GENERAL INFO: Overlooking the New River, Shot Tower was built more than 150 years ago to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinville Mines was 
melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water. For a small fee, guests may ascend the tower which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Grounds are open from dawn until dusk (grounds are closed Oct. 31-April 1).
The tower is open:
April 1 - Memorial Day: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Memorial Day - Labor Day: open all week, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Labor Day - Oct. 31: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Oct. 31 - April 1: Closed.
Click here to download a PDF file (260k) that covers the Shot Tower in greater detail.
LOCATION: From I-77, take exit 24 and go north on Route 52 for two miles.
Drive Time: Northern Virginia, six and a half hours; Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach: seven and a half hours; Roanoke, one and a half hours
Click here for a Google map.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES: None - day use only, but see New River Trail State Park for overnight camping facilities near this park. For information on availability of other parks' overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.
PARKS CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.
VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP: None.
NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS: Shot Tower's history. Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: None.
PICNIC SHELTERS: Picnic tables and restrooms available.
HISTORY: As above in General Information section
