Project Guide

Note: Click on the site number on the map for more information about the project.

Site 1: Appalachian Trail Crossing and Parking Safety Improvements atop Catawba Mountain

Sub-Project Description:

NEPA Review (environmental consulting firm)
Construct Catawba Mountain pedestrian bridge to provide safe passage for hikers over Virginia Route 311 . The bridge would replace the
current at-grade crossing on the Appalachian Trail.
Resurface with eco-pavers the existing 65 space parking lot and add granite curb for each space.
Construct stone walls and landscape site.
Construct a three panel information kiosk.
Panel 1: Appalachian Trail Information
Panel 2: Local Visitor Information (Virginia Highlands Tourism)
Panel 3: Local History Information.

Sub-Project Justification: Crossing Virginia Route 311 has posed a safety risk for many years, primarily due to the lack of sight distance, the rate of speed, and the increased level of vehicular traffic. While residential growth in the Catawba area has grown over the past 20 years, the population expansion in the Town of Blacksburg and in surrounding areas of Montgomery County to the west have increased the use pattern on Route 311. Between 1990 and 2009, traffic levels increased 61%, yet Appalachian Trail users continue to traverse Route 311 at grade. In addition, the parking area is on the west side of Rt. 311 and one of the trail's most visited sites overlooking the Roanoke Valley, McAfee's Knob, is on the east side of the route, requiring visitors, including those with children, to cross Route 311 on foot. The addition of a foot bridge across 311 will provide safer access and encourage greater usage of the trail facilities in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas, as well as providing a safer route for thru-users.

Site 2: Dragon’s Tooth Trailhead and USDA Entry Portal

Sub-Project Description:

NEPA Review (Environmental Consulting Firm)
Construct a new entrance and bridge and remove existing entrance; restore the slope where the current entrance exists;
Resurface with eco-pavers the existing 45 space parking lot and add granite curb for each space.; Install 200' stone seat wall and landscaping;
Construct a Dragon's Tooth Day Use Sign at the Rt. 311 entrance to improve signage;
Add a stone patio with a two table picnic area above the parking area; and
Construct a three-panel information kiosk:
Panel 1: US Forest Service Information (Natural History)
Panel 2: Local Visitor Information (Virginia Highlands Tourism; Craig County Tourism)
Panel 3: Local History Panel (Catawba History; Craig County Historical Society)

Sub-Project Justification: While the US Forest Service recently added a restroom to the site, the drive connecting the parking area to Virginia Route 311 is steep and prone to erosion and washboarding. In addition, the slope of the drive precludes use by some vehicles. The project would replace the existing drive with a more accessible drive paralleling the main parking facility. A small bridge is necessary for crossing a intermittent drainage area. The parking lot improvements provide visual continuity with the other sites included in the project, while mitigating potential runoff and increasing site accessibility for visitors with mobility impairments.

Site 3: Broad Run/ Craig Creek Wayside Park& Welcome Center

Sub-Project Description:

NEPA Review (Environmental Consulting Firm)
Purchase and mitigation of existing an old gas station and adjoining property at the confluence of Broad Run and Craig's Creek.
Rehabilitation of existing log structure for use as a welcome and wetland/nature education center
Construction of interpretive trail;
Repave of existing parking lot utilizing eco-pavers and granite curbs.
Construction of 4 to 6 table picnic area,
Construction of stone seat wall.

Sub-Project Justification: The development of a new wayside park will provide travelers with needed services, including restroom facilities, will provide Craig County with a much needed welcome center and community park adjacent to Route 311. The Broad Run Trading Post is an unutilized and deteriorating property that currently poses an environmental hazard due to underground fuel tanks. Trash from the business is scattered around the existing property. Both the trash and the fuel tanks pose a risk to the surface and ground water quality at the confluence of Broad Run and Craig's Creek. In addition, the rehabilitation of the property will encourage the rehabilitation of surrounding properties and add to the scenic quality of southern Craig County. The removal of the existing parking lot surface and resurfacing utilizing eco-pavers will help mitigate run-off. The inclusion of the stone walls and granite curbs will provide visual continuity with the project.

Site 4: Craig Creek Valley Overlook (Route 42)

Sub-Project Description:

Categorical Exclusion form
Remaining restoration of existing overlook,
Milling, grading, and surfacing of overlook
Restoration of Existing patio, curbing and single table site
Construction of three-panel information kiosk
Panel 1: Craig County Natural History (Craig County Historical Society & Craig County High School)
Panel 2: Local Visitor Information (Craig County Tourism)
Panel 3: Craig County History (Craig County Historical Society)

Sub-Project Justification: The Craig Creek Valley Overlook on Route 42, just west of the junction of Rt. 42 and Rt. 311 was partially reconstructed by Craig County and the local Boy Scouts, working with a Master Stonemason. The overlooks provide a place for drivers to stop, rest, and stretch, as well as enjoy the view. Of the three existing overlooks and one existing wayside in Craig County, the site on Rt. 42, due to the efforts of the Boy Scouts and Craig County, is in significantly better condition than the other three sites. Currently, the stone seat wall has been rebuilt; however pavement, sidewalk, curbing, and small picnic patio have been left untouched, as has the landscaped island. The proposed work completes the rehabilitation of the site. Craig County is proposing to work with the industrial arts program through Craig County High School and a master carpenter to construct the information kiosk.

