Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where outdoor adventure, unforgettable vistas, and the creation of lasting memories converge. Boasting an extensive network of over 1,000 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and paddling, the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge invites everyone to uncover a trail, each waiting to be woven into the fabric of your own unforgettable adventure.
A Piece of Appalachia
Take a hike on one of the most illustrious trails in the world. Roanoke is the largest city on the Appalachian Trail and features 3 of the trail’s most iconic hikes. Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs all delight hikers with stunning views of the Blue Ridge and Virginia landscape. McAfee Knob, in particular, is one of the most photographed spots on the entire 2,000-mile long trail due to its iconic rock formations and panoramic vistas. McAfee Knob’s parking lot is closed for a new pedestrian bridge construction until late 2024, so visitors are encouraged to utilize the McAfee Shuttle service, available on weekends March to December.
Feel the urge to conquer rock formations? Make a pit stop at River Rock Climbing, crowned the Best Climbing Gym in the 2024 Best of the Blue Ridge contest.
Bikes and Brews
Known as “Disneyland for Bikes”, Carvins Cove has been recognized as one of the best trail systems in the Southeast for mountain biking. Roanoke also holds a unique distinction as one of the few U.S. cities with a mountain within its limits, granting hikers and mountain bikers convenient access to the spectacular trail network in Mill Mountain Park, just a stone’s throw from downtown. Explore Park in Roanoke County is a must for Blue Ridge Parkway biking, boasting the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, camping options, Roanoke River access, hiking and biking trails, Treetop Quest aerial adventures, and Twin Creeks Brewpub for food and drinks.
Notably, Twin Creeks Distillery has earned its stripes as the 2024 Best of the Blue Ridge Winner for Best Distillery, while the Get Bent IPA at Parkway Brewing Co. snagged the title for Best Drink in the Blue Ridge. Rest assured, you’re in the perfect spot for top-notch post-trail brews! Elevate your experience by exploring Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail, a curated journey through local craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
