The iconic mountains of Virginia’s Blue Ridge are incredible destinations for trailsetters. Choose from Cahas Mountain, Read Mountain, and the Peaks of Otter in the east or go westward to check out the gems of Catawba Mountain in the west; our summits are not only popular, they’re legendary.

Bent Mountain is the fifth of our iconic mountain series and it’s safe to say it’s one of our favorites. You might not recognize the name, but we’re sure you will recognize the activities associated with it.

Scenic Drive on Bent Mountain

Set off on a scenic drive along Route 221, which is Brambleton Avenue as it leaves Roanoke and then Bent Mountain Road until it reaches Callaway Road, an access point for the Blue Ridge Parkway. As you enjoy Route 221, you’ll pass churches and farmland, ascend through forested areas, winding your way up, up, up to reach more open spaces of grazing livestock.

If you have time, take Route 221 all the way to the Town of Floyd for a visit to the iconic Floyd Country Store, known for its weekly Friday Night Jamboree concerts. 

Hiking Trails

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Detour your way to a few Bent Mountain hot spots. Did you know Bent Mountain features Virginia’s second highest waterfall? You’ll get a great view of it on a hiking trail within Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve on Bottom Creek Lane. Bent Mountain Falls is a great place for not only nature lovers but those seeking a romantic spot for a proposal. Plan well for this hike. According to HikingUpward.com it’s nearly five miles out and back; allow around two hours to accomplish it. Note - dogs are prohibited.

For Your Adventure: Bottom Creek Gorge Trail Map >

Bent Mountain Bistro

Following the hike, stop at Bent Mountain Bistro for lunch. It’s on your way back to Route 221. In fact, it’s at the junction of 221 and 612, so you’re golden. There’s no doubt you’ll love their Heritage Breed BBQ topped with locally made Bent Mountain BBQ Sauce or you can chow down on some of the most delicious pizza in Virginia's Blue Ridge. They also serve organic Kombucha crafted in nearby Floyd County; do try it!

Plan Your Meal: Bent Mountain Bistro Menu >

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Bent Mountain Lodge Bed & Breakfast

An overnight stay on the mountain is a great idea, and we know just the place. Check in to Bent Mountain Lodge B&B, just 12 miles down the road. There you’ll have your choice of suites with various views, including pasture with grazing quarter horses. Pro Tip? The Wildflower Suite and Mountain View Suite both have a great view of Cahas Mountain.

Book Your Stay: Bent Mountain Lodge B&B >

AmRhein's Wine Cellars

Five miles from Bent Mountain Lodge B&B is AmRhein’s Wine Cellars and their beautiful vineyard located on Bent Mountain. They’re open select days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and reservations are not required for tasting their award-winning wines. When you find the one you love, take a glass to the patio and add a cheese, cracker, and sausage platter.

AmRhein’s Wine Cellar Tasting Room & Tours > 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Cycling on Bent Mountain

Cycling is a great way to burn calories, enjoy the landscape, and make a new memory with your favorite person or people. It just so happens that the 43-mile Twin Peaks Loop encompassing Cahas and Bent Mountains is a local favorite, and it includes climbing up Bent Mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway – an incredible route for road biking. Try it?

Television news anchor and cyclist John Carlin warns, “it has long, grinding uphills, classic country roads, two screaming twisting downhill drops and a third descent where you can virtually name your maximum speed.” Allow at least five hours for Twin Peaks Loop.

Twin Peaks Loop Route Information > 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Get Bent Mountain IPA

Bid adieu to Bent Mountain with a glass of its namesake at Parkway Brewing Company in Salem. The Get Bent Mountain IPA is an American IPA brewed West Coast style using citrus and pine flavored Cascade, Columbus, and Cluster hops. If you’re lucky, perhaps one of the two other Get Bent varieties will be on tap when you visit: Orange Get Bent Mountain IPA or Grapefruit Get Bent Mountain IPA.

Listen to the brewers of Parkway review it.

Before You Go: Download our Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail Passport to check in at local breweries and wineries, including Parkway Brewing & AmRhein’s Wine Cellars! Get your passport >


Chronicle your outdoor adventures via social media or blog, and don’t forget to leave reviews as you go. Connect with us by using the hashtag #Trailsetter and enjoy Virginia’s Blue Ridge.