Shot Tower Historical State Park

GENERAL INFO: 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.

Grounds are open from dawn until dusk. The parking lot is open year-round. The tower is open occasionally on weekends 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.

Park size: 10 acres.
Current weather: Click here to visit the Weather Channel's site for this zip code.

AT-A-GLANCE: The pictographs directly below show park offerings. Click on those of interest or read below for more detail. Mouse-over the image for a short text description or click here to view a legend in which each pictograph's meaning is expressed.

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

Click here for a Google map.

PARK MAP: The Shot Tower is part of New River Trail State Park. Click here for a trail guide for that park.

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.

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

SWIMMING: None.

TRAILS: Hiking at New River Trail State Park.

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

HUNTING: None.

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

PARKS CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP: None at the tower, but you'll find them in Foster Falls, about 2 miles away.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS: Shot Tower's history. Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: None.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Blue Ridge Plateau Regional Tourism Center; Blue Ridge Travel Association; Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, 276-728-5397; Carroll County Tourism and Blue Ridge Plateau, 888-785-2781; Grayson County Tourism, 276-773-2471; Galax Tourism, 276-238-8130; New River Trail State Park, 276-699-6778; Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, 540-674-1991; Twin County Regional Chamber of Commerce, 276-236-2184; Wytheville Convention and Visitors Bureau, 877-347-8307; Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce, 276-223-3365.

PICNIC SHELTERS: Picnic tables and restrooms available.

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

SPECIAL FEATURES: None.

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.

LAUNDRY: None.

RESTAURANT: None.

HISTORY: As above in General Information section

MASTER PLAN: Master plans must be written for parks before they're built. The plans are updated at least once every five years thereafter. The plans cover the size, types, infrastructure and locations of facilities as well as the site's special features and resources. Three public meetings are held during the initial development of each plan. Click here (PDF) for this park's master plan.

CONTACT INFO: New River Trail State Park, 176 Orphanage Dr., Foster Falls, VA 24360; Phone: (276) 699-6778; email: newrivertrail. Learn more about park offerings by calling 1-800-933-PARK or email resvs.