The Blue Ridge Mountains are older than the Himalayas. Part of the Appalachians, they traverse eight states, with their longest swath cutting through southern Virginia. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned outdoor person, you’ll find appealing activities on a Roanoke Valley vacation. Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains three and a half hours west of Williamsburg, the area is well known for its rivers, greenways and opulent display of autumn leaves. The gently rolling mountains can tempt even a diehard couch potato to go outside.
Here are a few of the outdoor highlights.
Hiking
Most people never have the time or inclination to hike the whole 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail. But you can easily hike a small piece of it. With its 270-degree panoramic view, climbing the almost four miles to the top of McAfee Knob makes for a rewarding hike.
If the knob is too steep for you, Explore Park, seven miles from downtown Roanoke, offers family-friendly hiking trails, as well as biking and swimming. For $4 per person, you can take a two-hour guided hike with a naturalist. Elizabeth D’Imperio leads themed hikes on bugs, wetlands, and other environmental science topics. “I love getting people excited about the ecology of the region and just getting them interested in nature,” she says.
Biking
Roanoke bills itself as the “mountain bike capital of the east,” and boasts multiple trail systems. Visit the famous Roanoke Star while buzzing around Mill Mountain, or go for an epic ride on the Patterson Creek Trail System. Roanoke is in the process of applying for the much-coveted “ride center status” designation from the International Mountain Biking Association. If their trails and services are approved, mountain bikers around the world will add riding Roanoke’s trails to their bucket lists.
Riders who prefer pavement can enjoy 30 miles (and growing) of urban greenways. Bring your own bike or rent one at Underdog Bikes. The greenway following the river is a pleasant, easy ride. You can stop off at a park along the way, or visit Black Dog Salvage to meet the stars of the DIY network’s Salvage Dawgs. The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club hosts a full calendar of events, including its famous Tuesday night beer ride.
Water Activities
For a really different getaway, consider a multi-day canoe journey on the James River Water Trail. Twin Rivers Outfitters in Buchanan (Botetourt County) will outfit you with canoes, oversized dry bags for your food, and a map to primitive campsites along the river. If you prefer a shorter adventure, they’ll rent you a canoe or kayak for the day.
Franklin County offers excellent lake recreation. Those who prefer bigger, motorized craft will enjoy Philpott or Smith Mountain Lake. At Philpott Lake, wooded camp sites are framed by mimosas and rhododendrons along 100 miles of shoreline. Craig “Rocky” Rockwell, operations project manager for Philpott Lake, is an avid kayaker. After he retires from the US Army Corps of Engineers next year, he plans to spend every day in the lake. “Paddling is cheap,” he says. “People are retiring younger and healthier than at any time in history. There’s nothing better than kayaking.” He’s often seen bears and deer swimming in this peaceful lake.
For families that prefer a livelier lake scene and easy access to mini golf and ice cream, Smith Mountain Lake won’t disappoint. You can rent pontoon boats, speed boats, jet skis and standup paddleboards at the Bridgewater Marina. To rent a motorized craft, you must be over 18 with a valid driver’s license, and allow about an hour for training.
Yoga
After all the hiking and biking, a good stretch is in order. Roanoke features several outdoor yoga opportunities. Check the Downtown Roanoke events calendar for details on yoga in Elmwood Park. Bonny Branch teaches yoga atop the Center in the Square building on Wednesday mornings at seven year-round. Her encouraging words and the wonderful views make this an enjoyable class, even for newbies who don’t know downward from upward dog.
