There's so much that goes into a great picnic that you'll realize it's not as simple as it seems.
From driving distance to ambiance and crowds, where you choose to eat is just as important as what you eat.
Six of the seven picnic spots below are near rivers, dams, or creeks, proving there is an undeniable correlation between picnic spots and water.
We've compiled a list of the top 7 picnic spots in Roanoke, Va, that might be perfect for your next outdoor eating trip.
1. Carvins Cove
11,200
Acreage
3
Trailheads
1
Food & Drink Options
6+
Primary Activities
Carvins Cove is the fifth largest city-park in the United States according to Carvins Cove Wikipedia making this quite possibly one of the biggest places to picnic in this area.
2. Chestnut Ridge Trail
5.4
Trail Miles
1
Trailhead
0
Food & Drink Options
3+
Primary Activities
Chestnut Ridge Trail has a lovely trailhead off Mill Mountain Parkway you can enjoy a picnic near the entrance or be sure to check out the amenities at Roanoke Mountain Campground which the trail circles around.
3. Explore Park
1,100
Acreage
4+
Trailheads
1
Food & Drink Options
6+
Primary Activities
Explore Park is the third of three picnic spots in Roanoke, Va along the Roanoke River with Green Hill Park and the Roanoke River Greenway being the other two.
4. Green Hill Park
480
Acreage
1
Trailhead
0
Food & Drink Options
6+
Primary Activities
Green Hill Park is just up the Roanoke River about 20 minutes north of the Roanoke River Greenway. This is a great park for not only picnics but river floating, fishing, biking and more.
5. Mill Mountain Star Trail
568
Acreage
1
Trailhead
0
Food & Drink Options
6+
Primary Activities
Mill Mountain Star Trail is the best place to get a view of Roanoke without a hike. The park has a children's play area, gazebo, picnic benches and even a zoo.
6. Roanoke River Greenway
12,000
Acreage
7
Trailheads
10+
Food & Drink Options
6+
Primary Activities
Roanoke River Greenway has plenty of attractions and plenty of places to sit down for a bite. At 13.5 pave miles long from, finding a perfect spot with the right amount of scenery and noise level is achievable.
7. Roaring Run Falls
1.5
Distance
1
Trailhead
0
Food & Drink Options
6+
Primary Activities
Roaring Run Falls trailhead has park benches, a furnace, several waterfalls leading up to the main waterfall & Hoop Hole Loop which all add up to a great day use and picnic area.