You may have read about the benefits of outdoor activities or the benefits of hiking and thought it all sounded good minus the physical exertion.
Last November, my grandma asked if she could go on a hike from a picture she saw of me on Facebook. It was a 7 mile round trip with incline so I had to tell her the hike probably wouldn't be the best conditions for her.
Whatever the reason for finding an easy hike around Roanoke, these sprawling vistas, rivers or cool looking rocks below are all within short distances.
Below are the 9 best easy Roanoke hikes you'll find that cater to all levels of cardio, all part of the 20 Roanoke Hikes: The Complete List for both easy and challenging hikes.
Also don't forget to check out the wineries, breweries & distilleries in the vicinity of the trailheads below, especially if you're going to Peaks of Otter, Roaring Run or the Pembroke Region. You can find a full list of must-visit drinkeries at Yo Noke Restaurants.
Editor's Note: We try hard to be accurate in our reporting but please always use multiple references before driving to a trailhead as trail amenities and conditions can always change.
1. Carvins Cove
60
Trail Miles
3
Trailheads
At Carvins Cove you can choose your length of desired hike and incline with almost 60 miles of trail to choose from along and around the Carvins Cove area.
2. Cascade Falls Trail
4.0
Distance
700
Elevation
Cascade Falls Trail is a go-to easy hike in Pembroke, Va leading up to Cascade Falls. The terrain can get slippery during the wintertime but the waterfall is great in any season.
3. Chestnut Ridge Trail
5.4
Distance
720
Elevation
Chestnut Ridge Trail is for the nature purist. There's little in the way of vista or waterfalls, just surrounded by the forest making this a popular easy hike of Roanoke.
4. Explore Park
14
Trail Miles
19
Trailheads
Explore Park has 19 trails to choose from ranging in difficulty level. It's also less than five minutes away from Mayflower Hills Disc Golf Course which is kind of like an easy hike but with frisbees.
5. Fallingwater Cascades Trail
1.4
Distance
420
Elevation
Fallingwater Cascades Trail is a picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway waterfall that's not only easy, it's a loop hike so you'll never be on the same path more than once.
6. Mill Mountain Star Trail
3.4
Distance
800
Elevation
Also known as the Roanoke Star Hike, Mill Mountain Star Trail is a medium-difficulty hike, this is one of the few trails you can drive to the top and reap all the benefits while skipping the actual hiking. You're able to make this hike as easy as you'd like it to be.
7. Roanoke River Greenway
25
Paved Miles
7
Trailheads
The Roanoke River Greenway, while not technically a hike, is an easy stroll with view of the Mill Mountain Star along the Roanoke River.
8. Roaring Run Hoop Hole Trail
1.5
Distance
300
Elevation
Roaring Run Hoop Hole Trail doubles as a nature trail and a waterfall destination. Roaring Run Falls makes for one of the best waterfalls near Roanoke Va and the Hoop Hole Trail is an easy loop trail through natural vegetation.
9. Wind Rock Va
1.0
Distance
400
Elevation
For the amount of work you have to put into this hike (0.5 miles one way), Wind Rock Va has one of the best views you could ask for on the Appalachian Trail.