Site 5: John's Creek Wayside

Sub-Project Description:

NEPA Review (VDoT)
Redevelopment of parking area
Construction of a patio and picnic area
Construction of stone seat wall
Construction of small fishing platform
Landscape slope
Construct three-panel information kiosk
Panel 1: Local Natural History (USFS)
Panel 2: Local Visitor Information (Craig County Tourism)
Panel 3: Local History (Craig County Historical Society

Sub-Project Justification. The John's Creek Wayside is adaptive reuse of an abandoned roadway left over after the construction of a new bridge across John's Creek on the west side of Rt. 311. Currently, the site is being used as a fishing access point. The parking portion of the site is in reasonably good condition. A stone patio and picnic area will provide visitors with fishing access to John's Creek without having to trespass on private property. Landscaping , created in partnership with the Craig County Chapter of the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs and local landscape firms, will help mitigate any run-off from the site. The stone wall flanking the fishing platform and patio area will replace the existing metal bar and will provide visual continuity.

Site 6: Pott's Slope Shooting Range:

Sub-Project Description:

Categorical Exclusion Form
Resurface road and parking facility and re-stripe
Rehabilitate information kiosk and replace plexiglass cover
Add new signage at Rt. 311 entrance

Sub-Project Justification. Hunting represents, historically, one of the significant adventure-tourism attractions in Craig County, and the Pott's Slope Shooting Range is heavily used in the weeks leading up to and during hunting season. In addition, the Pott's Mountain Shooting Range, while not well known outside of the hunting community, provides an excellent location for target shooters in the Roanoke Valley because of the range's relatively close proximity. The pavement is clearly showing signs of stress and wear and needs to be upgraded. A panel-kiosk, providing users with information about hunting in Craig County and the National Forests already exists, but the plexiglass covers are scratched and make reading the information difficult.

Site 7: Pott’s Mountain East CCC Era Overlook

Sub Project Description:

Categorical exclusion form
Restoration of 600' stone seat walls
Construction of overlook Platform
Milling, grading, and surfacing of overlook loop road
Restoration of patio, granite curbing, and picnic area
Landscaping
Three-panel Visitor Information Kiosk
Panel 1: Natural History/ Environmental Information (USFS)
Panel 2: Local Visitor Information (Craig County Tourism)
Panel 3: Local History (Craig County Historical Society)

Sub Project: Justification: The Pott's Mountain East Overlook is one of the “broken windows” along the Rt. 311 Corridor. The stone wall has all but disappeared, leaving large gaps. Stones have been removed as souvenirs or as building material by others. Trash and beer bottles litter the ground. An old, concrete picnic table sits at an angle in the center island and the grown up weeds suggest that no one stops, despite the magnificent view, for a picnic or to spend time. Sites like the Pott's Mountain Overlook provide stark evidence of why regional travelers choose the longer route along 220 than the more direct Rt 311 and consider Rt. 311 a dangerous road. The physical evidence suggests otherwise, but like neighborhoods with dilapidated structures, uncared for highways, like neighborhoods, are perceived as dangerous, even if they are not. The renovated site, with significant landscaping, will do much to change the perception of the area.

Site 8: Horseshoe Trail Parking Area & Shawvers Run Wilderness Area:

Sub-Project Description:

Categorical Exclusion Form
Construction of 10 space gravel parking area and entrance drive.
Construction of patio, curbing, and two table picnic site.
Construction of 30 linear foot stone seat wall.
Extension of Horseshoe Trail from current location to the top of Pott's Mountain
Three-Panel Information Kiosk
Panel 1: Natural History/ Wilderness Area Information (USFS)
Panel 2: Local Tourism Information (Craig County Tourism)
Panel 3: Local History (Craig County Historical Society)

Sub-Project Justification: At present, the Horseshoe Trail trailhead is located at a hairpin turn on the east side of Pott's Mountain and the parking area for the trail is located inside the hairpin turn. At one time, the trailhead facility provided a small picnic area, as well as access to the trail; however, the Virginia Department of Transportation determined that the location of the parking facility created a hazard and has not maintained the wayside. The development of a new wayside at the top of Pott's Mountain, on the site of a former commercial establishment long since torn down, and the mile and a half extension of Horseshoe Trail from the existing trailhead to the new wayside will increase both safety and the potential use rates of an existing trail facility. In addition, the wayside will provide an entrance into the Shawver's Run Wilderness Area, although the actual trailhead is approximately three miles east of the intersection on Pott's Mountain Road. Unlike the Appalachian Trail crossing further south, the level of traffic does not warrant more than appropriate signage for the Horseshoe Trail crossing.

