Giles County is Virginia’s Mountain Playground® where mountains and back roads lead to amazing, world-class adventures. We want you to experience our 37 miles of the New River Water Trail which is home to topnotch smallmouth bass fishing and paddling experiences for all skill levels, with help from experienced outfitters and guide companies. From the towering Palisade cliffs to Castle Rock and all the way through to Wylie Falls, the New River allows for public access approximately every five miles so river-goers can find the perfect section for a perfect day on the water.
Spruce Run New River by Billy Bowling 
Castle Rock, photo by Sam Dean
We boast award winning lodging from the mountain resorts of Mountain Lake Lodge (where Dirty Dancing was filmed) and Kairos Wilderness Resort (which is home to over 70 miles of wilderness off-road trails for all vehicles), to the internationally known romantic bed and breakfast, Inn at Riverbend. Families looking for a waterfront cabin have to look no further than Walker Creek Cabins. As a meet up location or escape from the grind, Giles offers you and yours unique, quality lodging of all kinds.
Our destination dining is second to none and includes The Palisades Restaurant and the Bad Apple. If your agenda, has you looking to start your day with fresh doughnuts, you cannot miss Hilltop Grocery or Sugar Mountain Bakery. You can stop in for a quick bite at Bluegrass BBQ in Pembroke for Virginia style BBQ! Local eateries abound in the playground and we welcome you to enjoy them all!
It is time to get outside and enjoy! The Appalachian Trail treks over 65 miles through Giles and hikers have ranked Woods Hole Hostel as the best lodging on the A.T. (it is also the oldest continuous hostel on the trail)! Find your perfect section hike with multiple trailheads and spur trails throughout the county. Our three waterfalls offer refreshing rewards to visitors including Dismal Falls (not so dismal if you ask us!), Mill Creek Falls (mountain biking trails are found here too!), and the very popular Cascade Falls. The Cascades is a 69-foot towering waterfall that is located along a 4 mile loop trail. The creek bed you traverse to the falls provides spectacular photo opportunities and spots to stop and listen to nature. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities you will find in Giles and we have trails to suit your group and your time.
But there is more! When we say “some days you just need a play day” we mean it! Golfers can enjoy Castle Rock Golf, an 18-hole course with unbeatable views and Mountain Lake Lodge offers Clays at the Overlook and Treetop Adventures to test yourself or try something new. Our very own JBR Vineyards offers in-vineyards tastings by appointment, and pets are always welcome! People love to celebrate here with our multiple wedding and special event venues that attract brides from all over the country. Friends and family gather to celebrate all of life’s special occasions.
From the New River Water Trail to the five small downtowns in Giles, this is the destination for adventure seeking, off the beaten path, family friendly travelers!
Cover photo: The Cascades
