Carvins Cove Natural Reserve

Park Hours:

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.

GETTING THERE:

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 at the parking lot, you can purchase either a $2.00 Day Pass or $20.00 Annual Parking Pass. Passes are easily obtained by the trail lock-box and pass self-service system. Cash or check only accepted at the self-serve kiosks.

1. BOAT DOCK PARKING LOT

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: 9744 Reservoir Road, Roanoke, VA 24019

GOOGLE MAP

2. BENNETT SPRINGS PARKING LOT

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 (Coming in July, 2017!). Address: Carvins Cove Road, Salem 24153

GOOGLE MAP

3. TIMBERVIEW ROAD PARKING LOT

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: 3097 Timberview Road, Roanoke VA 24019.

GOOGLE MAP

Carvins Cove RULES:

• Swimming and camping are not permitted in the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
• Dogs are welcome, however, they must remain leashed at all times and are not allowed in the water
• Dog owners must pick up after their pet. The Cove’s watershed drains directly into the reservoir, our region’s primary drinking water source
• Alcohol is prohibited at Carvins Cove
• To prevent environmental damage and soil erosion, all trail users must stay on the trails and fire roads at all times
• Horseback riders must not leave any manure, hay or other debris in any part of the reserve
• All park visitors must pay a land use fee, which is $2.00 per person per day or $20.00 per person for an annual permit

In 1746, a Welsh man named William Carver 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. 

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 Dept. 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

We’ve recently added several new trails and connections at Carvins Cove and are updating all of our printer-friendly trail maps. For now, please refer to our digital map online for the most up-to-date trail information. If you have a question about a trail at Carvins Cove, please contact Renee Powers at renee.powers@roanokeva.gov or 540-853-5867.