Best Fall Hikes in the Roanoke Valley
Fall is the best time of year to take advantage of the cooling temperatures and soak in the glorious color of the changing leaves. Roanoke Valley, nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, offers no shortage of the best trails and viewing spots to take in nature’s autumn color show. Recently, CNN named Roanoke as the second best hiking city in the United States and in celebration of this well-deserved recognition, in this blog post I’d like to share some of the best locations in Southwest Virginia to hike or drive to take in all of the fall splendor.
McAfee Knob
Located just outside of Roanoke, McAfee Knob is the most photographed location on the Appalachian Trail. And for good reason, the 4mile hike up to the overlook is a moderate 1,700 foot steady climb but well worth the effort for the stunning views offered at the top.
Roaring Run Loop Trail
A quick jaunt from Roanoke you’ll find one of my favorite family hikes, the Roaring Run Loop Trail. This easy to moderate 1.5mile loop trail offers a scenic overlook, iron furnace, and a waterfall. Being a short walk through the woods and with so much to soak in, the kiddos won’t have a chance to be bored!
Carvins Cove Natural Preserve
Carvins Cove is truly Roanoke’s hidden gem. Boasting over 12,000 acres of both hardwood and mixed pine forests, a 630-acre reservoir, and 60 miles of trails, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the fall colors and splendor whether you’re hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding.
Mill Mountain Trails
Why not hike up Mill Mountain to see Roanoke’s iconic star? The Mill Mountain trail network provides 10 miles of natural surface trails within the 600-acre Mill Mountain Park. The trails, accessible from the Discovery Center and Mill Mountain Star on top of the mountain or from several neighborhood streets, provide either short loops or longer excursions, all in a beautiful, wooded park.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Enjoy a slow-paced drive along the 469-mile meandering Blue Ridge Parkway through the central and southern Appalachian Mountains. The Parkway offers stunning views of the Appalachian Highlands from numerous overlooks as well as opportunities to stop and shake your legs out on various hiking trails, visitor’s centers, and other points of interest.
Whether you’re out for a leisurely drive or hike through the woods, these trail destinations offer no shortage of spectacular scenery no matter the time of year. Although, I do hope that you’ll visit during my favorite time of year – autumn – as the weather gets cooler and Mother Nature paints her gorgeous fall scenes.
