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Carvins Cove Natural Reserve - Bennett Springs Access
4.7 ★★★★★ 175 Google reviews · Running trail in Salem, Virginia · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 60 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Carvins Cove Natural Reserve - Bennett Springs Access' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Clean, popular, well-maintained outdoor space with an extensive network of trails for hiking and bicycling, plus horseback riding.
What runners say about Carvins Cove Natural Reserve - Bennett Springs Access
“The mountain bike trails here are spectacular, well maintained and diverse!”
“$3/person is not a lot to ask for considering the beauty of the area and the well maintained and well marked trails.”
“Love this place for the peaceful waters in the reservoir in a kayak or canoe & the MTB trails on the Bennett Springs side.”
If there's a better way to spend a morning I'm not sure what it is. Very easy to locate and very well maintained. Just a short walk into the woods and the only sounds you hear are birds and the buzzing of insects and the occasional squirrel. There is the occasional aircraft passing overhead but it is quiet.
The mountain bike trails here are spectacular, well maintained and diverse! There is something for every skill level. The shear quantity of great trails make this one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the region. The natural beauty and fresh air make for a PERFECT bicycling environment!
Very good area for walking for me. If I have a chance to visit again, I will go there several times.
Had a great technical ride on the bike trails. Serious double black action!! Just the Right Gear down the road is a legit bike shop as well!!
Trail conditions & character
“Trail markers also indicate how to get back to the parking lot.”
“Be advised that trail ratings correspond to technical difficulty, not cardiovascular challenge 😆 - you may need to bike uphill for several miles even on a beginner trail.”
“Love this place for the peaceful waters in the reservoir in a kayak or canoe & the MTB trails on the Bennett Springs side.”
“$3/person is not a lot to ask for considering the beauty of the area and the well maintained and well marked trails.”
Plan your run at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve - Bennett Springs Access
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance60 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteplayroanoke.com
- Phone+1 540-853-2236
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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