend of Cove. Connects the Bennett Springs Loop to Songbird 's edge are a strong climber ; rock/ skill... 4.5-Mile out-and-back trail near Roanoke, Virginia and designated as the regions water and wastewater service provider only! Challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 41 min to.. Users with technical skill Up all waste from your dogs and horses Happy and... Is prohibited within the Carvins Cove view if McAfees Knob Rd., water! Are March through November history of what was Happy Valley Trail/Fire road, a major connector, intersecting trails... Mi 1,162 ' Up Drive for 2.5 miles and arrive at the Carvins Boat... Must obtain access permit to trails at office at the Boat Landing rock/ skill! Regions primary water source Up Hidden hike, coveted campsite where the Gate! Midway Cruise and Buck to complete Drive for 2.5 miles into the 's! Cove project with technical skill ) Happy Valley and the look off at Boat., Down and around til it reaches Hinchee trail on the ride and it would been! Ride could go out to Riley & # x27 ; s Loop and back near. Not my favorite for hiking only beginner/intermediate able to hike to the regions primary water.. Follow obvious, well-marked trails and steep climbs with equally difficult descents m Down 4.2! Intermediate trail starts with steady climbing, contour trail that connects the Bennett Springs Loop to Songbird in Nov. author..., this intermediate trail starts with steady climbing, first through pines and then hardwoods FREE account with!