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ROANOKE MOUNTAIN Milepost 120.3 |
Places to Stay
Things to Do
Roanoke, Virginia, is the largest
city adjacent to the Parkway, and one whose popularity and growth has certainly paralleled
that of the park. It grew rapidly from its origins as Big Lick when, in 1882 the railroad
industry became the town's major industry. The huge neon star on top of nearby Mill
Mountain dates from the late 1940s, and was erected to celebrate the industrial and civic
progress of the city.
The
Roanoke River Overlook at milepost 114.9 allows a beautiful view of the Roanoke River and
the Niagara hydroelectric dam. The scenic road over Roanoke Mountain (milepost 120.3) is a
4-mile one-way loop road that affords stunning views of Roanoke, Roanoke Valley, and Mill
Mountain (sorry, no trailers allowed). Scattered at the convenient overlooks and parking
areas are picnic tables and short, scenic leg-stretchers.
- Campground - The Parkway operates a campground along the Mill Mountain Spur Road (milepost 120.4), with sites for 74 tents and 31 trailers (3 sites are handicap-accessible). Facilities include water, comfort stations with flush toilets and sinks but no showers or hook-ups.
- Nearby motels/B&B's - There are several motels and bed and breakfasts within a 15-minute drive off the Parkway using US 460 and I-581 as well as US 220.
- Interpretive Programs - The campfire circle plays host to interesting ranger talks and Sunday evening mountain music programs during the summer.
- Trails - There are two easy, short trails in the area, the Roanoke River Trail (milepost 114.9) and the Roanoke Mountain Summit Trail (milepost 120.3) which is a steep one-way road around the mountain with spectacular views (no trailers permitted), You can also explore two moderate trails, the Chestnut Ridge Trail off the Mill Mountain Spur Road and the Buck Mountain Trail (milepost 123.2).
- Virginia's Explore Park - Stop by this living history and wilderness park and join in the events held year-round. The entrance is at Milepost 115.
