Discover Pearisburg: Hiking, History, and Art

Pearisburg offers several starting points for planning a trip: hiking, history, and public art. To decide what kind of trip you want, it helps to first determine your main interests. The Pearisburg Historic District includes nineteen buildings on or near the square. There is also a challenging hike, art with connections to the river, and seasonal events.

Hiking and Views

Pearisburg is officially an Appalachian Trail Community. The climb to Angels Rest leads to a viewpoint overlooking the New River, Pearisburg, and the mountains beyond. The Angels Rest Overlook Day Hike is listed as a challenging 5.6-mile out-and-back hike. The view and route details describe different aspects of hiking: the view from the overlook and the specific length of a day hike. Route specifications may change if trail management changes, so check them before your hike.

Nearby, Whitt-Riverbend Park covers 28 acres along the New River. Along with views of the river and mountains, a nearby park and a designated hiking route add to the outdoor activities that may factor into your trip planning.

Art with Different Connections to the River

The River Sculpture Walking Trail in Pearisburg consists of five sculptures. Some were made from objects recovered from the New River, so in these works the connection to the river is also reflected in the materials used. Art on the Wall is another form of public art: the exhibit features more than 800 colorful scenes on glossy tiles and was created by students in grades 4 through 7.

The River Mural at the corner of Tazewell Street and Mountain Lake Avenue in Pearisburg depicts the river. The three projects represent different forms of artistic expression: sculptures, scenes on tiles, and a mural. If you are especially interested in art, these differences offer a concrete way to distinguish the local projects from one another.

History and Recurring Events

Pearisburg’s annual Living History Weekend brings together costumed reenactors from the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The event takes place over Memorial Day weekend. If you want to plan your trip around that weekend, check the dates for that year’s event.

The holiday events have their own distinctive appeal. The Holiday Light Trail in Pearisburg is a walk-through experience featuring twinkling lights and festive displays; seasonal plans may change. The Pearisburg Christmas Parade is a holiday tradition with decorated floats and special guests. Details may vary from year to year. If you’re traveling for these events, it’s a good idea to check the dates and information for the relevant season in advance.

Find a Hotel That Fits Your Trip

If you’re looking for a hotel in Pearisburg, first decide whether hiking, history, art, or a seasonal event will shape your stay. Then you can compare specific hotel options based on your personal requirements.

Discover more destinations: Rich Creek, Norfolk, Narrows.

See the main travel overview: Giles County.