Hillsville offers outdoor travelers a quiet rural setting with access to woodland hiking, mountain biking, and peaceful paddling on the New River. A perfect basecamp for those seeking low-key adventures amid Virginia’s foothills.
Hillsville offers outdoor travelers a quiet rural setting with access to woodland hiking, mountain biking, and peaceful paddling on the New River. A perfect basecamp for those seeking low-key adventures amid Virginia’s foothills.
Outdoor Adventure in Hillsville, Virginia
Located in Carroll County, Hillsville provides outdoor lovers a calm and rural escape with access to some of southwest Virginia’s foothill landscapes and the New River.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Hillsville, Virginia special.
★ 7.2⌖ 10.50 milesExplore the 57-mile New River Trail State Park in Virginia's Blue Ridge Highlands. This tranquil escape is perfect for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Enjoy scenic views of one of the world's oldest rivers and experience its historical charm.
★ 8.2⌖ 15.90 milesExplore the Buffalo Mountain summit in Virginia for unique ecology and stunning Blue Ridge views. No trails listed, but the preserve is open for hiking and nature exploration. Best visited in spring and fall for optimal conditions.
★ 8.6⌖ 16.67 milesBlue Ridge Parkway offers scenic mountain driving with access to hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Located near Asheville, NC, it's best visited spring through fall. Enjoy overlooks, historic sites, and diverse natural landscapes on this accessible and popular route.
★ 8.2⌖ 19.29 milesModerateExplore Rock Castle Gorge via the West Trailhead near Floyd, Virginia. This moderately challenging trail offers diverse habitats, from serene forests to meadows. Popular for hiking and wildlife observation, it's best visited in spring and fall for vibrant wildflowers and foliage.
★ 8⌖ 21.59 milesExplore the breathtaking views at Blue Ridge Overlook in Floyd, VA. Known for its scenic vistas and bird watching, this drive-in spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway is best visited in spring and fall. A great destination for nature photography and peaceful exploration.
★ 6.5⌖ 21.61 milesExplore the Rocky Knob Recreation Area near Floyd, VA for scenic hiking and camping. Known for its panoramic Blue Ridge views, trails offer moderate difficulty. Best visited in spring and fall for blooming flowers or autumn foliage.
★ 7.8⌖ 21.64 milesVisit the Blue Ridge Parkway Rocky Knob Information Center with stunning overlooks in Floyd, VA. Ideal for hiking, camping, and birding. Best visited in spring and fall for vivid foliage and bird activity. Perfect for photographers seeking breathtaking vistas.
★ 7.8⌖ 21.84 milesModerateExplore Rock Castle Gorge Overlook, a moderate hiking destination near Floyd, VA, known for breathtaking panoramic views and excellent bird watching. Best visited in spring and fall, this tranquil location is perfect for adventure seekers and offers scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
★ 7⌖ 23.67 milesModerateExplore the Calloway Ridge Trail at Concord Park in Knoxville, TN. With moderate difficulty, this mountain biking trail offers a thrilling ride over several miles with tight turns and small jumps. Best experienced in spring and fall, it is popular among adventure seekers.
★ 5.4⌖ 25.01 milesExplore the Dodd Creek Trail in Floyd, VA, a peaceful trail ideal for hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. Open year-round, best enjoyed in spring or fall. Accessible from nearby roads, offering a quiet escape into nature.
★ 7.2⌖ 27.79 milesEasyVisit Little Glade Mill Pond near Glade Valley, NC for a relaxing experience. Enjoy easy hiking and bird watching in a quiet, scenic setting. Great for families looking to unwind and connect with nature.
★ 7.8⌖ 28.43 milesExplore rock climbing at Pilot Mountain, NC, just 2.5 hours from Charlotte. Exciting routes for beginners and pros offer quartzite challenges and stunning views. Popular in spring and fall; permits required. Best for adventurous climbers seeking rugged experiences.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Hillsville, Virginia, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Hillsville, Virginia.
⌖ 17.8 miAn approximately 8–9 hour guided day out of Union Hall with Clint’s Striper Guide Service focused on chasing Trophy Stripers on Smith Mountain Lake.
⌖ 19.3 miA four-day, three-night Shepherd Bus Tours itinerary timed to Mayberry Days® (Sept 25–28, 2025) that covers the festival, museum visits, parade seating needs, and the town’s nostalgic attractions.
⌖ 29.3 miA compact 1–3 hour express trip that delivers mild whitewater and scenic gorge views—this guide explains who it’s best for, what to bring, and how the run unfolds.
⌖ 35.1 miA long, scenic tube trip on the Yadkin River that runs roughly 4–6 hours—this guide lays out what to expect, what to pack, and the route logistics.
⌖ 36.9 miA short shuttle to the lower end of Philpott Dam and a one-way 4.5-mile route through hardwood forest and shoreline on Philpott Lake; this guide summarizes the route, difficulty, and what to bring.
⌖ 38.6 miA guided river trip out of Danbury that bundles shuttle service and boat rentals for an easy, beginner‑friendly day on the water.
⌖ 40.8 miA tubes-only, 1–2 hour float down a peaceful 2-mile stretch of the New River; this guide explains what to expect on the water and what equipment the operator provides.
⌖ 40.8 miA 2–4 hour, 7-mile kayaking and canoeing run on the New River; this guide outlines what to expect, the fleet options, and trip logistics.
⌖ 43.3 miA short shuttle drops you at the Virginia Avenue access of the scenic 11-mile Dick and Willie Passage Rail Trail — this guide orients walkers, cyclists, and runners to the access, surface, and interpretive history.
⌖ 43.3 miA two‑hour, family‑friendly kayaking outing that covers a 6.4‑mile stretch of the Smith River and explains what to bring and what’s included.
⌖ 43.3 miA short shuttle outing that delivers hikers to the Stuart’s Knob trail system—including Iron Mine and the Stuart’s Knob Loop—so you can cover roughly 5 miles of scenic, lake‑edge trails in about an hour.
⌖ 44.6 miA full-day rafting trip on the Lower New River that runs the river's biggest rapids, punctuated by calm stretches, ghost towns and a deli-style lunch—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
⌖ 47.4 miA well-equipped 3-bedroom trailer operated by Gold and Blue Cabins that sleeps up to six and sits steps from the Pocahontas Trail—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan your stay.
⌖ 47.4 miA spacious four‑bedroom house in Bluefield with Wi‑Fi, A/C and a full kitchen located immediately adjacent to the Pocahontas Trail—this guide explains what to expect and how the lodge serves as a practical base.
⌖ 47.5 miA 1–7 night rental on a 30x60 RV site with full hookups, firepit, grill and picnic table; this guide lays out the on-site amenities and planning essentials.
Make the most of your visit to Hillsville, Virginia with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Hillsville, Virginia hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Hillsville, Virginia during the iconic Old Fiddlers' Convention. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Hillsville, Virginia during the iconic Carroll County Fair. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Hillsville, Virginia is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia is known for its stunning mountain vistas and wild ponies. It offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area offers a diverse range of activities amidst the highest peak in Virginia, known for its stunning landscapes and unique ecological features.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia offers stunning cliffside views, a rich history in coal mining, and world-renowned opportunities for rock climbing and white-water rafting.
Located in Western North Carolina, Linville Gorge Wilderness is famous for its rugged terrain and stunning vistas, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Bring bug spray especially in warmer months due to forested and river habitats.
Limited public transport—arriving by car is best.
Check weather conditions for paddling on the New River before heading out.
Many hiking trails are undeveloped, so carry navigation tools.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Hillsville, Virginia. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.