Because the temperatures drop and the leaves flip vibrant shades of purple and gold, there’s no higher place to hike than Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Whether or not you’re searching for a peaceable household stroll or gearing up for a difficult multi-day backpacking journey, this area provides one thing for each degree of explorer.
Roam the Roanoke Area
Nestled within the coronary heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the Roanoke Area boasts over 1,000 miles of scenic trails, together with greater than 700 miles devoted to mountaineering. The famend Virginia Triple Crown, a trio of iconic hikes, provides a number of the most gorgeous views within the Blue Ridge. Dragon’s Tooth, a singular rock formation towering almost 35 toes, rewards hikers with panoramic views after a steep ascent. McAfee Knob, maybe probably the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Path, provides sweeping 270-degree vistas of the Catawba Valley. Lastly, Tinker Cliffs options dramatic overlooks the place you’ll be able to marvel on the expansive landscapes of Roanoke and past.
The area additionally options wonderful trails alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway and Jefferson Nationwide Forest, with lovely pure areas like Mill Mountain Park and Learn Mountain Protect. A hidden gem on the Appalachian Path is Hay Rock, the place hikers are rewarded with gorgeous views of Carvins Cove, particularly vibrant throughout the fall.
As the biggest metropolis alongside the Appalachian Path, Roanoke is the perfect outside basecamp. For gear and journey planning, Roanoke Mountain Adventures, Outside Trails, Walkabout Outfitters, and Mast Common Retailer provide nice picks. Households can benefit from the outside at Roanoke County’s Discover Park, with cabins, tenting, aerial adventures at Treetop Quest, and trails for mountaineering and biking. Roanoke can be a premier vacation spot for biking and mountain biking, set to host the 2025 USA Mountain Biking Nationwide Championships, attracting prime athletes from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
After a day on the paths, unwind on the West Station District, the place craft beer flows at native favorites like Golden Cactus Brewing, Blindhouse Beer Firm, and Large Lick Brewing Firm, paired with scrumptious eats at Tuco’s Taqueria and Beamer’s 25. As all the time, Go to VBR encourages everybody to recreate responsibly and observe Depart No Hint ideas to protect the great thing about the area’s trails and public lands.
Beautiful Surroundings in Salem, VA
One other prime spot in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, the Metropolis of Salem is a vibrant hub for outside lovers, providing infinite journey simply minutes from its charming, historic Essential Road. With a whole lot of miles of scenic trails shut by, Salem is the proper gateway to discover the pure magnificence and pleasure of the area.
City to Path Treks
Salem provides a variety of mountaineering experiences for all ability ranges. Inexperienced persons and people searching for a leisurely outing can take pleasure in a peaceable stroll alongside the Roanoke River Greenway, which meanders via scenic landscapes and connects to close by parks. For a singular mix of nature and historical past, guests can embark on a self-guided historic strolling tour via Salem’s charming Victorian neighborhoods, the place tree-lined streets and fantastically preserved properties replicate the town’s wealthy architectural heritage. More difficult trails within the surrounding Blue Ridge are additionally only a quick drive away for seasoned hikers searching for journey. On weekends between March and November, the McAfee Knob Shuttle is on the market to take hikers from downtown Salem to the trailhead that results in one of many AT’s most photographed spots.
After a day on the paths, you’ll be prepared for some refreshment. Increase a glass at Olde Salem Brewing and Parkway Brewing Firm. These locally-owned breweries serve nice IPAs, pilsners, lagers, and a few of their very own inventive concoctions all in a enjoyable, pleasant ambiance.
The eating selections are as plentiful because the mountaineering alternatives. Stroll down Essential Road in Salem’s pretty downtown and also you’ll discover dozens of nice eating selections. Pattern old-style Italian at Mama Maria’s; Dine in model at Frankie Rowland’s Steakhouse; Savor nice sandwiches and salads at Macado’s; And expertise the wings and well-known calzones at Mac and Bob’s, an establishment in Salem for greater than 40 years.
Salem is well accessible from I-81 and Route 460. In the event you’re searching for a vacation spot that provides infinite outside enjoyable, plan an journey at VisitSalemVA.com.
HIKE HIGHLIGHTS
Climbing in Roanoke’s Mill Mountain Park gives the chance to take pleasure in many different distinctive options throughout the park, equivalent to the long-lasting Roanoke Star and Mill Mountain Zoo.
