Botetourt: River, Nature and History

The Upper James River Water Trail begins in Botetourt County, where the Jackson River and Cowpasture River converge. The first 64 miles of the James River make up the Water Trail; its first 61 miles are designated as a Virginia Scenic River. Along the James River in the county, there are access points for canoeing, small boats, and bank and wade fishing. Check conditions at the specific access point before setting out.

River Landscapes, Parkway and Nature Trails

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through Botetourt County. Its section there includes Harvey’s Knob, the Appalachian Trail and Apple Orchard Falls. The changes in elevation also tell a story about the landscape: mountains such as Apple Orchard and Sugarloaf rise to more than 4,000 feet above sea level, while the valley floors along the James River lie below 900 feet.

The Greenfield Trail System includes the 1.17-mile Cherry Blossom Trail, accessible via Route 220 at International Parkway in Daleville. Cherry trees bloom there in spring; wildlife includes deer, squirrels, geese and native birds. Near Boxley Fields, the wooded, 0.6-mile Blue Ridge Springs Loop Trail invites visitors to explore and get active. The two trails offer different lengths and each has its own connection to nature.

Greenfield Recreation Park has three trails, Botetourt’s own Honeybee Sanctuary, a disc golf course and a large playground. At Craig Creek Recreation Area, meadows and forests along Craig Creek offer opportunities to watch wildlife. A 0.1-mile spur off the Roaring Run Trail leads to a natural, 30-foot waterfall.

For longer outings, Arcadia offers a trail system in George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, with more than 60 miles of challenging singletrack and connections via forest and fire roads. Route conditions can change; check them before your trip.

Historic Sites and Buildings

Fincastle features architectural landmarks from across America’s history, from the late 18th century through the 21st century. The Botetourt County Courthouse was built between 1841 and 1848 in the Greek Revival style. In Buchanan, the Historic District includes areas on both sides of the James River. During the antebellum period, the James River and Kanawha Canal connected Buchanan with the port of Richmond.

The Buchanan Swinging Bridge spans the James River for 366 feet and stands 57.5 feet high; parts of the bridge date to 1851. Crossing it offers views of the river and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The Buchanan Downtown Walking Tour through the historic town includes more than 30 stops. Built around 1917, the Buchanan Theatre served as a major entertainment venue and social gathering place. A renovation and another, less extensive one in the 1950s shaped its interior, with a knotty pine lobby, a simple Art Deco seating area and a streamlined concession counter.

Industrial and local history are also part of the picture: Catawba Furnace was built in 1830 on an unusual circular plan and powered by water from Catawba Creek. Callie Furnace is a late example of the iron furnaces that shaped the mountains of West Virginia in the 19th century. Greenfield Kitchen and Quarters are exceptionally significant log buildings that once stood at the center of the historic Greenfield estate and have an important connection to its African American history.

Wineries and Trip Planning

Virginia Mountain Vineyards is located in Fincastle on a 91-acre property between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains. Stoney Brook Vineyards and Winery is a family-run agricultural winery on the historic Showalter Farm in Troutville. It produces red, white and rosé wines and is part of the Botetourt Wine Trail. Check opening hours and tasting arrangements before your trip.

More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Mecklenburg County, King George, Pittsylvania County, Loudoun, Buchanan County, Tazewell, Portsmouth.

Return to the main travel overview: Virginia.