Bent Mountain: Apple History and Blue Ridge Parkway Loop

Bent Mountain brings together several distinct topics for trip planning: the history of apple orchard farming, the Bent Mountain Center in a former school, Bent Mountain Park, and road directions at Adney Gap. When making your choices, it helps to distinguish local history and facilities from the natural features and route connections of Bottom Creek Gorge.

Apple History and the Bent Mountain Center

Apple orchard farming flourished in Bent Mountain in the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Its history therefore spans the turn of the century; both periods are relevant for understanding the history, not just a single year. The Bent Mountain Center is located in the former Bent Mountain Elementary School. This brings together two phases of use for the same building: its former role as a school and its current use as a center. The contrast in time is clear: orchard farming is part of the area’s history, while the Center offers courses for a wide range of interests. If you plan to attend a course, check the current offerings and dates for your travel period, as both may change.

The Bent Mountain Fall Festival includes a fair featuring local vendors and artisans, with local products and crafts. Alongside the history of apple orchard farming, this adds a distinct event connection with local produce and handcrafted items.

Park and Nature

Bent Mountain Park is a small park with a picnic shelter, playground, and lawn. Before your visit, check whether the park is currently accessible, as temporary closures are possible.

Bottom Creek forms a series of broad, basin-shaped waterfalls known as The Kettles. Bottom Creek Gorge has more than five miles of moderately difficult hiking trails. The distance and rating answer different planning questions: the mileage refers to the extent of the trail system, while “moderately difficult” describes its difficulty level. The Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve provides critical habitat for four native fish species: Orangefin Madtom, Bigeye Jumprock, Riverweed Darter, and Roanoke Darter. The waterfalls, trails, and habitat offer different perspectives on the natural area: the shape of the waterway, hiking, and native species.

The drive to Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve passes through Bent Mountain. However, only a very small portion of the Preserve’s trails lies within the Bent Mountain Planning Area; most are in Montgomery County.

Routes via Adney Gap

Adney Gap connects to US-221, which you can take north toward Bent Mountain. The “Bent Mountain - Blue Ridge Parkway Loop” route joins the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 136 near Adney Gap. US-221 describes the northbound connection to Bent Mountain, while the loop describes the connection to the Parkway. Before driving, check current road advisories, as temporary notices may affect your trip. You should also check current conditions on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Discover more destinations: Hollins, Cave Spring, Vinton, Roanoke.

Go to the main travel overview: Roanoke.