Pembroke, Virginia
More actions
Pembroke is a compact mountain town in Giles County, best known to visitors as a base for outdoor days. The Cascades trail leads through Jefferson National Forest to Cascade Falls, while the New River offers a different perspective on the area from the water. The town also sits within a county promoted for its trails, river recreation, and mountain scenery.[1][2]
Come for the waterfall and creekside walk, or use Pembroke as a quiet starting point for paddling and fishing on the New River. This is an outdoors-focused stop rather than a destination built around a large cluster of museums or attractions; check current trail, river, and business information before setting out.[3]
Plan a trip to Pembroke
Why visit Pembroke?
Pembroke’s appeal is its close connection to water and mountain landscapes. Visitors can pair a forest hike to Cascade Falls with time on the New River, where local outfitters offer river trips and fishing services. The surrounding Giles County is marketed as “Virginia’s Mountain Playground,” with the New River, the Appalachian Trail, and other outdoor routes among its regional draws.[4][5]
It suits travelers who want a nature-centered itinerary, particularly hikers, paddlers, anglers, and visitors exploring the New River Valley. Nearby Pearisburg and other Giles County communities can add services and additional stops to a longer visit.
What to see and do
The Cascades and Cascade Falls
A shaded trail follows Little Stony Creek through Jefferson National Forest to a 66-foot waterfall. Recreation.gov describes a four-mile scenic loop, with the falls about two miles from the parking area; regional visitor information notes a picnic area and trout fishing. Check current forest conditions, route details, and access guidance before visiting.[6][7]
New River paddling and fishing
The New River runs through the region and is a focus for paddling and fishing trips. Pembroke-based Tangent Outfitters lists canoe and kayak rentals, guided fishing, and river floats among its offerings. Confirm availability, river conditions, and trip arrangements with the outfitter before traveling.[8][9]
Little Stony Creek
The creek is part of the Cascades experience, flowing beside the forest trail and identified by regional tourism information as a native trout fishing stream. Review current fishing rules and site conditions before making plans.[10]
Explore Giles County
Use Pembroke as one stop on a wider trip through Giles County. The county tourism site offers visitor-guide requests and information on regional outdoor recreation, events, and attractions.[11]
History and character
Pembroke is an incorporated town in Giles County. Virginia’s published town charter records its incorporation by order of the Giles County Circuit Court on December 31, 1947, and the replacement charter enacted in 1948.[12]
Its present-day visitor identity is closely tied to the surrounding landscape: forested slopes, creeks, the waterfall trail, and the New River. Rather than a historic-district itinerary, a visit is most naturally planned around outdoor recreation, with the nearby county seat of Pearisburg and other county destinations available for a broader regional trip.
Planning a visit
The Cascades Day Use Area is reached from Pembroke via VA 623, also called Cascades Drive; the road ends at the recreation area. Recreation.gov describes the waterfall as about two miles from the parking area on a four-mile scenic loop. Trail and facility conditions can change, so verify current information with the Forest Service or Recreation.gov before departure.[13][14]
For river activities, arrange rentals or guided trips in advance and check water and weather conditions. Outdoor access, fees, business services, and operating details may change seasonally; confirm them directly with the relevant provider before traveling.[15]
Nearby places and attractions
- Pearisburg, Virginia — Giles County’s seat and a useful companion stop for exploring the county.
- Giles County, Virginia — Find county visitor information, outdoor recreation, and visitor-guide details.
- Blacksburg, Virginia — A larger New River Valley destination to pair with a mountain-and-river itinerary.
- Appalachian Trail in Virginia — Explore the long-distance trail’s Virginia route and nearby access areas.
- New River Trail State Park — A separate regional rail-trail park that follows portions of the New River in other counties.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Giles County, Virginia's New River Valley, Onward New River Valley. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Cascades Day Use Area, Recreation.gov, U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ The Guide to Fishing, Food, and Fun on the New River, Virginia.org, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Virginia's Mountain Playground, Virginia's Mountain Playground, Giles County. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Tangent Outfitters, Tangent Outfitters. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Cascades Day Use Area, Recreation.gov, U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Cascades National Recreation Trail, Visit Southwest Virginia, Friends of Southwest Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Tangent Outfitters, Tangent Outfitters. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ The Guide to Fishing, Food, and Fun on the New River, Virginia.org, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Cascades National Recreation Trail, Visit Southwest Virginia, Friends of Southwest Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Virginia's Mountain Playground, Virginia's Mountain Playground, Giles County. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Charter: Pembroke, Virginia Law, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Cascades Day Use Area, Recreation.gov, U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Cascades National Recreation Trail, Visit Southwest Virginia, Friends of Southwest Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Tangent Outfitters, Tangent Outfitters. Retrieved 2026-10-23.