Eagle Rock looks out over the James River and an old lime kiln
The little town of Eagle Rock is often overshadowed by the mountains that surround it and the river it looks over. “There are two draws to Eagle Rock – hometown living on the James and mountain views,” says Realtor Kenneth Sexton of Gateway Real Estate, who has over 20 years of experience in the area. “That’s really about it. There’s not much to it otherwise.” Once a center for the production of quicklime, today the town is little more than a collection of homes and churches clustered around U.S. Highway 43. The old kiln still stands at the west end of Eagle Rock, a reminder that time moves slowly in this quiet Virginia community.
Eagle Rock's recreation is rooted in fishing and the Ruritan
The nearby mountains and the river provide most of the outdoor recreation for this rural town. “There’s excellent fishing in the James River, and good hunting in the area around Eagle Rock,” Sexton says. Visitors can charter fishing experiences at either Blue Ridge Musky or Appalachian Bronzeback Adventures, both located on Main Street. The newly restored Eagle Rock Community Center on Church Street offers a small playground for children and hosts the local Ruritan club.
Renovated homes with river views dominate the streetscape
Nearly all homes in Eagle Rock were built between 1900 and the 1950s, and many have been renovated to accommodate modern amenities such as high-speed internet and heating. “It’s mostly older, two-story homes right in the little town area,” Sexton says. “Occasionally, you’ll find newer builds in the country around it, but there isn’t a whole lot of regular development. What you see tends to be what you get.” Mountain views and river access are common, with no houses further than a mile from the James. Prices range from $35,000 to $280,000, depending mainly on the status of any renovations, number of bedrooms and square footage.
Nationally recognized Central Academy Middle is just across the river
Eagle Rock Elementary School, north and across the James River from the town, scores a B-plus from Niche. Central Academy Middle, a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024, receives an A-minus. James River High in Buchanan is the closest public high school, earning a B-plus. Alternative opportunities include the Botetourt Technical Education Center, which offers programs in fields such as welding, aerospace technology and sports medicine.
U.S. Highway 220 connects Eagle Rock to other nearby cities
Two highways connect Eagle Rock with regional destinations and amenities. “Main Street is a section of U.S. Highway 43,” Sexton says. “It hooks up to U.S. 220 just across the river, and that’s the quickest way to get to either of the Interstates, 81 or 64.” Highway 220 heads north to Interstate 64, Clifton Forge and LewisGale Hospital Alleghany, the closest medical center. This road is also the most direct route south to Roanoke, home of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport, which offers flights to several cities on the east coast.
Iron and Oar Grill is the only restaurant in Eagle Rock
Eagle Rock residents will likely have to leave town to pick up daily necessities. “Most shopping is down in Roanoke, but the closest grocery store is in Clifton Forge, which is about 20 minutes north,” Sexton says. “There really isn’t much more on Main Street in Eagle Rock than a couple of churches and one little restaurant.” It takes roughly 20 minutes to get from Eagle Rock to the Kroger Supermarket in Clifton Forge, and the Walmart Supercenter in Covington is just 15 minutes farther. The only restaurant in town is the Iron and Oar Grill on Main Street, a family-owned American eatery.
