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Salem, Virginia

Top Spots in and near Salem

  • Salem, Virginia

    McAfee Knob

    4.7
    7.79 mi / 1296 ft gain
    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...
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  • Salem, Virginia

    Mountain Bike at Carvins Cove

    5.0
    30 mi / 750 ft gain
    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...
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  • Catawba, Virginia

    Virginia Triple Crown

    5.0
    29.24 mi / 5531 ft gain
    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...
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  • Catawba, Virginia

    Dragon's Tooth Trail

    4.9
    4.44 mi / 1394 ft gain
    From I-81: Exit 140 and take Highway 311 north for 11 miles towards New Castle. Dragon’s Tooth parking lot is on the left, just past Catawba Grocery. LAT 37.3787 LONG -80.1563 Ready to tackle the Dragon? This 4.6 mile, out and back, trail provides one with a true hiking experience. The hike wil...
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  • Roanoke, Virginia

    Canoe or Kayak at Carvins Cove

    5.0
    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 ...
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  • Roanoke, Virginia

    Take in the View at Roanoke Mountain Overlook

    4.0
    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. ...
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  • Daleville, Virginia

    Hay Rock

    4.6
    7.48 mi / 1276 ft gain
    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...
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  • Troutville, Virginia

    Tinker Cliffs via Andy Lane Trail

    4.8
    7.15 mi / 1844 ft gain
    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....
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  • Roanoke, Virginia

    Hike along the River Walk Trail in Roanoke's Explore Park

    3.0
    1.5 mi
    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 ...
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  • Blue Ridge, Virginia

    Snowshoe the Blue Ridge Parkway

    3.3
    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 ...
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  • Shawsville, Virginia

    Hike to Stiles Falls

    4.8
    3 mi / 500 ft gain
    Park at the Alta Mons camp parking lot, and start walking the gravel road. There will be signs throughout the trail that lead to the waterfall. Continue down the trail for 1.5 miles. Look out for the white trail markers that indicate the Stiles Falls trail. After 1.5 miles, you will reach the wat...
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  • Newport, Virginia

    Hike to the Keffer Oak on the Appalachian Trail

    4.3
    2.6 mi / 600 ft gain
    You can park your car at the small gravel lot where VA-42 and Rt. 629 intersect. Starting from the Appalachian Trail crossing at VA-42,  head north on the AT, which winds through some grass meadows. After about 0.8 miles into the hike you will cross Rt. 630 (Northside Road) on a bridge over Sinki...
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  • Blacksburg, Virginia

    Hike the Coal Mining Heritage Park and Loop Trail

    5.0
    1 mi
    This is a part of the Huckleberry Trail (which is paved), but off of it is the dirt hiking/walking trail loop. It is a really fun area to explore, and the parts that are on the Huckleberry have plaques with historical information on it which is all very interesting. It also has a beautiful wooden...
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  • Craig County, Virginia

    Hike to Kelly's Knob via the Appalachian Trail

    4.3
    4 mi / 500 ft gain
    This is a great day hike for families or groups looking to get out for a short hike on the Appalachian Trail in Jefferson National Forest.From 460W Take Blue Grass Trail Rd then a left onto Clover Hollow Rd/State Route 601. Continue on this for 6.7 miles until you reaches an intersection with the...
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  • Blacksburg, Virginia

    Take a Stroll around Pandapas Pond

    4.5
    1 mi
    Great for walking or jogging. There are nice views of the pond and there are also other little areas like one dedicated to horticulture. Fishing is also possible (with a license).  Parking is very easy here!
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  • Newport, Virginia

    Photograph Sinking Creek Falls

    5.0
    Park at the Clover Hollow Covered Bridge, and walk or bike  1/3 mile along Clover Hollow Rd in the direction of Blue Grass Trail Rd or to the pin dropped in the location below.When you can see the waterfall, carefully walk down the bank where you'll have perfect angles of the waterfall and surrou...
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Camping and Lodging in Salem

Craig Creek Recreation Area
Eagle Rock, Virginia

Craig Creek Recreation Area

Steel Bridge Campground
Paint Bank, Virginia

Steel Bridge Campground

Peaks Of Otter Campground
Bedford, Virginia

Peaks Of Otter Campground

Goose Point
4780 Goose Point Road

Goose Point

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia

Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter

Guides, Insights and Stories from Salem

Take this ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway road trip

Take this ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway road trip

The Outbound Collective