Carvins Cove - Roanoke, VA

Mountain Biking at Carvins Cove

Carvins Cove is a 12,700-acre natural preserve and the second largest municipal park in the country.

Its 600-acre reservoir serves as the water source for the City of Roanoke.

With over 60 miles of multi-use trails, many local mountain bikers refer to Carvins Cove as “Disneyland” for bikes. For mountain biking, the Cove is best accessed from either the Bennett Springs or Timberview parking lots. The “boat dock” side, located near Hollins, serves as the boat launch for fishing, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding.

Both the boat dock and Bennett Springs parking lots have bathroom facilities. There are no facilities at the Timberview lot.

Carvins Cove is generally divided into the “uppers,” a set of more advanced trails, and the “lowers,” trails that are more beginner-friendly.

The sheer number of miles combined with the many types of trail experiences make it possible to plan for a fun multi-day riding adventure.

Before You Ride: Familiarize yourself with the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics for Mountain Biking - a set of guidelines to help you enjoy the trails responsibly and minimize your impact on the natural environment.

Carvins Cove Suggested Routes

• Upper Left Loop - MTB Project
• The Royal Reach Around Trail - Ride With GPS
• Lowers Tour Trail - Ride With GPS
• Old School Trail - Ride With GPS

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Please note that camping and swimming are not permitted at Carvins Cove.

The Virginia is for Lovers video below features professional mountain biker Brice Shirbach describing the experience of mountain biking at Carvins Cove.

Just the Right Gear, located on Route 311, is a local bike shop on the way to the Bennett Springs parking lot and is a great place to stop for last-minute nutrition, spare tubes, or to chat about route suggestions.

Salem’s Parkway Brewing Company is the favored Carvins Cove post-ride watering hole. Fresh, tasty, craft beer is served daily, and they feature a beautiful outdoor patio area.

Carvins Cove - Greenway Connection

Carvins Cove is connected to the Roanoke Valley Greenway network via Roanoke County’s Hinchee Park. The Hinchee Trail is a 2-mile trail that connects to the Brushy Mountain Trail, which is the longest trail at Carvins Cove at 9.8 miles. There is also a Greenway connection on the boat dockside of Carvins Cove with access via the Tinker Creek Greenway in Hollins.

Maps: Hinchee Trail > | Tinker Creek Greenway >

Group & Guided Rides

Nervous about tackling some new trails? No worries! The Blue Ridge Off-Road Cyclists regularly host group rides and you could also book a guided experience with Roanoke Mountain Adventures.

Hours, Parking & Fees

The park is managed by both the Western Virginia Water Authority and the City of Roanoke. The park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., making it a favorite for night mountain biking.

Purchasing a day use or annual pass is required for riding at the Cove. The daily entrance fee is $7 per vehicle per day and $50 per vehicle for an annual pass. If possible, visitors are encouraged to carpool. Purchase usage passes in advance via the Western Virginia Water Authority Website >

There are three entrances to the park - Marina (boat & water access), Bennett Springs, and Timberview.

Bennett Springs is the most popular, especially for mountain biking, and can be accessed via Route 311 to Route 740/Carvins Cove Road.

Timberview can be reached via Route 419/Electric Road to Route 1404/Timberview Road. The Marina/Boat Dock can be accessed via Route 11/Lee Highway to Route 648/Reservoir Road.

Carvins Cove Parking Lot Addresses

Carvins Cove - Bennett Springs
4300 Carvins Cove Road
Salem, VA 24153

Carvins Cove - Timberview Parking
3097 Timberview Road
Roanoke, VA 24019

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
9644 Reservoir Road
Roanoke, VA 24019

Carvins Cove - Mountain Biking Resources

Carvins Cove Trail Map

This PDF map serves as the perfect resource for navigating the miles of trails at Carvins Cove and includes info about parking, restrooms, and difficulty levels of the trails.

Download it now to begin planning your biking adventure!

This interactive GIS map is also a terrific resource.

• PLAY Roanoke: Carvins Cove
• Western Virginia Water Authority: Carvins Cove

Carvins Cove - Nearby Food & Drink Options

• Parkway Brewing Company - craft brewery in Salem specializing in complex ales that are crafted with care in the heart of the Blue Ridge
• Mac & Bob’s - famous for huge, great-tasting calzones and a wide range of American menu items; feature over 40 craft beers on tap 
• Blue Apron Restaurant & Red Rooster Bar - farm-to-table restaurant that showcases authentically modern cocktails and cuisine
• Olde Salem Brewing Company - located on Salem’s historic Main Street, this local brewery presents full-flavored beers & innovative tastes
• El Jefe Taqueria - eclectic tequila bar serving fresh tacos in a relaxing atmosphere in Downtown Salem
• Joe’s Deli - local deli known for delicious, freshly-made sandwiches & salads with very generous portions
• Elderberry’s Salem - great local option for fresh smoothies and wraps

Carvins Cove - Nearby Bike Shop

• Just the Right Gear - a welcoming bike shop for everyone, ranging to the newest mountain and road rider to the experienced racer or free rider