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Ellett Valley Recreational Area
4.2 ★★★★☆ 21 Google reviews · Running trail in Blacksburg, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ellett Valley Recreational Area's 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.
What runners say about Ellett Valley Recreational Area
Great nature trail useful for education and/or exercise. It’s only a mile but could be challenging (in a good way) for new trail runners or young hikers. Like all trails they are best maintained by use and it looks like the back half of the trail doesn’t get much traffic.
The trail head is not obvious. It is located behind the large map/sign in parking area. Neighbors are unpleasant and unhelpful. I thought she was going to pull a gun on me when I mistakenly entered her property.
If you blink you will miss it! These are some nice little, hidden trails. I love all of the little parks, playgrounds and recreation areas that are dotted around the towns! It is so European- so community focused. The parking here leaves a little to be desired, especially after precipitation.
Trail conditions & character
“The parking here leaves a little to be desired, especially after precipitation.”
“Additionally, my very light-rear ended truck was spinning on the incline when I stopped to listen for traffic when I was exiting.”
“Additionally, my very light-rear ended truck was spinning on the incline when I stopped to listen for traffic when I was exiting.”
Plan your run at Ellett Valley Recreational Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteblacksburg.gov
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Blacksburg
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ellett Valley Recreational Area Trailhead
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