Location, location, location! This is the mantra for any discerning homebuyer when it comes to vetting new communities for work and play. It is also why The Homes at Berry Ridge are strategically positioned within steps of the best that Blacksburg has to offer, from the downtown’s historic charm to the thriving community surrounding the Virginia Tech campus. But most importantly, the Berry Ridge community offers direct and easy access to the Huckleberry Trail.
What began as a pathway for coal transportation in the early 1900s is today a 15-mile paved trail enjoyed by our residents on bike and on foot. The historic Huckleberry is part of a 60-mile paved and natural surface pathway that connects the Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Virginia Tech communities with the National Forest.
However, the history of the Huckleberry Trail itself is what really makes it special. In this blog, we will take a look at the Huckleberry Trail’s origins and the riches it offers to our Berry Ridge residents.
Learn the Huckleberry Trail’s Rich History
The Huckleberry Trail’s roots go all the way back to 1902, when it began as the Virginia Anthracite Coal and Rail Company for transporting coal from the Merrimac Mine — today known as Coal Miners’ Heritage Park — to the Cambria Depot in Christiansburg.
A couple of years after the railway was created, Blacksburg extended it near the site of the current Blacksburg Library, and then made passenger travel available. According to Montgomery County historians, cadets at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now known as Virginia Tech) and area citizens nicknamed the new train station “Huckleberry Junction” due to the abundance of huckleberries (a variety of wild blueberries) growing along the train line.
In 1904, the first passenger train made its way to Blacksburg. At that time, you could take the train from the Cambria Depot to Blacksburg for 50 cents with baggage or 35 cents without, and a round trip cost only 60 cents without bags.
Unfortunately, ridership and railroad traffic began to decline in the 1930s and 1940s. In the summer of 1966, the Blacksburg depot was closed and the rails fell into disuse and disrepair.
But that was not the end of the Huckleberry Trail’s story. In July of 1991, Friends of the Huckleberry was founded with the vision of transforming it into a multipurpose trail to connect the Blacksburg and Christiansburg communities.
Visit Must-See Landmarks Along the Trail
The Huckleberry Trail is one of many reasons that The Homes at Berry Ridge is known as the most walkable community in Blacksburg. The main six-mile path through the historic downtown offers benches for taking in Blackburg’s charm. The attractions and landmarks along the trail connect the Huckleberry Trail’s rich history as a rail service to its current state as the scenic city’s greenway.
Here are just a few must-see landmarks:
- Virginia Tech Campus – Virginia Tech is more than a learning institution for students and faculty. You can walk to the Moss Arts Center for a music concert or a theatrical performance. Or you can take in the sights and scents of the campus’s floral landscape at Virginia Tech’s Hahn Horticultural Center, such as the Nikko Blush Duetzia flower or the 20-plus varieties of aquatic plants.
- Coal Mining Heritage Park – This story of the miners — who were essential to the developing Southwestern Virginia — comes to life at this 28-acre historic site. The park is also ideal for walking, jogging, cycling, and picnicking, with historic signs along the way.
- Blacksburg Library and Downtown Blacksburg – The Blacksburg Library is where the trail begins. Start on Miller Street, directly across from the library. The library offers educational workshops for adults and storytime for kids. You may even spot the occasional author stopping by for a reading!
Enjoy the Perks of the Huckleberry Trail
As we noted above, residents of The Homes at Berry Ridge have direct access to the Huckleberry Trail. There is also convenient parking — free of charge — along the trail. Here are just a few of the benefits of living only steps away from the historic Huckleberry Trail.
1. Walking Access to Just About Everywhere
The trail offers nearby access to both food and entertainment. Enjoy a craft beer at Bull and Bones or grab a sandwich at Lefty’s, both less than a mile away from your neighborhood. Need to pick up groceries? Kroger is just around the corner. Imagine the convenience of being steps away from everything you need.
2. Staying Active Close to Home
Moving to The Homes at Berry Ridge can expose you to a healthier lifestyle, thanks to the Huckleberry Trail. The trail means that you do not have to go far to enjoy the outdoors. Stay active year-round with morning jogs, weekend bike rides, or nighttime strolls after dinner at area attractions.
3. Breathtaking Scenery and Lush Green Spaces
The trail brings out the nature lover in everyone, with diverse landscapes, views of the nearby mountains and rolling hills, and the tree-lined paths along much of the trail. Whether you are exploring the Huckleberry Trail solo or enjoying the trail with family and friends, it offers a true respite from fast-paced city living while keeping you connected to the downtown lifestyle.
4. Providing a Higher Property Value
Lifestyle is king when it comes to property values, which is why the Huckleberry Trail is enormously appealing to new homeowners at The Homes at Berry Ridge. It is more than a convenience; the Huckleberry Trail can actually help you protect your new home investment. In fact, studies show that living near a park or recreational area can increase your home’s value by as much as 20%.
Discover Blackburg’s Most Walkable Community at The Homes at Berry Ridge
Are you ready to step into trailside living? You can experience the perfect blend of history, nature, and modern convenience at The Homes at Berry Ridge — Blacksburg’s most walkable community with direct access to the iconic Huckleberry Trail. Whether you’re seeking an active lifestyle, breathtaking surroundings, or a smart investment, The Homes at Berry Ridge delivers it all — just steps from your front door.
Explore new construction opportunities at The Homes at Berry Ridge and learn why our community is growing its reputation as one of the most walkable communities in Virginia. Contact us to learn more.