8 Walking Trails in Roanoke Va - Unofficial Trail Guide
Walking Jogging Fishing Picnic Dog Walking Bird Watching
Walking Trails in Roanoke Va are somewhat easy to come by but not all of them can be peaceful. The social environment of a hike like McAfee Knob is nice at times but can scare away birds and butterflies. Below are 8 Walking Trails in Roanoke Va that I've found to be either less crowded or less noisy, and in turn these seem to have more wildlife flying, fluttering or buzzing around.
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. All hike times are approximated using Naismith's Rule.
1. Bottom Creek Gorge
4.8
Distance
900
Elevation
2:00
Hike Time
2
Iconic Picture Spots
Bottom Creek Gorge is managed by the Nature Conservancy and you're able to choose a walking trail to either a waterfall, a gorge or both.
2. Chestnut Ridge Trail
5.4
Distance
720
Elevation
2:00
Hike Time
1
Iconic Picture Spots
Chestnut Ridge Trail is located just off Mill Mountain Parkway by Roanoke Mountain Picnic Area. Chestnut Ridge Trail is the ultimate walking trail in Roanoke Va because it is less popular (i.e. quiet) and close to downtown Roanoke.
3. Fulhardt Knob via Appalachian Trail
7.6
Distance
1,700
Elevation
4:00
Hike Time
1
Iconic Picture Spots
Fulhardt Knob is a favorite nature walk near Roanoke, Va. There is large elevation gain so this trail can be difficult at times. However this is a sparsely used portion of the Appalachian Trail and the natural elements seem to be more alive in this area...
4. Harkening Hill
4.3
Distance
900
Elevation
2:25
Hike Time
1
Iconic Picture Spots
Harkening Hill is one of the lesser know peaks of Peaks of Otter which makes for a more quiet hike. The hike has a great overlook at the top and a very interesting selection of balancing rocks along the way...
5. Poor Mountain Trail
3.9
Distance
940
Elevation
2:00
Hike Time
1
Iconic Picture Spots
Poor Mountain Trail meets all the criteria of a nature walk; it's the epitome of a quiet easy walk with the natural elements. This is also a loop trail which adds to the variety of what you can see...
6. Roaring Run Falls
1.5
Distance
300
Elevation
1:00
Hike Time
1
Iconic Picture Spots
Roaring Run Falls is a great waterfall hike while it's sister trail of Hoop Hole Run and the Iron Ore trail will take you off of the stream and surround you in George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
7. Explore Park
14
Miles of Trail
19
Trailheads
1
Food & Drink Options
6+
Primary Activities
Explore Park has 19 trails to choose from, a historic village, and of course the Roanoke River running through it all. It's a go-to spot for walking trails in Roanoke Va and just an 18 minute drive from Downtown.
8. Carvins Cove
60
Miles of Trail
3
Trailheads
0
Food & Drink Options
6+
Primary Activities
Carvins Cove will offer a great nature walk if you enter in the right trailhead. For the more quiet access I recommend the Timberview Parking Lot. It seems to be the lesser-used trailhead and gives you full access to the trails.