Outdoor Programs
Enjoy the natural resources of Southwest Virginia by joining us for an outdoor adventure. We offer raft tours, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, zip line, snow tubing, outdoor cooking classes, and more. Find information about our annual
Rowdy Dawg mountain bike race, ReNew the New River Clean Up Event, and Kids' Fishing Day.
How to Register
Register online, by phone at (540) 382-6975, or by visiting our office in the Montgomery County Government Center, located at 755 Roanoke Street, Suite 1E, in Christiansburg.
Updates
Download or print a Summer Summer 2023 Activity Calendar.
Current Activities
Kids' Fishing Day - FREE
Sa, May 6, 8 am - 12 pm, Pandapas Pond, Blacksburg, VA
This annual event is for ages 15 and under. Prizes are awarded to the largest fish, and Montgomery County Parks and Recreation will be on site providing a hot dog lunch. Pandapas Pond will be stocked specially for this event, and the trail and pond will be closed to the public except for participants. This program is sponsored by the United States Forest Service and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. You do not need to register for this event.
Carvins Cove Sit-On-Top Kayaking - $30
W, May 17, 9 am - 4 pm, Roanoke, VA
We provide full instruction on how to navigate your own sit-on-top kayak in a safe environment on calm, clear water. The benefit of a Sit-on-Top kayak is the ease of maneuvering downstream combined with its stability and forgiving nature. We provide all gear, equipment, shuttle, and professional instruction. Lunch is provided lakeside. The deadline to register is May 10.
We will depart from the Montgomery County Government Center at 9 am and return around 4 pm.
New River Raft Float - $35
W, Jun 7, 9 am - 5 pm, New River
What better way to explore the New River Valley than a raft float down the river. This trip is designed as a laid back, relaxing float with some exciting class II+ rapids thrown in that will bring you right into nature. Bring your camera because there
will be plenty of opportunities for that special shot. All equipment is provided along with dry bags, PFDs, paddles and paddling jackets. We will provide a river side lunch for one of the best picnics you've ever had. The deadline to register
is May 31.
We will depart from the Montgomery County Government Center at 9 am and return around 5 pm.
Drift and Dine on the New - $25
Sa, Jun 17, 1 pm - 8 pm, New River
Some say the evenings are the best time to be on the water. This trip will take us down a short three-mile class I, II section where we will experience all the New River has to offer. At the end of the trip we will
dine at
The Palisades, a local hotspot for evening entertainment and contemporary cuisine in a countryside setting. The Palisades is located in the former Payne's
General Store in Eggleston. Participants are responsible for their meal cost. All equipment is provided along with dry bags, personal flotation devices, paddles, and paddling jackets. The deadline to register is June 9.
We will depart from the
Montgomery County Government Center at 1 pm and return around 8 pm.
Cruising on the Pontoon - $55
F, Jun 30, 9 am - 5 pm, Claytor Lake State Park
Travel in style on an 18-foot party pontoon with reclining chairs. We’ll provide hotdogs on the grill and drinks. Participants are requested to bring a side to share. The deadline to register is June 23.
New River Raft Float - $35
W, Jul 13, 9 am - 5 pm, New River
What better way to explore the New River Valley than a raft float down the river. This trip is designed as a laid back, relaxing float with some exciting class II+ rapids thrown in that will bring you right into nature. Bring your camera because there
will be plenty of opportunities for that special shot. All equipment is provided along with dry bags, PFDs, paddles and paddling jackets. We will provide a river side lunch for one of the best picnics you've ever had. The deadline to register
is July 6.
We will depart from the Montgomery County Government Center at 9 am and return around 5 pm.
Rural Retreat Lake Sit-On-Top Kayaking - $10
W, Jul 19, 8:30 am - 3 pm, Rural Retreat, VA
We provide full instruction on how to navigate your own sit-on-top kayak in a safe environment on calm, clear water. The benefit of a Sit-on-Top kayak is the ease of maneuvering downstream combined with its stability and forgiving nature. We provide all
gear, equipment, shuttle, and professional instructions. Come experience Rural Retreat Lake on a kayak. After we get off the water, lunch is on your own at
the famous Dutch Pantry.
We will depart from the Montgomery County Government Center at 9 am and return around 4 pm.
Chanterelle Mushroom Hunt - $7
Tu, Jul 25, 9 am - 2 pm, Participants to be called the week of the event with the location
“Golden chanterelles” are sought after by chefs and foodies due to their delicate flavor, which some describe as mildly peppery. Due to their color, they are easy to find in the summer forest. Lunch is on your own. The deadline to register
is July 19.
We will depart from the Montgomery County Government Center at 9 am and return around 2 pm.
