Shot Tower State Park

116 Orphanage Dr., Max Meadows, VA 24360; Phone: 276-699-6778; Email: newrivertrail@dcr.virginia.gov

Latitude, 36.8684. Longitude, -80.8723.
Location of Shot Tower State Park in Virginia

About this park ...

Google map thumbnail showing Shot Tower State Park's location Click for Shot Tower State Park Forecast
Latitude, 36.8684. Longitude, -80.8723.

Photos and video

Flicker photos for Shot Tower State Park
YouTube videos for Shot Tower State Park
  • slider images
  • slider images
  • slider images
  • slider images
The trail from Cliffview office (mile marker 49) in Galax to 0.5 miles north of Dannelly Park (mile marker 46) will be closed for trail work starting Thursday, Oct. 31 through Friday, Nov. 8.The park trail is now open from Galax to Fries Junction; Fries access to Low Water Bridge (trail only); Ivanhoe to Austinville; Shot Tower to Big Reed Island trestle; Allisonia to Dora Junction (Pulaski access). Dannelly Park and Cliffview campground are also open. Foster Falls upper and lower boat ramps are now open and the Foster Falls picnic area.Roughly 25 miles of New River Trail State Park have reopened to the public after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the trail. Visitors can now enjoy hiking, biking and horseback riding along the following sections:

- Roughly 9 miles from the Galax park entrance to the Gambetta park entrance. This portion of the trail includes Chestnut Creek Falls.

- Roughly 3 miles from mile marker 33 through mile marker 29. This portion of the trail includes the Ivanhoe park entrance, Ivanhoe River Bridge, and Austinville park entrance.

- Roughly 12 miles from the Shot Tower park entrance to mile marker 13. This portion of the trail includes Foster Falls.

- Roughly 8 miles from mile marker 10 to the Dora Junction park entrance. This portion of the trail includes the Dalton Bridge, Sloan Creek Trestle, Draper park entrance, McAdams Trestle and Peak Creek Trestle.

Although significant progress has been made, the remaining portions of the trail are closed for ongoing repair. For guest safety and the safety of park rangers and emergency response workers, visitors should not attempt to access portions of the trail that are closed. In addition to trail closures, the Hoover Mountain Biking Area is closed until further notice, and all park campgrounds are closed through Feb. 28, 2025.

View a printable version of the trail guide showing open/closed sections here.

We highly recommend you download the free Avenza app and the free park trail guide from the Avenza store for the best available trail guide here.
Due to maintenance issues, the Shot Tower is closed for tours. The parking lot and restrooms remain available.

This content takes priority over any other information provided on this park's webpage.

Shot Tower grounds are open dawn to dusk.

Tours are free and offered 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on scheduled days. Standard parking fee applies.

Tour Schedule:
April13-May 19: Saturday and Sunday
Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day: Friday-Sunday
Sept. 7 - Oct 27: Saturday-Sunday

Please review the Virginia State Parks Know Before You Go information before you visit.

General Information

Overlooking the New River, Shot Tower was built more than 200 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. Guests may ascend the tower, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive signs provide details on the tower. Grounds are open from dawn until dusk. The parking lot is open year-round. The tower is open on scheduled days in the summer. Admission to the tower is free, however the daily parking fee applies. Group tours are also available. Call the office at 276-699-6778 for details.

Click here for a brochure about the Shot Tower.

 

Hours

The grounds are open from Dawn to dusk.

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

Park Size

10 acres.

Share this page

twitter facebook

Cabins, camping

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.

Camping

Camping

Primitive camping is available about .2 miles along New River Trail. Call 800-933-7275 to make reservations.

Recreation

TRAILS

Hiking at New River Trail State Park.

SWIMMING

None at this park.

FISHING, BOATING

None at the tower, but boat access and rentals are available at New River Trail State Park.

HORSES

The Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex is about .2 miles from the tower.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Picnic Shelters

Picnic tables and restrooms available.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

None at this park.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP

None at the tower, but you'll find them in Foster Falls, about .2 miles away.

RESTAURANT

None at this park.

LAUNDRY

None at this park.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

None at this park.

SPECIAL FEATURES

The historic tower and access to New River Trail.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY

Shot Tower grounds and restrooms are accessible. The Shot Tower is not accessible, however photos of the tower and views are on display.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Shot Tower's history. Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

CONCESSIONS

None at the tower, but a boat, bike and horse livery and a gift shop are available .2 miles away at New River Trail State Park's Foster Falls village.

HISTORY

Overlooking the New River, Shot Tower was built more than 200 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. Guests may ascend the tower, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive signs provide details on the tower.

FRIENDS GROUP

None.

 

Events, Programs

 
  • There are currently no events for this Park
Search All State Parks Events

At a Glance

The pictographs directly below show park offerings. Mouse-over the image for a short text description or view a legend in which each pictograph's meaning is expressed.
HikingNature/Cultural ProgramsPicnic TablesRestrooms
Hiking, Nature/Cultural Programs, Picnic Tables, Restrooms