Shot Tower State Park

General Information

Overlooking the New River, Shot Tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water. Guests may ascend the tower, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive signs provide details on the tower. Grounds are open from dawn until dusk. The parking lot is open year-round. The tower is open on scheduled days in the summer. Group tours are also available. Call the office at 276-699-6778 for details.

Click here for a brochure about the Shot Tower.

Hours

The grounds are open from Dawn to dusk. Check below for scheduled guided tours.

Location

From I-77, take exit 24 and go north on Route 52 for two miles.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, six and a half hours; Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach: seven and a half hours; Roanoke, one and a half hours

Park Size

10 acres.

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

None - day use only, but see New River Trail State Park for overnight camping facilities near this park. For information on availability of other parks' overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.

Cabins

None at this park.

Camping

Primitive camping is available about .2 miles along New River Trail. Call 800-933-7275 to make reservations.

Recreation

TRAILS

Hiking at New River Trail State Park.

SWIMMING

None at this park.

FISHING, BOATING

None at the tower, but boat access and rentals are available at New River Trail State Park.

HORSES

The Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex is about .2 miles from the tower.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Nearby Attractions

Pulaski County
Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, Claytor Lake State Park, Gatewood Park, Jefferson National Forest, Calfee Park, home to the Pulaski Mariners, Motor Mile Speedway, Wilderness Road Regional Museum, Pulaski Theatre, Randolph Park, The New River Valley Fairgrounds has many events and activities year-round; shopping, dining.  

Wythe County
Wythe County Chamber of Commerce, Big Walker Lookout, Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, Beagle Ridge Herb Farm, wineries, shopping, The Fort Chiswell Mansion, Wolf Creek Indian Village and  Museum, Fishing Tours, Hungry Mother State Park  is within an hour's drive, hiking and biking trails,

Carroll County
Twin County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Blue Ridge Parkway, Beaver Dam Creek Trail, Blue Ridge Country Club, Carter Pines Community Park, Crooked Creek Wildlife Management Area, Devil’s Den Nature Preserve, dining, shopping, wineries.  

Galax
The city of Galax, Take an art, craft or music class at the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, Barr’s Fiddle Shop, Blue Ridge Music Center, Old Fiddler’s Convention, Galax Recreation Center, The Crooked Road, shopping, dining,

Grayson County
Visit Grayson County,Grayson Highlands State Park, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Matthews Living History Farm Museum, Virginia Creeper Trail, horseback riding, Fries Recreation Center, shopping, dining, the town of Fries.

Itineraries

Sentimental Skeeterdogs
Camping, Captains and Camels
Eats, Beats and More

Picnic Shelters

Picnic tables and restrooms available.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

None at this park.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP

None at the tower, but you'll find them in Foster Falls, about .2 miles away.

RESTAURANT

None at this park.

LAUNDRY

None at this park.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

None at this park.

SPECIAL FEATURES

None at this park.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY

Shot Tower grounds and restrooms are accessible. The Shot Tower is not accessible, however photos of the tower and views are on display.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Shot Tower's history. Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

CONCESSIONS

None at the tower, but a boat, bike and horse livery and a gift shop are available .2 miles away at New River Trail State Park's Foster Falls village.

HISTORY

Overlooking the New River, Shot Tower was built more than 150 years ago to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water. Guests may ascend the tower, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive signs provide details on the tower.

FRIENDS GROUP

None.