The James River begins in Botetourt County at the confluence of the Jackson River and Cowpasture River. The Upper James River Water Trail covers the first 64 miles of the river; its first 61 miles are designated a Virginia Scenic River. Along the James River, there are access points for canoeing, small boats, and bank and wade fishing. Check conditions at individual access points before setting out.
River, Elevations, and Trails
The differences in elevation also give the landscape a concrete sense of scale: mountains such as Apple Orchard and Sugarloaf rise more than 4,000 feet above sea level, while the valley floors along the James River lie below 900 feet. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through Botetourt County. Its route through the county includes Harvey’s Knob, the Appalachian Trail, and Apple Orchard Falls. The river landscape and the higher-elevation mountains offer distinct perspectives on the region.
The trails offer different ways to experience this landscape. The Cherry Blossom Trail is 1.17 miles long, is part of the Greenfield Trail System, and can be reached via Route 220 at International Parkway in Daleville. Wildlife there includes deer, squirrels, geese, and native birds; the cherry trees bloom in spring. The wooded Blue Ridge Springs Loop Trail is located near Boxley Fields. It is 0.6 miles long and open for exploring and exercise.
At Craig Creek, the Recreation Area offers the chance to observe wildlife in meadows and forests. Greenfield Recreation Park has three trails, Botetourt’s own Honeybee Sanctuary, a disc golf course, and a large playground. A 0.1-mile spur off the Roaring Run Trail leads to a natural waterfall that is 30 feet high. Arcadia, in turn, is a trail system in the 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 setting out.
Architecture and History Along the James River
In Fincastle, architectural landmarks in America date from the late 18th century through the 21st century. The Botetourt County Courthouse was built between 1841 and 1848 in the Greek Revival style. The Fincastle Historic District preserves a scenic setting of surrounding mountains and rolling farmland. Here, landscape and architectural history complement each other, and the area is not limited to a single era.
Buchanan, too, is closely connected to the James River: the Buchanan Historic District includes areas on both sides of the river. The Buchanan Swinging Bridge spans the river for 366 feet and is 57.5 feet high; parts of the bridge date to 1851. Crossing it offers views of the James River and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors who want to explore the historic town center can follow the Buchanan Downtown Walking Tour, which has more than 30 stops.
The river’s history is also a story of commerce and community. During the antebellum era, the James River and Kanawha Canal connected Buchanan to the port of Richmond. The Buchanan Theatre was built around 1917 and served as a major entertainment venue and social gathering place at the time. Catawba Furnace offers another perspective on the region’s industrial history: the furnace was built in 1830 on an unusual circular plan and operated using water power from Catawba Creek.
Greenfield Kitchen and Quarters are exceptionally significant log buildings that once stood at the center of the historic Greenfield estate and have important ties to Greenfield’s African American history. Glencoe is a largely unaltered, two-story brick house completed in 1871–1872 for James Madison Spiller and Caroline Kyle Spiller. Alongside public buildings and transportation history, these structures also bring Botetourt’s domestic and social history into view.
Wine and a Place to Stay in Troutville
In Fincastle, Virginia Mountain Vineyards sits on a 91-acre property between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains. In Troutville, Stoney Brook Vineyards and Winery is located on the historic Showalter Farm. This family-owned farm winery produces red, white, and rosé wines and is part of the Botetourt Wine Trail. Check opening hours and tasting arrangements before your visit.
Troutville is designated an A.T. Community. Hikers can camp for free at any time in Town Park; as municipal services can change, check the latest information before your trip. This makes it easy to explore Botetourt’s distinctive mix of river and mountain landscapes, historic places, and local wineries according to your own interests.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Troutville, Charles City County, Prince Edward County, Pittsylvania County, Loudoun, Westmoreland County, Northumberland County, Wythe County.
For the main travel overview: Virginia.
