Roaring Run

Roaring Run - May 31st 1998

Roaring Run Recreational Area Roaring Run Recreational Area offers hiking, picnicking, and cold-water fishing in one of the Jefferson National Forest's unique and historic settings. The National Recreation Trails of Roaring Run and Iron Ore/Hoop Hole traverse from Virginia designated Historic Roaring Run Iron Furnace (in blast from 1838 to 1865) to the massive Roaring Run Falls, the climb to the vistas offered by Bald Knob and the Rich Patch Mountains.

The Picnic area contains 17 family sites and 3 group sites. The trail which leads from the picnic site to the Roaring Run Falls is 0.6 miles long and is scattered with benches, scenic bridges, overlooks, and rustic steps. Both easy and short, the trail is accommodating to most outdoor enthusiasts. The Iron Ore/Hoop Hole loop is for the more adventuresome with steep grades and close to 10 miles of trail that reward the user with spectacular views from Bald Knob.

The Roaring Run Furnace is a preserved link to the past that signifies the importance of the iron industry to the history of the region. Pig iron was produced and shipped down the nearby James River to Richmond iron manufactures. While the Civil War ensured the end of an economy that could maintain the furnace, much of the iron produced by the Roaring Run Furnace inevitably ended up in Confederate cannons.

Photographs

Furnace - Picture 1

Furnace - Picture 2

First Falls

Second Falls

Bridge over Stream

Big Falls - Picture 1

Big Falls - Picture 2

Big Falls - Picture 3

Roaring Run Falls

Location : Roaring Run Furnace Area, New Castle Ranger District, Jefferson National Forest, Eagle Rock, western Virginia
Height : 30 feet
River/Stream : Roaring Run
Water Levels : moderate
Photographs : none
Description : Roaring Run Falls is a very attractive cascade as it falls almost completely vertically around a large narrow rock outcropping, fanning out as it descends. The falls are shaded by trees on one side but their other bank is mostly bare rocky ground which is easily ascended to reach the top of the falls. The water of Roaring Run is an almost luminescent greenish-white which is visible in the falls.
How to Find It : The falls are located on Roaring Run Trail, a National Recreation Trail and an incredibly beautiful hike. The signed trailhead leads off just to the left of the restrooms at the upper end of the parking lot. However, another trail leads off to the left of Roaring Run Trail so make sure you look at the trailhead sign. The falls are .7 miles. Along the way, you will pass several sliding cascades and pools which you may think are Roaring Run Falls. However, Roaring Run Falls is after crossing the stream on a bridge and past one more long shaded slide. After viewing the falls, you may turn this hike into a loop by taking the other fork at the stream crossing and continuing up the mountain to a nice view. The trail then descends again to arrive at Roaring Run Furnace, which is about 100 feet from where you started. Total hike : 1.4 miles roundtrip over not particularly steep or rough terrain. The loop is considerably steeper, although it is about the same distance.
Safety Considerations : none
Driving Directions : Take exit 21 from I-64 to SR-696 south. After .3 miles, turn right on Rich Patch Road (SR-616). After 5.4 miles turn left on Roaring Run Road (SR-621). The entrance to the area is on the right after 3.2 miles.
Rules/Limitations/Fees for Access : none