Blue Ridge, Virginia

We don't get a ton of snow here in Virginia, but when we do, the Blue Ridge Parkway can be a great place to get out and enjoy a day of snowshoeing or cross country skiing. It's also a great opportunity to get your pup out and let him work out some energy as the chances of running into anyone are ...

If you're looking for a hike in the Roanoke area without the crowds that McAfee Knob draws, but still want a challenging hike with great views, try hiking to Hay Rock. This 7.5 mile round trip hike begins at the Park and Ride just off I-81 at the US-220 Troutville/Fincastle exit (150B). The gra...

Part of the attraction to the Cove is that you can literally leave work at 5pm and be in the water paddling in plenty of time to catch the sunset. Catching a sunrise is slightly more difficult just because the boat landing doesn't open until 6:30am. However, it's still possible to paddle out and ...

Starting at a great spot to picnic, fish, or put in a kayak, this casual hike meanders along the Roanoke River. Along the trail you can enjoy views of some small river rapids and the beautiful trees surrounding along the river.The trail begins at a parking lot at the end of Rutrough Road.  There ...

Carvins Cove draws attention from all over the mountain biking community, and has so much to offer both the beginner and expert alike. The best place to access the trails is from the Bennet Springs parking lot on Carvins Cove Road...the pin on the map will take you right there. There is a $2 dail...

Once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia, this 2.5 hour hike is one that will leave you speechless at the top. Park at the Peaks of Otter Nature Center (which is now closed). The trailhead is located to the right of the building. You will cross over a paved bus road soon after beginning th...

To get to the trailhead, pull into the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and park there. Proceed to the outdoor amphitheater behind the center. At the rear of the amphitheater there is a large sign showing Harkening Hill and other nearby trails, here the trail begins. Th...

Looking for a day trip? Look no further than Tinker Cliffs, tucked away in Virginia. This trail provides a workout that is loaded with flowers, bridges, rocks, and views that will leave you inspired to explore more! The Trail There are no restrooms located at the parking lot or along the trail....

The Roanoke Mountain Road is a 4 mile one-way loop accessed at mile post 120.3 off the Blueridge Parkway. It's a winding single-lane road, and I would certainly not venture up there with a trailer. There is a large parking area at the main overlook which provides an excellent view of the sunset. ...

The trailhead for this hike is at the same parking area for the Flat Top Trail. From the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, travel north up the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 3 miles, where you will come to small parking area. It is quite tiny, and probably holds around 10 vehicles, but there was only ...

From the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, travel north up the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 3 miles, where you will come to small parking area for the Flat Top Trailhead. The parking area is quite tiny, and probably holds around 10 vehicles, but there was only one other car there when I went. It's p...

Put in at the Horseshoe Bend Boat Ramp near Buchanan, VA. The pin on the map will take you right there. Takeout will be at the boat ramp in downtown Buchanan, approximately 9 miles down river. This ramp is located just above the Rt. 11 bridge.Twin River Outfitters uses this ramp also, so there's ...

Intro McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed and picturesque locations along the Appalachian Trail. Once you reach McAfee Knob, you'll have almost 270 degree views of the the Roanoke Valley to the East, Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, and Tinker Cliffs to the North. Due to t...

The top of Apple Orchard Mountain is easily accessible via the Appalachian Trail. Access the trail at the Sunset Field Overlook at MP 78.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The concrete path will end shortly and turn into a blue blazed trail. Follow this for 0.25 miles until it intersects the Appalachia...

There are a few different ways that you can do this hike. One way is to start at the North Creek campground (37.54244, -79.58531) and do a loop hike that's about 6 miles, which will take you to the falls up along a stream with some swimming holes and nice campsites. I did it the other way, which ...

The Virginia Triple Crown is a combination of three of the most spectacular and popular hikes in the region. It combines the Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee’s Knob, and Tinker Cliffs hikes into one long multi-day hike along the Appalachian Trail. It makes for an excellent 2 day backpacking trip, with many...