The Blue Ridge Parkway has paralleling trails in the Roanoke region for hiking and horseback riding. These trails are managed by the National Park Service and are not open to bicycles. There are four distinct sections:

Horse Trail, a 11-mile trail for equestrians and hikers, from Stewarts Knob Overlook MP 110.6 to MP 121.4 at US 220. There is no trail crossing of the river and a gap from the river south to Highland Road.

The Roanoke River trails, MP 114.9, which include a hiking trail to an overlook above the gorge and a Fisherman’s Trail with 200 steps down to the river’s edge.

Buck Mountain Trail at MP 123.2, a short hike to an overlook.

Chestnut Ridge Trail, a six-mile loop around Roanoke Mountain Picnic Area on the Mill Mountain Spur Road.