Stay Active in Roanoke, VA
Trails, Parks & Outdoor Adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Known as "America's East Coast Mountain Bike Capital" and gateway to the Appalachian Trail, Roanoke offers unparalleled outdoor recreation. With 1,000+ miles of trails, 22 city parks, and the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway, adventure awaits just minutes from downtown.
Iconic Hiking Trails
McAfee Knob
Appalachian Trail • 8.8 miles roundtrip • Moderate
The most photographed spot on the entire Appalachian Trail offers panoramic views from a dramatic rocky outcrop. Morning hikes often reward with cloud inversions blanketing the valley below.
Pro Tip: Arrive by 6am for sunrise and parking at Catawba Valley Drive trailhead.
Mill Mountain Star Trail
Downtown Access • 3.6 miles loop • Easy
This urban trail network connects directly from downtown to the iconic Roanoke Star. Multiple routes offer wildflower meadows, rocky overlooks, and the famous "Love" sign viewpoint.
Local Secret: The Chestnut Ridge Loop extension adds 2.5 miles with better wildlife viewing.
Mountain Biking Paradise
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
12,700 acres • 60+ miles of trails
The second largest municipal park in America features flowy singletrack, technical rock gardens, and lakeside rides. The "Hi-Dee-Hoe" trail is a local favorite with berms and rollers.
Need gear? Roanoke Mountain Adventures offers full-suspension demo bikes and shuttle services.
Explore Park
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 115 • 1,100 acres
Newly developed trail system with progressive features from beginner to double-black diamond. The "Giddy Up" trail offers machine-built jumps and drops with scenic overlooks.
Water Adventures
Roanoke River Blueway
13-mile paddling trail • Class I-II
Gentle river floats through downtown with multiple access points. Rent kayaks from Roanoke Outside or join a full-moon paddle event.
Smith Mountain Lake
40 minutes south • 500 miles shoreline
Virginia's "Jewel of the Blue Ridge" offers sailing, wakeboarding, and legendary smallmouth bass fishing.
Tinker Creek Gorge
Hidden swimming holes • Cliff jumping
Local favorite for summer cooling off. The 20-foot jump at "Tinker Cliffs" tests your courage.
Outdoor Pro Tips
- • Trail conditions update: @RoanokeOutside on Twitter
- • Free guided hikes every Saturday from various trailheads
- • Download Trailforks or MTB Project apps for offline maps
- • Spring wildflower hikes peak mid-April at Bottom Creek Gorge
