Roanoke, VA, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, is a great place to explore and take in breathtaking views. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’ll find plenty of trails to explore. Here are seven of the best hikes near Roanoke, VA to check out in 2023.
McAfee Knob
McAfee Knob is one of the most popular hikes in the Roanoke area and is a must-do for any hiker. It’s an 8.75-mile out-and-back trail that starts at a parking lot off VA-311 and climbs up to McAfee Knob, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Catawba Valley. This hike is not for beginners because it’s quite strenuous and has a lot of elevation gain, but it’s worth the effort. The trail is well-marked and has a few benches along the way to rest and take in the views.
Dragon’s Tooth Trail
Dragon’s Tooth Trail is a 4.5-mile out-and-back trail that starts from a parking lot off VA-311. The trail is quite strenuous, but the views of the Catawba Valley make it worth the effort. The highlight of the hike is a massive rock formation called Dragon’s Tooth, which is a massive rock that juts out from the ground. There are plenty of other interesting rock formations along the way, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Sherando Lake Loop
Sherando Lake Loop is a 3.2-mile loop trail that starts from a parking lot off VA-311. The trail is relatively easy and is a great option for beginning hikers. The trail takes you around Sherando Lake, which is a beautiful lake surrounded by dense forest. There are plenty of benches and viewpoints along the way, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the views.
Tinker Cliffs
Tinker Cliffs is a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail that starts from a parking lot off VA-311. The trail is quite strenuous and has a lot of elevation gain, but the views of the Catawba Valley make it worth the effort. The highlight of the hike is a massive rock formation called Tinker Cliffs, which is a massive rock that juts out from the ground. There are plenty of other interesting rock formations along the way, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Cascades Falls
Cascades Falls is a 4.5-mile out-and-back trail that starts from a parking lot off VA-311. The trail is quite strenuous and has a lot of elevation gain, but the views of the Catawba Valley make it worth the effort. The highlight of the hike is a stunning waterfall called Cascades Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall cascading down the mountainside. There are plenty of other interesting sights along the way, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Mill Mountain Star Trail
Mill Mountain Star Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail that starts from a parking lot off VA-311. The trail is relatively easy and is a great option for beginning hikers. The highlight of the hike is a stunning star at the top of the mountain, which is the symbol of the city of Roanoke. There are plenty of benches and viewpoints along the way, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the views.
Andrews Bald
Andrews Bald is a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail that starts from a parking lot off VA-311. The trail is quite strenuous and has a lot of elevation gain, but the views of the Catawba Valley make it worth the effort. The highlight of the hike is a bald area called Andrews Bald, which is a grassy, open area with spectacular views of the valley. There are plenty of other interesting sights along the way, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Carvins Cove Loop
Carvins Cove Loop is a 3-mile loop trail that starts from a parking lot off VA-311. The trail is quite strenuous and has a lot of elevation gain, but the views of the Catawba Valley make it worth the effort. The highlight of the hike is a beautiful lake called Carvins Cove, which is a beautiful lake surrounded by dense forest. There are plenty of benches and viewpoints along the way, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the views.
As you can see, there are plenty of amazing hikes near Roanoke, VA to explore in 2023. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’ll find something to suit your needs. So grab your hiking gear and get out and explore the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