Great Road Encampment - FREE
Sa-Su, Aug 5-6, Eastern Montgomery Park, 5003 Enterprise Dr, Lafayette, VA 24087
The Great Road was the main thoroughfare going west to the frontier, and was travelled by the likes of George Washington, Daniel Boone, Andrew Lewis, and the Ingles and Draper families. The annual Great Road Encampment is held at Eastern Montgomery Park during August to honor all who passed through the valleys of Southwest Virginia in the quest for a better life.
Demonstrators include 18th Century reenactors, the West Virginia Company of Roger’s Rangers, a detached military hospital and medicine of the time, flintlock muskets, camp cooking, knife and tomahawk throwing, leather work, blacksmithing, and 18th Century clothing, spinning, and weaving.
Philpot Lake Sit-On-Top Kayaking - $30
F, Aug 18, 9 am - 4 pm, Stuart, VA
We provide full instruction on how to navigate your own sit-on-top kayak in a safe environment on calm, clear water. The benefit of a Sit-on-Top kayak is the ease of maneuvering downstream combined with its stability and forgiving nature. We provide all
gear, equipment, shuttle, and professional instruction. Lunch is provided lakeside. The deadline to register is August 11.
We will depart from the Montgomery County Government Center at 9 am and return around 4 pm.
ReNew the New River Clean Up Event - FREE
Sa, Aug 26, 8:30 am - 12 pm, Whitethorne Boat Ramp, 5277 Whitethorne Rd, Blacksburg, VA
Help protect the oldest river in North America, the New River, home to seven kinds of fish that are not found anywhere else. Montgomery County Parks and Recreation provides kayaks on a first come, first serve basis. You may also bring your own watercraft. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, water, insect repellent, and appropriate shoes. We also provide a free t-shirt and BBQ lunch to all participants! Arrive early due to limited parking. Pre-register at www.renewthenew.org or register on site the day of the event.
Cruising on the Pontoon - $55
F, Sep 1, 9 am - 5 pm, Claytor Lake State Park
Travel in style on an 18-foot party pontoon with reclining chairs. We’ll provide hotdogs on the grill and drinks. Participants are requested to bring a side to share. The deadline to register is August 25.
Drift and Dine on the New - $25
Sa, Sep 16, 1 pm - 8 pm, New River
Some say the evenings are the best time to be on the water. This trip will take us down a short three-mile class I, II section where we will experience all the New River has to offer. At the end of the trip we will
dine at
The Palisades, a local hotspot for evening entertainment and contemporary cuisine in a countryside setting. The Palisades is located in the former Payne's
General Store in Eggleston. Participants are responsible for their meal cost. All equipment is provided along with dry bags, personal flotation devices, paddles, and paddling jackets. The deadline to register is September 8.
We will depart from the
Montgomery County Government Center at 1 pm and return around 8 p.m.
Claytor Lake Senior Sit-On-Top Kayaking - $30
Tu, Sep 26, 9 am - 1 pm, Claytor Lake State Park
If you love being out on the river on our rafting programs, but want a little more freedom controlling your own craft, then the Sit-On-Top kayak program is perfect for you! Take in the sights and sounds of water splashing around you. We provide full instruction on how to navigate your own sit-on-top kayak in a safe environment on calm clear water. We teach you the proper paddle strokes to navigate your boat. All equipment is provided.
Lunch is provided water front on this great outdoor program. The deadline to register is September 19.
We will depart from the Montgomery County Government Center at 9 am and return around 1 pm.
New River Gorge National Park Hike - $10
W, Oct 18, 8 am - 5 pm, Lansing, WV
New River Gorge National Park is the newest national park in the United States. This enjoyable hike on the
Rend Trail will take us on a old railroad bead over looking the historic town of
Thurmond. Participants are responsible
for their own lunch in iconic
Fayetteville, West Virginia. The deadline to register is October 11.
Level II - Moderate Exercise
Participants explore off the beaten path by stepping over trail obstacles, such as root and rock outcroppings. Climb and descend moderate, uneven terrain. Walking shoes with a cleaved sole are required.
Dutch Oven Cooking - $15
W, Nov 8, 10 am - 2 pm, Mid County Park
Enjoy an afternoon at Mid County Park for a relaxing outdoor cooked meal using traditional Dutch ovens and open flame. Take a stroll along the trails while the food is prepared. You can even try your hand at disc golf located right at the shelter
if you like.
We will depart from the Montgomery County Government Center at 10 am and return around 2 pm.
Rowdy Dawg Mountain Bike Enduro and Cross Country Race
Sa-Su, Oct 28-29, Poverty Creek Trail System
Save the date! More information will be available for the 2023 Rowdy Dawg here closer to the race date.
Questions?
If you have any questions, feel free to call the Montgomery County Parks and Recreation office from 8:30 am - 5 pm at (540) 382-6975, Option 1.
You may also reach us via email at mcpr@montgomerycountyva.gov.