caution
Location: 37.209826, -79.935461
steep, slippery steps, no guardrails at this point
missing trail sign
Location: 37.211047, -79.93595
If you are at the top scenic viewpoint of Roanoke Mountain and you see this sign, you are at the right spot.
notice rock outcropping
Location: 37.210615, -79.935933
good family climb
gentle grade increase
Location: 37.209881, -79.936219
pine needles cover the trail
rusted wire swing
Location: 37.209601, -79.935555
What in the world is this?
left to return to the parking lot
Location: 37.210728, -79.93549
or...turn around and repeat the trail backwards. Recommended!
trail entrance
Location: 37.211006, -79.935908
beautiful plants, notice terrain
Location: 37.210925, -79.935853
loose rocks
nice spot to read
Location: 37.210273, -79.93607
Consider "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
nice thicket of mountain laurels
Location: 37.210052, -79.936169
blooming in June
side trails to explore
Location: 37.208868, -79.935847
If you want to keep on the trail, turn left at the stump.
Reward!
Location: 37.209382, -79.935618
rocks to explore, must see - the moss covered trees
ponder, explore, just listen
Location: 37.209761, -79.935488
rock cropping explore zone
Location: 37.209975, -79.935434
notice handrails
the stuff of poetry
Location: 37.209955, -79.93525
nice bird watching spot
backside of rock cropping
Location: 37.210062, -79.935202
heading back up
Location: 37.21045, -79.935362
look up at the open sky for a treat
Out so soon?
Location: 37.210564, -79.935444
This spot brings you out at the upper parking lot.
Turn left to return
Location: 37.210872, -79.935551
Lower parking lot to your left. Don't head back so soon. Go back in and explore.
Ideal for
- Family walks
- A quiet placeto read, reflect
- Walk the dog
Time Requirements
The trail is very short itself. Do set aside time for the ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the four mile (round trip) loop around Roanoke Mountain.
Directions to trailhead
- Buck Mountain Trail is located in the upper parking lots of the 4 mile loop on Roanoke Mountain, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 123
- Two tenths of a mile past mile marker 123, headed south on the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Take the BRP south for 2.8 miles from where it crosses U.S. 220 south of Roanoke. (The BRP crosses on overpass, but there are entry roads to the parkway from 220.)
- The trailhead, named Buck Mountain Overlook, will be on the left.
Trail Description
This very short trail takes you away from the parking lot and instantly into a virtually untouched spot in nature. There are rocks to climb, trees to explore and wonderful spots to sit and listen to the birds around you.
Notes/Add-ons
- Take any trash you might find out with you and keep this spot wonderful!
- Want to help keep this a special place? Take time to learn more about the Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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