With a population of just under 500, Troutville is compact in size but surrounded by some of the most accessible outdoor recreation in Virginia.  Recognized as an official Appalachian Trail Community, it is one of only a select number of towns along the 2,190-mile hiking route to receive that distinction. Hikers and cyclists pass through Troutville regularly, not just as travelers but as temporary participants in the rhythm of the town.

Troutville traces its origins to the early 1880s, when the railroad created a natural stop here. It was named for brothers John, Jim, and George Trout, and over time the name shifted from Troutsville to Troutville. Officially chartered in 1956, the town has retained its small scale while adding amenities and traditions that serve both residents and visitors.

Troutville Town Park serves as the town’s outdoor centerpiece. A quarter-mile paved path winds past playground equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts, and picnic shelters. A retired Norfolk Southern caboose rests in the park as a nod to the rail history that shaped the community. The park is also a meeting point for Appalachian Trail hikers and cyclists traveling along U.S. Bicycle Route 76, making it a rare space where locals and long-distance travelers regularly cross paths.

Nature is never far from daily life. The Appalachian Trail crosses just south of town, offering direct access for day hikes or extended treks. U.S. Bicycle Route 76 threads through Troutville, bringing riders from across the country. Woodpecker Ridge Nature Center, located nearby, offers wooded walking trails and is known among birdwatchers for sightings of pileated woodpeckers, warblers, and seasonal migrants.

Historic homes give the city its architectural character. The Bryan McDonald Jr. House, built around 1766 with an 1840s brick addition, blends colonial and early agricultural design. The Thomas D. Kinzie House, completed between 1909 and 1911, is a Queen Anne–style residence recognized for its wraparound porch, slate roof, and spring house. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stand as physical connections to the town’s past.

Small businesses help define the town's personality. Southern Past Times offers antiques and collectibles, with shelves and displays ranging from vintage signage to heirloom kitchenware. Kelly’s Real Deals Antiques brings together furniture, glassware, and décor that can change with each visit, often including restored pieces from local estates and one-of-a-kind finds sourced from across the region.

Community life comes into sharper focus during annual events. In June, Trail Days weekend draws Appalachian Trail hikers for a mix of music, food, and conversation. The park becomes a campsite for travelers and a social space for residents to meet people whose journeys span months and multiple states. Seasonal festivals and holiday gatherings use the same green space at other times of year, reinforcing the town’s role as both a waypoint and a home base.

Just as hikers prepare their gear for the long haul, your home’s crawl space needs the right protection to perform year after year. Star City Crawl Space provides expert inspection, encapsulation, and repair services that keep moisture, pests, and structural problems at bay. Contact us today to schedule your professional assessment.