Site 9 Pott’s Mountain West CCC Era Overlook

Sub-Project Description

Categorical Exclusion Form
Restoration of 120 L.F. Stone Walls
Milling, grading, and surfacing of overlook
Restoration of patio, curbing, and table site
Landscaping and view corridor restoration
Construction of a three-panel informational kiosk
Panel 1: Local Natural/Environmental Information (USFS)
Panel 2: Local Tourism Information (Craig County Tourism)
Panel 3: Local History (Craig County Historical Society)

Sub-Project Justification. The Pott's Mountain East Overlook is in moderate condition. While it does not have the same level of deterioration as the overlook on Peter's Mountain, the facilities are overgrown or buried, sections of the stone seat wall have long since disappeared, and overall the site looks neglected. Route 311 over both Pott's and Peter's Mountains is curvy and provides a challenge for even the best of mountain drivers. Overlooks and waysides, in addition to promoting an appreciation for the area by providing direct access to scenic views, also provide drivers with safe places to pull off the main road in order to rest and stretch. On winding roads, this is especially important, given the lack of safe places to pull off the main highway. The information kiosk provides visitors with information about the locale, so they can put the scenic view in a larger context both environmentally and historically.

Site 10: Paint Bank Visitor Information Kiosk

Sub-Project Description:

Categorical Exclusion Form
Construction of 10 linear foot stone seat wall
Construction of patio and curbing
Construction of Three-Panel Visitor Information Kiosk
Panel 1: Local Nature Information (Scenic By-way; Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail, Glen Alton) (USFS)
Panel 2: Local Visitor Information (Paint Bank Community, Craig County Tourism
Panel 3: Local Historical Information (History of Paint Bank): (Paint Bank Community, Craig County Historical Society).

Sub-Project Justification: Paint Bank is the tourism success story in Craig County, in large part because the private efforts of Nancy B. and John Mulheren. Located at the junctions of Rt. 311 and Rt. 600 and Rt .311 and Rt. 18 in the Pott's Creek Valley, Paint Bank is an essential crossroads for visitors entering Craig County, as well as a vital part of Craig County history. The addition of the three-panel kiosk, patio, curbing, and stone seat wall provides visual continuity to the entire project and provides visitors with access to information about the broader region, including the facilities at Steel Bridge, Glen Alton Historic Site, the trailheads for both the Alleghany and the Appalachian Trails the West Virginia portion of Pott's Valley, the Iron Ore Loop of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, and the Whistle Stop Scenic Byway. Expansion of the local tourism industry will lead to the further preservation of historic structures in Paint Bank.

Site 11 Steel Bridge Day Use Area

Sub-Project Description:

NEPA Review (U.S. Forest Service)
Upgrade of existing entrance and parking area
Reconstruction of 8' width steel bridge on old bridge site across Pott's Creek.
Redevelopment of loop trail
Construction of a vault Toilet
Development of Picnic Area and construction of a 6-10 table pavilion.
Construction of a three-panel visitor information kiosk

Sub-Project Justification. After the removal of the original bridge for safety reasons, the south side of Pott's Creek at Steel Bridge has been inaccessible to the public, including fishermen. The same is true for the trail system and the primitive campground. Restoration of the day use area will decrease the visitor impact on the Steel Bridge Campground and allow the Forest Service to shift the Campground from free to a hosted fee-for-use facility, while providing sports fishermen, white-water canoeists, and other visitors direct access to Pott's Creek and the recreational opportunities.

Site 12 Steel Bridge Campground

Sub-Project Description

NEPA Reviews (U.S. Forest Service)
Convert Steel Bridge Campground from a free facility to a hosted fee-for-use facility.
Improve and upgrade the entrance
Stabilize and landscaping the stream bank
Upgrade of existing campsites
Construct two Vault Toilets
Pave the road to minimize impact on Pott's Creek

Sub-Project Justification. The upgrade of the Steel Bridge Campground will allow the U.S. Forest Service to shift the facility from free to fee-for-use, mitigating past use problems which can and have had an impact on campground users and on the environment. Due to the presence of the James River Spiny Mussel in Pott's Creek, paving the road through the campground, upgrading the campsites, installing vault toilets, and stabilizing the stream bank will lower the impact of sediment runoff from the campground and adjacent facilities and maintain stream quality.

Site 13 Peter's Mountain West CCC Era Overlook

Sub-Project Description:

Restoration of 120 L.F. Stone Walls
Milling, Grading, and Surfacing of Overlook
Restoration of Patio, Curbing, and Table Site
Landscaping and View Corridor Restoration
Visitor Informational Kiosk
Panel 1: Craig County, Virginia (Craig County Tourism)
Panel 2: Local Tourism Information (Craig County Tourism; Monroe County Tourism)
Panel 3: Monroe County, West Virginia (Monroe County Tourism)

Sub-Project Justification: The Peter's Mountain overlook is divided by the Virginia/ West Virginia border. Due to its location, the overlook has not been maintained on either side of the border, and is covered in trash and debris. The stone walls have crumbled, with only short sections obscured by overgrowth providing any evidence that the site is an official pullover. The only evidence of official use is the two-sided historic highway marker in the island separating the overlook drive and the main highway. The deterioration at this site is far greater than the other sites in Craig County, yet the site is the entry point not only for Craig County, but also for Virginia. Given the importance of waysides, overlooks, and turnouts in mountainous areas, the site should be one of the first to be completed.

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