Hoover Mountain Hike

Location of New River Trail State Park in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Hoover Mountain- Julia Simpkins Road in Allisonia -1/2 mile North of boat ramp
Main Park Address: New River Trail State Park, 116 Orphanage Dr., Max Meadows, VA 24360.

When

Sept. 26, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Join us for a Ranger-led hike at New River Trail's Hoover Mountain access!

This 250-acre area was donated to New River Trail State Park in 2019. Learn about the history and geology of this reclaimed 20th century mine site. The Hoover Color Corporation surface mine and nearby pigment production facility is situated in the Middle Section of the Appalachian Highlands, which contributes to the unique geomorphology of the surrounding area. Observe the uniquely colored iron oxide deposits in the earth, resembling a desert canyon, different from our familiar Appalachian hills.

This one-mile hike (approximately one hour long) will be on uneven terrain. In cases of inclement weather or unsuitable trail conditions the program will be cancelled. A ranger will lead you on trails surrounding the surface mine and discuss the ore extracted from the mine (lepidocrocite, goethite, and hematite) as well as the fascinating local history of pigment mining.

Meet at the Hoover Mountain parking area. Parking fees are waived on National Public Lands Day. A park van will be available to shuttle participants up the mountain to the surface mine where the journey begins. The van will depart at 2 p.m., so make sure you arrive prior to the departure time.

People on a guided walk at Hoover Mountain

About National Public Lands Day

Virginia State Parks celebrates National Public Lands Day each September by inviting volunteers and visitors to take part in the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the country. Join in preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the state’s public lands through a variety of hands-on activities, including trail maintenance, tree plantings, invasive species removal, litter clean-ups and educational programs on the importance of conservation. Parking fees are waived at most Virginia State Parks for National Public Lands Day (excludes Grayson Highlands and the admission fee at Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum).

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 276-699-6778
Email Address: NewRiverTrail@dcr.virginia.gov