Any time is a great time to venture through Martinsville-Henry County, VA, but the fall adds a little something extra. Breathe in the fresh air and unwind while you take in the scenery and the fun. From our award-wining trails to our high-octane events, make this season your season to explore MHC.
Take a hike. Or a run, or a walk. Or whatever you would like. Martinsville-Henry County is home to the Smith River Trail System which includes a scenic blueway with eleven river access points and more than twenty miles of greenway and to the Mountain Laurel Trails Biking Complex. Mountain Laurel Trails has consistently been named among the top mountain bike trails in the state of Virginia by SingleTrack.com and they recently hosted their 1st annual Sledgehammer XC race, sanctioned by USA Cycling. Hikers and runners are also encouraged to come out and hit the trails.
Trails to Trek:
- Philpott Lake Fitness Interpretive Trail (1.5 miles)
- Lauren Mountain Preserve (1.5miles)
- Collinsville Jaycee Park (1.25 mile)
- Jack Dalton Park (0.6 mile)
- Rock Ridge Trail at Beaver Creek Reservoir (1.2 miles)
- Patrick Henry Community College Trail Loop (0.75 mile)
- Fieldale Trail (2.4 miles) & Textile Heritage Trail (0.3 mile)
- Dick & Willie Passage (4.5 miles)
- Uptown Connection Trail (0.8 mile)
- Silverbell Trail (0.25 mile)
- J. Frank Wilson Park (1 mile)
- Doe Run Park (1.5 miles)
- Spencer-Penn Centre (0.5 mile)
- Mountain Laurel Trails Bike Complex (10+ miles)
- Smith River Sports Complex (1.3 miles)
- Richard
P. Gravely Jr. Nature Preserve (2.5 miles)
If you are interested in riding the trails with a group, the Henry County Bike Club hosts several weekly bike rides (throughout the year) that you are welcome to join. Weather permitting.
For those interested in participating in a footrace this fall, Miles in Martinsville has the following races scheduled:
- The Harvest Moon Run 5K & 8K on Friday, September 13th
- The Nail the Rail 9 Miler on Saturday, November 2nd
- The Turkey Day 5K & Family Fun Run on Thursday, November 28th
Enjoy the fall foliage. Many people agree that seeing “the colors change” during the fall, is their favorite part of the season. If you have ever driven through Bassett, VA this time of year, then you probably agree that the beauty of the Philpott Lake Overlook is even more dazzling in fall. See for yourself why the view is a local and regional favorite. You can also explore the Philpott Lake Trail System while you are there and challenge yourself along the F.I.T. Trail.
Special Events Happening this fall in MHC
Brewster Walk, in Uptown Martinsville, will feature more than 60 delicious craft beers, plus live performances from Mountain Heart, C2 & The Brothers Reed, and the Isaac Hadden Band. September 7th
The ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway, the biggest, richest and most prestigious NASCAR Late Model Stock Car race in the country, will once again run under the lights. The ValleyStar Credit Union 300 regularly sees more than 75 Late Model Stock Car teams from around the country try to make the 40 car field. General Admission tickets are just $30 for adults and $5 for kids. (prices may change). October 5th
Oktoberfest will fill the streets of Uptown Martinsville with music, food, vendors and fun during the 40th Annual International Arts & Culture Festival. Enjoy two streets of vendors offering everything from free balloons to fine art, plus lots of kid-friendly activities including inflatable bounce houses and rides. The event will also offer a beer garden selling craft beer as well as traditional German foods like delicious bratwurst. October 5th
NASCAR rolls back in town on October 27th for the Fast Data 500 at Martinsville Speedway. The Monster Energy Cup drivers are hoping for treats and not tricks during the short-track event in the Race for the Chase.
Find more information on all the ways that you can enjoy the season at www.VisitMartinsville.com. You just might fall in love with Martinsville-Henry County, VA.