The Town of Glasgow, a town incorporated in 1892, covers 1.53 square miles of nearly level plain at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, at the confluence of the Maury and James Rivers in the southeastern portion of Rockbridge County. Home to 1,133 residents (per the 2010 Census), the Town is bounded on the south by the James River, on the east by the Maury River, and on the north and west by Miller and Sallings Mountains.
Glasgow, historically friendly to all through and section hikers, was designated as an official Appalachian Trail Community in 2011 and held their dedication ceremony in May 2012. Through many generous donations, the Town had a hiker shelter built in 2010 for Appalachian Trail hikers. Local Eagle Scout, Parks Talbott from Natural Bridge Station, did the actual construction.
There is a fire pit, benches, and a good stack of wood provided by the Town, as well as a hot shower and port-a-johns for hikers at no charge. In 2013, the Town has plans to add electric receptacles at the shelter to charge cell phones, etc. For now there are electric receptacles at the pavilion at Knick Field, as well as bathrooms at the concession stand at the ball field during the spring, fall and summer months. A town map at the shelter helps hikers navigate the Town to find supplies, post office, library, etc. The shelter is conveniently located behind the local restaurant, Scotto’s Pizza, and about a half-block from the laundromat. The library is hiker-friendly, allowing free use of computers, as well as providing a book exchange and the purchase of cheap books. To learn more about Glasgow’s history, visit the Town’s website @ www.glasgowvirginia.org.