3 Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Roanoke Virginia

Are you searching for a fun place for outdoor adventure, scenic views, and great food? Then add the mountain town of Roanoke, Virginia to your list. Over the years we’ve driven up and down Interstate 81 at least a dozen times, stopping in Roanoke for an occasional meal or a quick visit to the unique Black Dog Salvage. We recently had the chance to throw our bicycles in the car and spend a few days exploring this outdoor playground in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. With a population of just under 100,000, Roanoke has received dozens of accolades over the years like Top Adventure Town and in 2022, included in the Best Mountain Towns in the United States. Once you take in the view from the top of McAfee Knob or one of the many other trails, you’ll understand why. From hiking and biking to a thriving food scene, here’s our suggestions of ways to enjoy Roanoke’s outdoor playground along with a few restaurants we discovered during our recent visit.
*This post was updated August, 2022

1. Hop On a Bicycle. When it comes to bike riding, the Roanoke area will not disappoint! Whether you are a recreational rider like me, or someone who enjoys more of a single-track experience like my husband, there are plenty of riding options. The Roanoke Valley Greenways are a network of paved trails with varying terrain that span over 30 miles. Each greenway section offers changing views and trails for riders of all ages. You can even take a ride on the Roanoke River Greenway and veer off for a beer at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery! While most of the trails are basically flat, the Tinker Creek Greenway will definitely challenge the adventurous rider with a few steeper grades. It was a good reminder to me that when you are biking in a mountain town, you probably should expect some hills! Download the greenway map before you head out, which also includes parking information for each trailhead. There are also self-guided bike tours for those who are comfortable with more on-street riding. Art by Bike, the Haunted Tour by Bike, and the night-time Neon Lights of Roanoke are just a few (or you can take a car ride at night to see the sparkly, neon lights).  

​Mountain bikers will be excited to know that the area is considered to be America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital, with trails for all skill levels. In fact, the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) has designated Virginia’s Blue Ridge as a Silver-Level Ride Center™. My husband highly recommends that before you do any shredding, take some time to chat with the local experts. The friendly folks at Roanoke Mountain Adventures were more than happy to share the ins and outs of some of the local trails with him before he hit the trail. The shop rents both mountain and road bikes for adults and kids, plus kayaks and paddleboards. They also offer a wide selection of pre-owned gear, clothes and shoes at bargain prices! Plus they are conveniently located on Wasena Avenue close to the Greenway trail and the river. Nearby Carvins Cove is one of the local gems, a highly rated destination spot for mountain biking on the east coast. 

​2. Take a Hike. There’s a good chance you’ve seen a photo of a lone hiker on McAfee Knob, an iconic photo spot on the Appalachian Trail. It’s part of Virginia’s Triple Crown — Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs — and just one of numerous hiking opportunities in the area. Any of those 3 trails on their own offer a challenging hike with spectacular views for miles. Go Hike Virginia is a great web source for detailed hiking tips specifically for the area. For the more casual hiker, there are plenty of trails with a view. I happened to read an article about Sawtooth Ridge just days before our visit, and it turned out to be a wonderful hike - two-miles out and back on the Appalachian Trail and the views are pretty amazing. The trailheads for Sawtooth Ridge and McAfee Knob share a parking lot, so expect the area to be busy on weekends. Just about 15 minutes from downtown Roanoke, explore the Mill Mountain Star Trail. A moderate hike of roughly 3.7 miles will take you to the top and back down. Mill Mountain is home to the must-see  Roanoke Star (first illuminated in 1949) and the Mill Mountain Zoo. If you want to skip the hike, take the short drive to the top for a close up view of the Roanoke Star along with sweeping views of the area. 

​3. Hang Out by the Water. If mountain biking on the trails at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is not your thing, there are plenty of other ways to explore this 630 acre reservoir and surrounding forest. During the warmer months, bring a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy gliding across the pristine water. Or just enjoy the scenic view from shore after you enjoy a hike or a picnic. The Carvins Cove Reservoir Trail is noted as an easy hike, just at 4.5 miles out and back. Overall, there are 60 miles of service roads and trails used by hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Based on a photo I recently saw, I would love to visit this time next year when the fall leaves are on full display. Carvins Cove is just a really peaceful place to connect with nature. 

​Virginia’s Blue Ridge is also home to a number of waterfall hikes, including the moderate Stiles Falls hike at roughly 3 miles roundtrip. A bit further southwest in Pembroke, find the popular Cascade Falls. It’s a four mile loop trail which is popular with the college students and visiting parents from nearby Virginia Tech. The last time we hiked to the falls was after an unexpected April snow a few years ago, so I’m ready for a return trip when the weather is warmer. 

