Martinsville, Virginia

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Fall Treks in MHC

Fall Treks in MHC

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-winning 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 have hosted three USA cycling-sanctioned XR races in recent years. Hikers and runners are also encouraged to come out and hit the trails.

Trails to Trek:

1. Philpott Lake Fitness Interpretive Trail (1.5 miles)
2. Lauren Mountain Preserve (1.5miles)
3. Collinsville Jaycee Park Trail (1.25 mile)
4. Jack Dalton Park (0.6 mile)
5. Rock Ridge Trail at Beaver Creek Reservoir (1.2 miles)
6. Patrick Henry Community College Trail Loop (0.75 mile)
7. Fieldale Trail (2.4 miles) & Textile Heritage Trail (0.3 mile)
8. Dick & Willie Passage (soon to be 11 miles)
9. Uptown Connection Trail (0.8 mile)
10. Silverbell Trail (0.25 mile)
11. J. Frank Wilson Park (1 mile)
12. Doe Run Park (1.5 miles)
13. Spencer-Penn Centre (0.5 mile)
14. Mountain Laurel Trails Bike Complex (10+ miles)
15. Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex (1.3 miles)
16. Richard P. Gravely Jr. Nature Preserve (2.5 miles)
17. Spencer-Penn Centre Trail (0.5 mile)

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 9th
• The Light Up the Night 5k on Saturday, December 10th

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

The 2nd Annual Henry County Fair; happening September 21st through 24th at the Martinsville Speedway, during the same week as the Late Model Stock Car Race! The Fair will feature a variety of exhibits and entertainment.

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 and unreserved. Youth 12 and under are free with a paying adult. September 24th.

Oktoberfest will fill the streets of Uptown Martinsville with music, food, vendors and fun during the 41th 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 1st.

NASCAR rolls back in town on October 27th for the Virginia Is For Racing Lovers 200 at Martinsville Speedway. The Cup Series drivers are hoping for treats and not tricks during the short-track event in the Race for the Chase.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series rolls back into Martinsville Speedway for another thrilling playoff race with the best in the sport. Don't miss the Dead On Tools 250 on Saturday, October 29th.

The NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 showcases an exciting short-track race like you've never seen before. Tempers will flare and excitement will mount as drivers try to conquer the notorious paperclip that is the Martinsville Speedway. Sunday, October 30th. NASCAR + Halloween Weekend= FUN in Martinsville.

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!