We are thinking of our neighbors in SWVA and are grateful for the first responders and organizations that are providing assistance. Virginia's Blue Ridge region (Cities of Roanoke & Salem and Counties of Botetourt, Franklin, & Roanoke) was fortunate to sustain minimal damage from the storm and our local businesses are open and ready to welcome visitors. Learn More
Entering Virginia's Blue Ridge from the north, you will find yourself in Botetourt County, one of Virginia's most scenic and historically significant counties.
Botetourt County is filled with rolling hills, miles of hiking trails including the Appalachian Trail, scenic rivers and streams, historic towns and beautiful countryside all within majestic mountain backdrops.
Check out the various pages showcased below to learn more about the unique experiences you can find in Botetourt County in Virginia's Blue Ridge.
Botetourt County, founded in 1770, is historically unique. It was initially formed from Augusta County and derived its name from Lord Botetourt, who was the Governor of Virginia.
After the Revolutionary War, the county's jurisdiction was extended to the Mississippi River, encompassing what is now West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and part of Illinois and Wisconsin.
In Botetourt County you can retrace the steps of Lewis and Clark as they set out on their remarkable journey across the American continent. Present-day Botetourt still offers lots of opportunities for discovery.
A leisurely stroll through the Downtowns of Fincastle, Troutville, Buchanan, and Daleville will reveal the history, charm and hospitality of life in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or other scenic byways in the county and you'll discover why people choose to call this home. Grab a bike, lace up your hiking boots or slip on your life jacket for an outdoor adventure on one of our many trails or waterways.
Botetourt borders the Blue Ridge Parkway and is home to the headwaters of the mighty James River. It's also part of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. The combination of rivers, mountains, scenic countryside and historic towns creates a vacation experience that is second to none.
It's easy to drink in the beauty that will surround your every move in the county.
Population: 33,596 (as of 2020 Census)
Towns: Buchanan, Fincastle, Troutville
Unincorporated Communities: Eagle Rock, Blue Ridge, Cloverdale, Springwood, Oriskany, Daleville, Lithia, Arcadia, Glen Wilton, Nace
Surrounding Counties: Craig County, Roanoke County, Alleghany County, Rockbridge County, Bedford County
Founded: 1770
Education: 7 Public Elementary Schools, 2 Public Middle Schools, 2 Public High Schools - Lord Botetourt High School & James River High School
District: 6th Congressional District
Type of Government: County Administrator & Elected Board of Supervisors
County Seat: Fincastle
Land Area: 546 square miles
Header photo via Sam Dean Photography in Botetourt CountyVisit Virginia's Blue Ridge 101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-6025 (800) 635-5535
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge is committed to cultivating an atmosphere that welcomes and celebrates the unique backgrounds, abilities, passions, and perspectives of our vibrant community. As our region’s only destination marketing organization, we have a responsibility to showcase the best the Roanoke Region has to offer, and those assets and strengths come in varied forms. We embrace differences in race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, language, visible and invisible disabilities, and all the intersecting identities that make Virginians and visitors alike so unique. We believe our differences make us stronger– and better.