​If you are looking for a day on a lake, or a lakeside vacation rental, check out nearby Smith Mountain Lake (SML). Rent a boat and explore the 500 miles of shoreline, or just enjoy the mountain views. It’s a nice place to rent a houseboat, with lots of coves for exploring, fishing, or stargazing. Find out what we learned from our 3 days on a houseboat exploring SML. For a smaller lake experience, it takes just under an hour to reach Claytor Lake State Park. We recently had our first experience renting an eco friendly 18’ electric boat on the lake. It wasn’t quite as exhilarating as being on a power boat, but having a small table and canopy on the boat was like relaxing at a waterfront restaurant with changing views! 

Besides hiking and biking, the area is home to several other places that are worth a visit. One gem that is tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the impressive National D-Day Memorial in Bedford. You can read more about why you should make time to stop at the National D-Day Memorial.

Visiting during the holidays? Grab tickets to Illuminights, Explore Parks Winter Walk of Lights. Stroll the half mile path with over 500,000 lights, then shop at the Artisan Market featuring local crafters. Explore Park is home to two campgrounds, with cabins, yurts, RV sites, and tent camping. 

​Where to Eat Around Roanoke

Visitors to Roanoke will discover there is no shortage of diverse food options, along with a thriving craft beer scene. One of our surprising casual food finds was the New Yorker Delicatessen. It’s a given that no matter where we go, my husband is always searching for a good deli, so I was excited when I found this highly acclaimed deli. The New Yorker has been around since 1959, started by Harry Russell, who had moved to Roanoke from New York City when he was young. Today the deli is still run by the Russell family, and is considered a Roanoke landmark. You could easily miss the place on a road filled with nondescript storefronts, but the classic sign will probably catch your attention. Besides, you won’t want to miss the chance to try one of their authentic New York deli sandwiches. We ordered the Onion Wheel, stuffed with corned beef, pastrami and imported swiss, on a buttered onion roll, along with the deli classic, the original roast beef sandwich with thinly sliced beef piled high on a hard roll. 

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​Since some of the restaurants were still only in carryout mode, it gave us an opportunity to enjoy some creative outside dining. Our deli sandwiches were perfect for a picnic on the shore of scenic Carvins Cove. Later we grabbed authentic Cuban food from Cuban Island Restaurant and ate our chicken and plantains outdoors at the top of Mill Mountain, waiting for the Roanoke Star to illuminate. The gourmet pizza from The Green Goat tasted even better while relaxing creekside at our Airbnb (more on that in a minute). The outdoor patio at Clutch Smoked Meats was a nice place to enjoy a lunch of smoked pulled pork on a jalapeńo cheddar roll with pimento mac and cheese; YUM! Breakfast biscuits to go from Scratch Biscuit Company in Grandin Village taste good no matter where you eat them, and don’t forget the coffee from local favorite Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea. Some restaurants may have modified hours and limited seating if you are looking for in-restaurant dining, so always call ahead for the latest.  

​And for DOLE Whip fans, be sure to try the new HANG 10, serving Hawaiian Shaved Ice and DOLE Whip treats during the warmer months. The Wasena location had only been open a few weeks when we visited at the end of August, but already seemed to be a popular spot for families coming off the Roanoke River Greenway or for dessert after dinner across the street at the Green Goat! The orange DOLE Whip, along with Hawaiian Shaved Ice definitely hit the spot. We went twice, but will have to go back again since we didn’t get a chance to try the decadently filled waffle taco! ​​

​Where to Stay in Roanoke 

If you are wondering where to stay in the Roanoke area, there are a few popular hotel options, along with a fair amount of rental houses. But hands down, if you are looking for a quaint, creekside cabin, consider a stay at the Magical Cabin on Back Creek on Airbnb. It’s a renovated 1939 log cabin originally built as a fishing cabin that sits on the bank of Back Creek. And I mean it literally sits on the creek, so plan to take time to relax on the porch listening to the soothing water. The house feels somewhat secluded within the neighborhood, yet it wasn’t far to restaurants, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and was easy to get downtown and to Carvins Cove. If you prefer to stay at a hotel downtown, options include the historic Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, and the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke - Downtown. 

​If you still aren’t convinced about planning a future visit, check out some of the latest awards for the Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge before you go.  And don't forget to download your free Virginia Bucket List. 

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