Falls Ridge Nature Preserve

.5 and 4 mi.

The land was initially part of a Native American settlement located upstream, as shown by various arrowheads found on the land. In 1823 the Governor of Virginia gifted the land to the Birchfield family, all 700 acres of it. The area was later acquired by a local family the Dudley’s who would go on to use it as a small town, including a general store, post office, lumber mill, wool carding farm and a livery. In 1939 the Dudley’s father in order to produce burnt lime, a stone found easily in that region, built a kiln, which is still there today. In 1968, William Bradley a photographer and publicist purchased the area from a local family the Dudley’s. The property became his retirement home, until he eventually signed the deed over to the Nature Conservatory in 1974 under the name Falls Ridge. Since coming into the hands of the conservatory they have been working to upgrade the trails while protecting the wildlife around the falls, and are monitoring the rare plant species in the area. The Salem Fault line runs through the preserve, which divides it into two distinct types of rock, Precambrian limestone and sandstone. Due to this interesting occurrence there is a diversity of smaller flora and wildflowers. There are two trails located at the preserve, one .5-mile loop that covers all the sights from the falls themselves to the massive caves nearby, and a 4-mile loop. The .5-mile loop known as Bradley’s trail, covers all there is to see. The only reason to do the 4-mile loop is to get some exercise, there’s no overlook at the top, nothing of interest to see, just a walk in the woods. This isn’t to say it’s not a wonderful trail; it’s just nice when there’s something notable at the end to see. The area like much of this region is abundant in Pine, Cypress, and Black Walnut trees. There is a sign about black bears upon entrance to the preserve, the bears of which are accompanied by several large species of birds, as well as foxes, rabbits, deer, and squirrels.