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Appalachian Trail & Outdoor Activities

Appalachian Trail Community Logo

Round Hill Appalachian Trail Committee

(Round Hill Outdoors)

Round Hill is perfectly located between two Appalachian Trail visitor centers. Bears Den is located 5 miles to the west and the Blackburn Center is located five miles to the north. If a visitor wanted to visit both places on the same day, they would have to drive through Round Hill’s Central Commercial District. Bears Den provides a gateway connecting people to the infamous “roller coaster” section of the Appalachian Trail. Bears Den Lodge and Hostel is located in a historic stone mansion, on 66 acres of land, 150 yards from the Appalachian Trail. At 1,350 feet, the Bears Den Rocks provide a panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The westward-looking view provides a prime spot for the sunset. In 2014, about 1,900 people visited Bears Den. Visitors include: day hikers, thru hikers, section hikers, boy scouts, girl scouts, and private groups.

The Blackburn Center is primarily designed to support: long distance hikers, trail crews, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club planning meetings, and training seminars. It is also used as a venue for special events such as weddings. Located on 150-acres of land and backing up to the Appalachian Trail, the Blackburn Center can accommodate up to 80 plus people for a day event and has indoor lodging space for 30 people with at least 30 more using tent spaces and the adjoining campground. 

Here is a link to the Blackburn Center

Here is a link to the Bears Den 

Here is a link to the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

The Town of Round Hill was officially designated an Appalachian Trail Community on June 15, 2019. The Appalachian Trail Community™ program is designed to recognize communities that promote and protect the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Towns along the A.T.’s corridor are considered assets by all that use the A.T., and many of these towns act as good friends and neighbors to the Trail. The program serves to assist communities with sustainable economic development through tourism and outdoor recreation while preserving and protecting the A.T.

Round Hill considers the Appalachian Trail as one of its most unique assets and views the trail as an excellent opportunity to boost the local economy. The 2017 Comprehensive Plan set forth the goal to promote environmental stewardship as a mechanism to increase community viability, economic health, and sense of place in Round Hill. The Town Council wants to continue to increase connections between Round Hill and the Appalachian Trail Community™ network to promote community awareness and increase knowledge of the trail as a local asset through the following strategy:

  1. Continue to support the Round Hill Outdoors committee as the designated Round Hill Appalachian Trail Advisory Committee who is comprised of volunteers and trail supporters. 
  2. Include the Appalachian Trail in Town marketing and provide educational materials at the Town Office.
  3. Increase dialogue with county officials about the importance of the Appalachian Trail to Round Hill.
  4. Encourage local residents to volunteer at the Bears Den and Blackburn Trail Centers.
  5. Educate residents on the benefits of membership in the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
  6. Maintain a partnership with Round Hill Elementary School and other local schools to encourage teachers and students to take part in Trail to Every Classroom (TTEC)
  7. Incorporate Outdoors & Nature Tourism as well as Environmental Stewardship into the Town Marketing & Economic Development Programs

Round Hill Outdoors Committee meets once a month to discuss trail news, updates, events, and projects. It is the mission of Round Hill Outdoors to inspire the good people of Round Hill to get outdoors together and make our community stronger, healthier and happier; to make it happen through local hikes, walks, and events; and to connect the dots between local parks, local organizations, schools, teachers, parents, kids, & fellow travelers.

Here is a link to the Appalachian Trail Community Website 

Here is a link to the official website of Round Hill Outdoors 

Here is a link to the Facebook Page of Round Hill Outdoors 

"The Appalachian Trail: Art of the Adventure"

The Round Hill Appalachian Trail Committee and the Round Hill Arts Center hosted an art show entitled “The Appalachian Trail: Art of the Adventure” in February 2018. 

The purpose of the show is to broaden public awareness and appreciation of the Appalachian Trail. Artists are welcome to submit their choice of artistic expression, including paintings, drawing, photography, fiber arts, stained glass, and sculpture.  There is a separate category that welcomes submissions from young artists in grades K-12.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail was completed on August 14, 1937. This 2,189-mile trail crosses 14 states and hosts an estimated 3 million visitors a year. This exhibit celebrates the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Submit a piece of artwork that portrays the Appalachian Trail or a symbol of the Appalachian Trail. Examples of images or symbols include:

  1. Empowering Youth
  2. Volunteers & Civic Engagement
  3. Compass, Maps & Navigation
  4. Vast Natural Beauty
  5. Priceless Cultural Heritage
  6. Connect Human Spirit with Nature
  7. Protect the Night Skies
  8. Leave No Trace
  9. Family Bonding
  10. Endurance Challenge

The Arts Center is located in the Hill High Orchards complex on Route 7, west of Round Hill. Artwork can be submitted to the Round Hill Arts Center during the weekend of Feb 15 to 17, 2019. 

If you are interested in the Appalachian Trail Art Show, please email Melissa Hynes.