Fun Fact: Botetourt pronounces its name BOT-uh-TAWT

We spent a few days exploring Botetourt County and rated our impressions below. Ratings are based on diversity and quality of each category. We gave 5 out of 5 stars to accommodations, dog friendliness, history, recreation and sightseeing. However, we gave 4 stars to the restaurants category because we found only 2 dog friendly restaurants

• Accommodations ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Dog Friendly ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• History ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Recreation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Restaurants ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Sightseeing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

---

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark visited Botetourt County both before and after their expedition across North America. On their famous transcontinental journey, Lewis was accompanied by his faithful 4-legged companion, a Newfoundland named Seaman.

It’s fun to think that perhaps Seaman accompanied Lewis on one of these post-expedition trips to Botetourt County.

To honor our nation’s first 4-legged hero, we embarked on 10 dog friendly adventures in Botetourt County.

---

1. Hunt for History

We visited Fincastle’s Historic District and walked in the footsteps of earlier visitors George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Lewis and Clark, and maybe in the paw prints of Seaman!

Using a map, we took a self-guided, dog friendly tour through history. The town’s oldest structures date to shortly after its establishment in 1770.

I could have explored my favorite site for hours. The Godwin Cemetery on Church Street features enormous trees and tombstones dating to the mid-1800s.

---

2. Pay Tribute to an Alpha

Located at 37° 41.534′ N, 79° 48.686′ W.

This Historical Marker in the town of Gala commemorates its native son Norvel Lee—World War II veteran, Olympic gold medalist, educator, and civil rights hero. In 1948, Norvel Lee was arrested for refusing to move from the whites-only section on a train.

---

3. Doggy Paddle along the James River

The James River begins in Botetourt County and flows within its confines for 45 miles before continuing its journey to the Chesapeake Bay.

Mack fishing along the James River in Buchanan

To float down the Lazy River portion, launch your canoe or kayak at Springwood for a 4.8 mile, 2-hour trip to Buchanan through mostly easy moving water (with occasional novice-level paddling required).

James River Heritage Trail map from Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation

If you need equipment, Buchanan’s Twin River Outfitters provides dog friendly canoe rentals and shuttling services. The website states:

It has been our experience that many dogs do not enjoy a day on the river as much as people think they would. However, we will allow dogs to be taken on the river with some limitations. Please call our shop for details. This must be disclosed at time of reservation so we can arrange a custom, private shuttle.

Twin River Outfitters, 640 Lowe St., Buchanan (540) 254-8012

---

4. Leash up at the Swinging Bridge

The stone piers supporting Buchanan’s Swinging Bridge date to 1851 and originally supported a covered bridge that was burned during the Civil War. The current bridge, built in 1985 after its predecessor was destroyed in a flood, is the only one of its kind on the James River.

19908 Main St., Buchanan

---

5. Roll the windows down along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Botetourt County features about 35 miles of sniffing opportunities along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

Onion Mountain Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is accessible at a few spots in Botetourt County:

• from Blue Ridge take US 460.
• from Buchanan, take either Route 43 or Route 618 (a gravel road). 

---

6. Woof at a Waterfall

The stunning 200-foot Apple Orchard Falls off the Blue Ridge Parkway requires a 3-mile round trip hike.

Don’t underestimate this hike. It’s rocky and steep. I suggest an excellent pair of hiking boots, a walking stick for the rocky trail, more drinking water than you think you will need, and an energy snack. For precise details on what to expect during this hike, see Go Hike Virginia, a wonderfully informative resource.

This blue blaze trail directly behind the Sunset Fields Overlook near milepost 78 on the Blue Ridge Parkway leads to the Apple Orchard Falls.

---

We missed seeing Botetourt County’s Roaring Run Falls and Furnace because the trail was closed during our trip for maintenance. Thankfully, the Smell N Roses YouTube channel provides a video tour.

450 Roaring Run Rd., Eagle Rock

---

7. Follow your nose on the Appalachian Trail

Portions of the Appalachian Trail wind through some of Botetourt County’s 70,000 plus acres of Washington Jefferson National Forest. Other portions follow along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Botetourt County’s easiest Appalachian Trail access point (with plenty of parking!) is located at the Roanoke Road Park & Ride, 39 Tinker Mountain Rd, Daleville.

---

8. Find LOVE

Take a tail-wagging mini-tour of Botetourt County by looking for LOVEworks in the towns of Buchanan, Fincastle, and Troutville.

687 Lowe St., Buchanan

19386 Main St., Buchanan

424 Wheatland Rd., Buchanan

22 S. Roanoke St., Fincastle

5374 Lee Hwy., Troutville

---

9. Chow down at a Dog Friendly Establishment

These 2 Botetourt County restaurants serve tasty grub and offer dog friendly patio seating:

Angelle’s Diner in Troutville

2609 Lee Hwy., Troutville

Three Li’l Pigs Barbecue in Daleville

120 Kingston Dr., Daleville
(Photo from Facebook)

---

10. Help the Pack

603 Poor Farm Rd., Fincastle

The League for Animal Protection helps dogs, cats, and other animals at their darkest hour. When fur friends in Botetourt County become lost, sick, injured, or abandoned, these wonderful folks get them back on all four paws. Donations can be made through PayPal.

---

Know before You Go

Download Botetourt County from Google Maps and print out this county map. We lost signal several times while out exploring.

Botetourt County features an array of dog friendly accommodations. We recommend this delightful, dog friendly house with a fence, very close to the Appalachian Trail.

Photo from AirBnb

Time your visit for one of the area’s local festivals:

• the Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival,
• the Historic Fincastle Festival, or
• Buchanan’s Mountain Magic in Fall Festival

Botetourt County is rich in local history and outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing. We highly recommend local fly fishing guide Jeremy Cunningham for a great day on the water.

Jeremy Cunningham on the James River with a catch-and-release musky. (from Facebook jeremycunninghamflyfishing)

---

Road Trip Reads

Each of these books highlights a different facet of this Botetourt County adventure. Find these on Audible for easy road trip listening.

---