Welcome to glasgow, Virginia

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Welcome to glasgow, Virginia

Welcome to glasgow, Virginia Welcome to glasgow, Virginia Welcome to glasgow, Virginia

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • Explore
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Parks
    • For Hikers
    • For Boaters
    • Photo & Video Gallery
    • History
  • Resident Resources
    • On-line Bill Pay
    • Support Services
    • Business Directory
    • Places of Worship
    • Utility Accounts
    • Tax & Utility Rates
    • Report a Nuisance
  • Departments
    • Job Opportunities
    • Police
    • Public Works
    • Public Utilities
    • Fire & Rescue
    • Ordinance Violation Form
  • Doing Business
    • Business Licenses
    • Building Permit
  • Government
    • Council Documents
    • Mayor & Council
    • Planning Commission
    • Community Development
    • Finance Committee
    • Public Works & Utilities
    • Public Safety - Emergency
    • Manager Reports & Budgets
    • County Government
    • Virginia State Code
    • FOIA

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For hikers

welcome to the james river wilderness area

Glasgow Hiker shelter

The James River Wilderness Area is a 9,000-acre area known for its diversity of plant and animal life and well-maintained trail system. 


Elevations range from 650ft to 3,073 ft. Six trails are contained within the area. Directions: US 11 South to Rt. 130E, right on Rt. 759, left on Rt. 781. 


Hikers from around the world stop in Glasgow for rest and recuperation as they make their way along the Appalachian Trail. For those who need it, we offer a hiker's shelter at 1429-1437 Kanawha Street, Glasgow, VA.  The shelter provides :


  • A place to sleep
  • Fire pit with a sitting area
  • wood for the fire pit
  • Picnic Areas
  • Opened area for camping
  • Hot showers
  • Mobile Toilets
  • Clothesline


Area Hiking Resources

https://www.alltrails.com/us/virginia/glasgow             

http://www.appalachiantrail.org 

https://www.fs.fed.us/managing-land/trails 

https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-bridge 

https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

popular area hikes

appalachian trail

natural bridge state park

natural bridge state park

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a public footpath that follows more than 2,100 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridgelines between Maine and Georgia. 


The trail is open year-round and accessible from many locations. Glasgow access point is at US 501/ VA130.   775.3 miles from Georgia, traveling northbound.  

natural bridge state park

natural bridge state park

natural bridge state park

Established as a Virginia state park and as an extension of the National Park.  


Visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-bridge  for more info on these trails:  Buck Hill Trail, Cedar Creek Trail, and the Blue Ridge Trail   

belfast Trail

natural bridge state park

Devils Marbleyard

Devils Marbleyard via Belfast Trail is a 4.5-mile light out-and-back trail located near Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. 


The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are allowed on this trail. 

Devils Marbleyard

Sulphur Spring Trail

Devils Marbleyard

Devil’s Marbleyard offers an unforgettable impression of huge house-sized boulders tossed about the ridgeline and an amazing view of the valley below. 

Gunter Ridge Trail

Sulphur Spring Trail

Sulphur Spring Trail

The Gunter Ridge Trail begins off Gunter Ridge Road and climbs through a series of switchbacks to the top of Gunter Ridge in the James River Face Wilderness.  


Continuing along the top of Gunter Ridge and through a gap, the trail is joined by the Belfast Trail, and intersects with the Appalachian Trail. It is also a horseback riding trail. Hikers are to yield to horses on the trail. Horse trail know as Hellgate Horse Trail and Glen Wood Horse Trail. 

Sulphur Spring Trail

Sulphur Spring Trail

Sulphur Spring Trail

Sulphur Spring Trail is a 5.6-mile lightly trafficked out-and-back trail located near Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. 


The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Wildcat Trail

Balcony Fall/Locher Tract

Balcony Fall/Locher Tract

Wildcat Trail is a 3.9-mile lightly trafficked out-and-back trail located near Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, that features beautiful wildflowers and is rated as difficult. 


The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Access through Cave Mountain Lake.  

Balcony Fall/Locher Tract

Balcony Fall/Locher Tract

Balcony Fall/Locher Tract

Mostly following old roads, Balcony Falls Trail begins with a gentle climb. It overlooks the town of Glasgow and the James River, offering hikers fantastic scenery to reward their steep ascent across switchbacks that are no leisurely stroll. There are no waterfalls along this trail like the name suggests. Moderate 7.6-mile hike.  


From the parking lot, the start of the trail is at the farm gate to the right and is open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. After one mile, the trail turns right onto another old road and continues through the woods at a slight incline. The first 2.2 miles of this trail is a leisurely stroll, but as you enter the James River Face Wilderness it begins to climb along the ridgeline. This section is significantly steeper but offers fantastic views of the James River.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Balcony Fall/Locher Tract

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a ribbon of road that weaves through the region’s vibrant living traditions. 


From Cherokee life and agricultural history to Southern Appalachian crafts and music, the Parkway’s 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina offer many ways to explore rich traditions.

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