Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Shot Tower State Park

116 Orphanage Dr., Max Meadows, VA 24360; Phone: 276-699-6778; Email: newrivertrail@dcr.virginia.gov

Latitude, 36.8684. Longitude, -80.8723.
Location of Shot Tower State Park in Virginia

About this park ...

Google map thumbnail showing Shot Tower State Park's location Click for Shot Tower State Park Forecast
Latitude, 36.8684. Longitude, -80.8723.

Photos and video

Flicker photos for Shot Tower State Park
YouTube videos for Shot Tower State Park
  • slider images
  • slider images
  • slider images
  • slider images
Parts of the New River Trail are closed due to major renovation work that necessitated the closing of several bridges along the trail. The work is part of a three-phase project that will take several months to complete. The project will impact the following sections of the trail:

Ivanhoe River and Ivanhoe Bridges: The trail is closed from the south end of the Ivanhoe Bridge to the Austinville access. This closure will likely be in place until May.

Big Branch Bridge: Repairs are under way and require a trail closure from Buck Dam access to the Ivanhoe Bridge. This closure is anticipated until May.

The trail is closed from the Buck Dam access to Austinville access.

If you have questions, please call the park office at 276-699-6778. Updates and information will be posted here as the project proceeds.

This content takes priority over any other information provided on this park's webpage.

The grounds are open from dawn to dusk. Shot Tower tours have ended for the season.

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. Admission to the tower is free, however the daily parking fee applies. 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.

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.

Share this page

twitter facebook

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.

Camping

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.

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

The historic tower and access to New River Trail.

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 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.

FRIENDS GROUP

None.

 

At a Glance

The pictographs directly below show park offerings. Mouse-over the image for a short text description or view a legend in which each pictograph's meaning is expressed.
HikingNature/Cultural ProgramsPicnic TablesRestrooms
Hiking, Nature/Cultural Programs, Picnic Tables, Restrooms