| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
all hikes
Apple Orchard Falls
One of the state's tallest and most spectacular waterfalls. Singing streams, dancing down cascades. Huge boulders. Thick stands of forest, ranging from hemlocks to hardwoods. Stunning vistas of the Shenandoah Valley, especially in leaf-off. Towering bluff lines.
Blue Ridge Parkway, VA: Flat Top Mountain
This 5.4-miler in the Blue Ridge Mountains climbs through poplars and oaks to the 4,001-foot summit of Flat Top Mountain, the tallest of the Peaks of Otter.
Blue Ridge Parkway, VA: Sharp Top Mountain
Popular with Blue Ridge Parkway travelers for more than 150 years, this steep, 3.2-mile out-and-back climbs to the rocky summit of one of Virginia's highest peaks.
Blue Ridge Parkway: Harkening Hill
Highlights along this 3.5-mile loop include whitetail deer, a 3,364-foot summit, precariously perched boulders, and a 19th-century farmhouse.
Buck Mountain Trail on Roanoke Mountain
A lovely four mile driving loop along the Blue Ridge Parkway hides a wonderful treasure. You would never know the trail leads to such wonderful exploration and discovery. The trail markers are missing, but use the notes given here to walk this very short, family friendly trail.
Chesnut Ridge Trail
The Chestnut Ridge Trail is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a wide and well-graded path lined with mountain laurel and rhododendron. 5.4 mile hike that can be shortened to 2.5 or 3.4 miles.
Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail
Located in Salem, this simple, historical trail offers a touch of local and national history, as well as a pleasant place to walk off lunch. Many lovely wildflowers grow along the trail.
Harkening Hill
The lowest of the three Peaks of Otter, Harkening Hill is the only one with a "loop" trail that swings by the top. A gain of just under 1000 feet from the parking lot makes it a decent walk. Many interesting granite boulder formations are found on Harkening Hill
James River - Arcadia to Glasgow (~14 miles)
Great canoe/kayak section of James River. Float from Arcadia to Glasgow (~15 miles). Paddlers, anglers and families can get back to nature and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Upper James.
James River - Balcony Falls whitewater section
Classic Virginia Class II+(III) whitewater run. With a huge watershed providing year round boatable levels this is THE run for beginner and intermediate paddlers in VA.
James River - Eagle Rock to Springwood (~16 miles)
Great canoe/kayak section of James River from town of Eagle Rock to town of Springwood (~16 miles). Continue to Buchanan take out for an additional 3 miles.
James River - Iron Gate to Eagle Rock (~15 miles)
Great canoe/kayak section of James River from town of Iron Gate to town of Eagle Rock (~15 miles).
James River - Springwood to Buchanan to Arcadia (3/7/10 mile options)
Great canoe/kayak and tube section of James River. Float from Springwood to Buchanan (~3 miles) or from Buchanan to Arcadia (~7 miles), or combine them both for ~10 miles.
Lick Run Greenway
Spent the night at Hotel Roanoke, and now you want to take a really nice walk to explore the lovely city of Roanoke? This is your spot! Ask someone at the front desk to point you in the right direction.
Mud Lick Greenway (Garst Mill Park)
This short greenway trail is lined with manicured flower gardens and wild naturalized ares. With a number of activity possibilities, including basketball, tennis, baseball,and two playgrounds, a walk along the Garst Mill Greenway is just one more great adventure one could have at this park.
Read Mountain Preserve, VA: Buzzards Rock
Roosting buzzards, a city skyline, and a 2,350-foot peak lure hikers to this 3.4-mile out-and-back inside Roanoke's new Read Mountain Preserve.
Roanoke River Greenway
Roanoke River Greenway runs more than 5 miles from Wasena Park to Bennington Rd.. Starting at Wasena Park, the first part of the greenway is kid friendly, slightly downhill, and a very easy walk, ride, or run with plenty of playgrounds along the route.
Roanoke, VA: Dragon's Tooth
This rocky climb up Cove Mountain ends with a heart-pounding scramble to the top of the Dragon's Tooth, a 35-foot quartzite and sandstone tower.
Roanoke, VA: Dragon's Tooth
This rocky climb up Cove Mountain ends with a heart-pounding scramble to the top of the Dragon's Tooth, a 35-foot quartzite and sandstone tower.
Roanoke, VA: McAfee Knob
The reward on this famous, 7.5-mile hike is a sweeping ridgeline view of the Catawba Valley framed by a striking rock ledge.
Roanoke, VA: Rock Castle Gorge Loop
Explore the summits and history of a rare trail network along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Roanoke: Little Stony Creek
Twist through a sandstone gorge with a handful of waterfalls on this 7.8-miler topping out at a tabletop overlook above Jefferson National Forest.
Roanoke: Mount Rogers
Catch great views on your way up Virginia’s highest mountain on this 7.2-mile out-and-back through the open balds and ridges of the Appalachians.
Roanoke: New River Trail (Hiwassee to Shot Tower)
This 15.9-mile hike or bike trip follows an abandoned railroad along the banks of the New River, which local geologists claim is the second oldest river in the world.
Sulphur Springs Ridge & Price Mountain Trail
Located in Craig County, this 5 mile loop offers you a chance to leave everything behind. Odds of running into another hiker - zero.
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Photos + Videos
Packing for a Backcountry Ski DayKristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing. |
Adjust Your Pack Straps on the TrailMaximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments. |
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