Booker T Washington National Monument Custom Search On April 5, 1856, a child who later called himself Booker T. Washington, was born in slavery on this 207-acre tobacco farm. The realities of life as a slave in piedmont Virginia, the quest by African Americans for education and equality, and the post-war struggle over political participation all shaped the options and choices of Booker T. Washington. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute in Alabama in 1881 and later became an important and controversial leader of his race at a time when increasing racism in the United States made it necessary for African Americans to adjust themselves to a new era of legalized oppression. Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience firsthand the life and landscape of people who lived in an era when slavery was part of the fabric of American life.   CONTACTS Email - BOWA_Rangers_3@nps.gov Fax- 540-721-8311 Write to 12130 Booker T. Washington Highway Hardy, VA 24101 Phone - 540-721-2094 TRAVEL BASICS Operating Hours, Seasons Open seven days a week, year-round, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. Getting There PLANE - Air service is available to both Roanoke, VA (25 miles from the park) and Lynchburg, VA (50 miles from the park). CAR - The park is located in Franklin County, VA, 16 miles northeast of Rocky Mount, VA via VA 40E and VA 122N; 25 miles southeast of Roanoke, VA via US 220S, VA 40E, and VA 122N; and 50 miles southwest of Lynchburg, VA via US 460W and VA 122S. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Public transportation to the park is not available. A personal or rental vehicle is required. Weather & Climate The summer months are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The coldest months are December, January and February. The spring and fall seasons have moderate temperatures. Wear comfortable sportswear appropriate to the season, with walking shoes. Trails are unpaved and may be muddy at times. Accessibility Visitor center facilities and the historic area are partially accessible to people in wheelchairs. Two picnic tables are accessible. One wheelchair is available for free loan on a first-come, first-served basis. Getting Around All trails are limited to pedestrian traffic. FACILITIES Visitor Centers BOOKER T. WASHINGTON NM Open All Year 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Phone - 540-721-2094 Location - On VA Route 122 in Franklin County, Virginia. Closures - Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. Special Programs - A link to the current Calendar of Events is available on the Home Page of this website. Exhibits - 'The Great Educator' is a permanent exhibit that describes in words and pictures Washington's growth from slave to student and his evolution from founder and Principal of Tuskegee Institute to the most powerful African American at the turn of the 20th century. Available Facilities - In the visitor center there are exhibits, a 12-minute orientation video program, a bookstore, restrooms, and water fountain. The Eastern National bookstore offers a wide range of titles and educational items on African American, regional, and Virginia history, as well as crafts and children's books.   Map Detailed Map Contact Info Phone, Email, Address, GPS coordinates Campgrounds Nearby List of Nearby Campgrounds Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Booker T Washington National Monument.   Campgrounds Near Booker T Washington National Monument: Blue Ridge Campgroud and Marina, Wirtz, 5 miles away Rising Star Sports & Adventure, Roanoke, 13 miles away Camp Virginia Jaycee, Blue Ridge, 13 miles away Mitchell's Point Marina, Huddleston, 14 miles away Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Huddleston, 16 miles away Beartree - George Washington National Forest, Roanoke, 17 miles away Grindstone - George Washington National Forest, Roanoke, 17 miles away   Marinas Near Booker T Washington National Monument: Four Points Marine, Moneta , 5 miles away Blue Ridge Campgroud and Marina, Wirtz , 5 miles away Bayside Marina & Yacht Club, Moneta , 6 miles away Clifton F Byrd & Sons, Moneta , 6 miles away Crystal Shores Marina Resort, Moneta , 7 miles away   Hotels Near Booker T Washington National Monument: Oakwood at Empirian Chesapeake, Chesapeake , 5 miles away Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites ROCKY MOUNT/SMITH MTN LAKE, Rocky Mount , 12 miles away Comfort Inn Smith Mt. Lake, Rocky Mount , 13 miles away Rodeway Inn Civic Center, Roanoke , 15 miles away Econo Lodge Civic Center, Roanoke , 15 miles away Hotel Roanoke Conference Center A Doubletree Hotel, Roanoke , 15 miles away Cambria Suites Roanoke, Roanoke , 15 miles away   Trails Near Booker T Washington National Monument: Curry Creek Trail, Botetourt County , 15 miles away Spec Mines Trail, Botetourt County , 15 miles away Hammond Hollow Trail, Botetourt County , 16 miles away Flat Top Mountain Trail, Botetourt County , 19 miles away Casters Trail, Franklin County , 19 miles away   Ski Areas Near Booker T Washington National Monument: The Homestead, Virginia , 45 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 9 runs Wintergreen, Virginia , 69 miles away, 1003 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Snowshoe, West Virginia , 71 miles away, 1500 foot drop, 14 lifts, 57 runs Massanutten, Virginia , 96 miles away, 1110 foot drop, 8 lifts, 14 runs Winterplace, West Virginia , 98 miles away, 603 foot drop, 9 lifts, 27 runs   Whitewater Near Booker T Washington National Monument: Jennings Creek, Botetourt County , 21 miles away, Class II-III - 4.5 miles long (Route 614 to James River) Catawba Creek, Botetourt County , 22 miles away, Class I-III - 12 miles long (Fincastle to James River) North Creek, Botetourt County , 23 miles away, Class II-IV - 2.5 miles long (Campground to Jennings Creek) James River, Botetourt County , 26 miles away, Class I-II - 16.5 miles long (Route 43 to Route 630)   Public Lands Near Booker T Washington National Monument: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Virginia , 11 miles away Jefferson National Forest, Virginia , 31 miles away Fairy Stone State Park, Virginia , 32 miles away Douthat State Park, Virginia , 40 miles away   Golf Courses Near Booker T Washington National Monument: The Westlake Golf & Country Club, Hardy , 2 miles away Sycamore Ridge Golf Club, Goodview , 3 miles away The Waters Edge Country Club, Penhook , 12 miles away Mariners Landing Golf & Country Club, Huddleston , 12 miles away Ole Monterey Golf Club, Roanoke , 15 miles away   Lakes Near Booker T Washington National Monument Beaverdam Reservoir, Bedford County , 9 miles away Smith Mountain Lake, Bedford County , 16 miles away