Located just seven miles from the north side of Roanoke, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve contains more than 12,000 acres of both hardwood and mixed pine forests, a 630-acre reservoir and 60 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. More than 11,200 acres of Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is protected by the largest conservation easement in Virginia’s history. Roanoke’s Carvins Cove is a vital piece of Virginia’s green infrastructure and also a source of fresh water. Rainfall drains from the natural reserve into the beautiful Carvins Cove reservoir. The reservoir’s water is treated and 10-million gallons of water is filtered each day for customers of the Western Virginia Water Authority, who manages the Cove’s boat dock and reservoir access.
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week; however, the boat dock parking lot closes at dark and is locked overnight. Please do not park your car in the boat dock parking lot if you plan to stay in Carvins Cove after dark. For more information about certain restrictions concerning reservoir use and hours of operation, please contact the Western Virginia Water Authority at 540-362-1757.
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve has three parking lot entrances: the Boat Dock, Bennett Springs, and Timberview. Each parking lot is conveniently located within a 10-15 minute drive of downtown Roanoke. Once you arrive, you will have to pay for parking and use.
Passes are required for anyone over the age of 16. Visitors who are age 15 or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Individual/Vehicle passes and Equestrian Trailer passes can be purchased online at Reservations, Passes, & Permits, in-person at the office at the Boat Landing, or with cash or check at the payment drop boxes located at the Bennett Springs and Timberview parking lots. Debit and credit cards are only accepted online. Boating passes must be purchased in-person at the office at the Boat Landing.
Head to the Boat Dock Parking Lot if you want to access the water and trails on the Hollins side of Carvins Cove. The boat dock parking lot closes at dark and is locked overnight, so please do not park your car here if you plan to stay in the park after dark. For more information about certain restrictions concerning reservoir use and hours, please contact the Western Virginia Water Authority at 540-362-1757. Amenities include: Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Boat Rentals, Security Personnel and Parking. Address: 9644 Reservoir Road, Roanoke, VA 24019
If you’re looking for Carvins Cove’s extensive mountain biking, hiking or equestrian trails, then the Bennett Springs Parking Lot is the right access point for you! Travel along Route 311 to find the Bennett Springs Parking Lot. You’ll have access to nearly 60 miles of trails. Amenities include: Parking, Trail Conditions Signs, Bike Fix Station, Restrooms. Address: 4300 Carvins Cove Road, Salem, VA 24153
This parking lot is tucked at the junction of Horsepens Trail and Trough Trail at Carvins Cove. Access Timberview Road Parking Lot via Dutch Oven Road. Address: 3399 Timberview Road, Roanoke VA 24019.
Rules and user fees help provide recreational opportunities for visitors while still maintaining the safest, highest quality drinking water possible.
Carvins Cove Dam downstream side, 1927
In 1746, a Welsh man named William Carvin received a land grant of 150 acres just outside of Roanoke. His homestead would later become the City of Roanoke’s primary water source and the nation’s second largest municipal park, offering a wide range of recreational activities. After Carvin passed, the region later became known as the Happy Valley community.
In 1926, Roanoke Water Works started plans to construct a $700,000 dam at Carvins Creek’s water falls. The dam would impound six billion gallons of water and become a source of fresh water for the growing urban population in Roanoke. Twelve years later, the City of Roanoke paid $4.5 million for all of the lands held by Roanoke Water Works, which included Carvins Cove. By 1944, the City voted to approve a $2.4 million bond issued to finish the Carvins Cove project. By 1947, the reservoir was completed and the filtration plant was put into operation, treating up to six million gallons of water daily. That treatment facility has since been updated and expanded, increasing the capacity to 28 million gallons per day.
Carvins Cove Dam looking over reservoir, 1945
In 2004, the Western Virginia Water Authority was formed and designated as the region’s water and wastewater service provider. As a result, the Water Authority gained ownership over the Carvins Cove Reservoir and land up to its 1,200-foot contour. The City of Roanoke retained ownership of the land, making Carvins Cove the second largest municipally-owned park in the United States. The remaining multi-use trails and land is managed by the City of Roanoke’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
In 2009, the City of Roanoke donated a two-part conservation easement in Roanoke County and Botetourt County. This easement permanently protects 11,363 acres of open space in Carvins Cove Natural Reserve.
Photo source: Western Virginia Water Authority
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is one of the main reasons why Roanoke, Virginia, has been deemed the Mountain Bike Capital of the East. There are roughly 60 miles of mountain biking, hiking and equestrian trails, including cross country single track, free-ride downhill trails, and extensive gravel fire roads.
These trails are appropriate for novice through advanced users. The trails generally follow obvious, well-marked trails and roads. Grades are gentle and only minor obstacles will be encountered.
These routes are appropriate for intermediate through advanced users. Terrain will be steeper and narrower. Obstacles such as rocks and loose stone will be encountered.
These routes are recommended for physically fit users with technical skill. The terrain is steep and difficult obstacles will be encountered.
These routes are recommended only for physically fit users with technical skill. Users need to control speed, watch for surface hazards, and be familiar with trail locations. The terrain is steep and technical obstacles will be encountered.
PDF Map:
Owned by the City of Roanoke, all of Carvins Cove’s trails are planned and managed by Roanoke Parks and Recreation, but predominantly built and maintained by volunteers. Local non-profit volunteer groups that offer continuous help and support on Roanoke’s trails include Pathfinders for Greenways, BROC, and Blue Ridge Gravity. Want to help out? Learn more about upcoming Trail Maintenance Work Days
Although Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is a public recreational resource, it is also home to the region’s primary water source. To help maintain clean drinking water, please abide by the rules enforced by the Western Virginia Water Authority when enjoying the Cove’s reservoir and trails. Here you’ll find more information about water-related activities at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve:
