Waterfall Hero Hikes: Gravely Nature Preserve (Henry County)

Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve is a 75-acre Henry County park in Ridgeway along the Smith River. The park's namesake purchased the land in 1981 to protect the scenic woodlands from development. Mr. Gravely deeded the land to the county after he passed away to become a nature preserve. Today, the preserve has a picnic shelter and 2 miles of hiking trails past historic artifacts and along steep rhododendron-covered bluffs on the Smith River.

Contact Information:

2525 Eggleston Falls Road

Ridgeway, VA 24148

Directions:

From Martinsville, head south on US-220 south for about 4.5 miles and turn left on Old Sand Road. In 0.6 miles, turn left on Eggleston Falls Road and then right to stay on Eggleston Falls Road. Drive a total of 2.5 miles and turn left into the preserve parking area.