The Heavenly Valley In Virginia That's Home To Over 600 Miles Of Hiking Trails
By Beth|Published March 19, 2019
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
Craving outdoor adventure and lots of it? Look no further than the Roanoke Valley, a treasure trove of natural beauty that resides is the southwest corner of Virginia. Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian plateau, this beautiful expanse of land lends itself to all sorts of activities. In fact, it’s estimated that there are over 600 miles of hiking trails alone. So if you’re looking to hit the trails and explore new horizons, the famed Roanoke Valley will not disappoint.
To visit the Roanoke Valley in Virginia is to experience natural beauty at its finest. The landscape is filled with crystal clear rivers, green rolling hills, and the gentle blue haze of the mountains in the distance. No matter the time of year, this breathtaking area is truly heavenly.
The best way to get to know the Valley is by hiking its famed trails. The famous Appalachian Trail runs through the Roanoke Valley and offers hikers miles of overlooks, climbs, and scrambles.
For more information about the Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail, you can click here.
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Perhaps one of the most famous hikes associated with this area is McAfee Knob. It's been cited as one of the most beautiful hikes in the U.S., which is hard to deny when you've seen the 360-degree panoramic view from the top.
There's another trail by the name of Dragon's Tooth that's not far from McAfee Knob and provides even more of a challenge. To read more about it, click here.
Another iconic trail is the one that leads you to the Mill Mountain Star. From here, you'll catch a breathtaking view of downtown Roanoke and the surrounding valley. It's a true bucket list destination if you've never been before.
Insider tip: there's a breathtaking wildflower garden located at the top of the mountain. You can read all about it by clicking here!
If you're craving a little bit of a scramble, you an opt to hike Devil's Marbleyard via Belfast Trail. This 3-mile trek will take you to a massive marbleyard with boulders the size of cars.
Sharp Top Trail offers another breathtaking view of the Roanoke Valley. While the hike measures just 2.6 miles roundtrip, the climb to the top is strenuous (and the views are well worth it!).
For more details about the famous Sharp Top Trail, you can read our previous article here.
So whether you consider yourself to be an avid hiker or you simply enjoy a well-loved trail, you’ll find yourself in outdoor paradise when you visit the Roanoke Valley. For more information about the area and its many hikes, click here. Have you visited the Roanoke Valley recently? Which activities did you enjoy the most? We’d love to hear from you!
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