Shot Tower State Park

General Information

Overlooking the New River, The Jackson Ferry 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.

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 closest parking available for horse trailers is The Mark E. Hufeisen Day Use Area about .2 miles from the tower. State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse brought to the park.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Nearby Attractions

Pulaski County

• Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce
• Claytor Lake State Park
• Gatewood Park
• Jefferson National Forest
• Motor Mile Speedway
• Wilderness Road Regional Museum
• Randolph Park
• The New River Valley Fairgrounds has many events and activities year-round.  

Wythe County

• Wythe County Chamber of Commerce
• Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre
• Wolf Creek Indian Village and  Museum (Bland, VA 42 minute drive)
• Hungry Mother State Park is within an hour's drive.
• Wytheville Training School

Carroll County

• Twin County Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Beaver Dam Creek Trail
• Blue Ridge Country Club
• Carter Pines Community Park
• Crooked Creek Wildlife Management Area.  

Galax

• The city of Galax
• Take an art, craft or music class at the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts
• Barr’s Fiddle Shop
• Blue Ridge Music Center
• Old Fiddler’s Convention
• Galax Recreation Center
• The Crooked Road

Grayson County

• Visit Grayson County
• Grayson Highlands State Park
• Mount Rogers National Recreation Area 
• Matthews Living History Farm Museum
• Town of Fries

Itineraries

• Sentimental Skeeterdogs
• Camping, Captains and Camels
• Eats, Beats and More

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

The grounds and restrooms of the Shot Tower are accessible. The Shot Tower itself is not accessible; however, photos of the tower and the views are on display. A virtual tour of the shot tower is available.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Learn about the history of the Shot Tower. Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

CONCESSIONS

There are no concessions at the tower. However, the boat and bike livery and the depot gift shop are located 0.2 miles away at New River Trail State Park's Foster Falls village.

HISTORY

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built over 200 years ago to produce ammunition for early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, then fell through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath it into a kettle of water. Guests may ascend the tower, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive signs provide further details on the tower.

FRIENDS GROUP

Shot Tower State Park does not have a specific friends group. New River Trail State Park, which maintains Shot Tower State Park, does have a friends group.

The Friends of New River Trail are citizen volunteers who support the mission and operations of New River Trail State Park throughout the region and state. The group is dedicated to fostering partnerships and supporting the park as a premier rail-to-trail destination. The Friends also work to develop educational programs focused on the region's natural and cultural history, outdoor recreation, and conservation. Annual membership dues for voting members are $10 for individuals, $15 for families, and $5 for students. Anyone may attend meetings as a non-voting member without donating. Donations support projects and programs. Volunteers are encouraged to record all hours in the Virginia State Parks volunteer database, which helps the state gauge park support.

Volunteers are eligible for awards as a thank you for their time and efforts at the park. Benefits are based on accumulated hours and range from annual parking passes to camping and cabin privileges.

Located in Carroll, Grayson, Pulaski, and Wythe counties, as well as the City of Galax and the Towns of Fries and Pulaski, New River Trail State Park offers a variety of recreational activities amid the scenic landscape of the New River and Chestnut Creek. Activities include picnicking, primitive camping, fishing, boating, tubing, swimming, playgrounds, hiking, biking and horseback riding.

For more information visit: https://friendsofnrt.com