Pearisburg brings together local history, public art and a challenging hike with views of the New River, the town and the mountains beyond. The town is officially an Appalachian Trail Community. There are several distinct themes to choose from when planning your visit: historic buildings, art projects, seasonal events or a hike with a specific distance. This lets you shape your visit around what matters most for your trip, rather than trying to fit everything into a single itinerary.
History and Art
The Pearisburg Historic District includes nineteen buildings on or immediately near the town square. Pearisburg’s annual Living History Weekend is also part of the town’s history: it takes place over Memorial Day weekend and features costumed reenactors from the American Revolution and the Civil War. The buildings and event offer two different ways to explore local history: an architectural ensemble and a recurring event focused on clearly defined periods. If you’re planning your trip around the weekend, check the dates for that year.
Art on the Wall features more than eight hundred colorful scenes on glossy tiles; the exhibit was created by students in grades 4 through 7. The River Sculpture Walking Trail offers a different focus: it consists of five sculptures, some made from objects recovered from the New River. The River Mural depicts the river at the corner of Tazewell Street and Mountain Lake Avenue. If you’re looking for art connected to the river, you’ll find that connection both in the materials used for some of the sculptures and in the mural’s subject.
Seasonal Events
The Holiday Light Trail is a walk-through experience featuring sparkling lights and festive displays; its seasonal schedule may change. The Pearisburg Christmas Parade is a holiday tradition featuring decorated floats and special guests. Details may vary from year to year. If you’d like to plan your trip around either event, check the dates and program details for that year.
Hiking and River Scenery
The Angels Rest Overlook Day Hike is a challenging 5.6-mile round trip. The climb leads to a viewpoint overlooking the New River, Pearisburg and the mountains beyond. The stated distance therefore covers the round trip; the length and difficulty give you specific details to help plan your hike. Route information may change if trail management makes adjustments, so check the details before setting out.
Nearby, Whitt-Riverbend Park covers 28 acres along the New River. The landscape differs between the two: Angels Rest offers views of the river, town and mountains, while the nearby park sits directly on the river. This gives you a choice between a viewpoint and a riverside park without treating them as the same kind of outing.
Discover more destinations: Norfolk, Narrows, Rich Creek.
Return to the main travel overview: Giles County.
