Blue Ridge Parkway Trails

Blue Ridge Parkway Trails

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.

Trees

Interactive Trail Map

Trail Facts & Figures

17mile
Trail
Distance
5655feet
Elevation
Gain
light
Amount
of Use
easy
Trail
Difficulty
Natural
Surface
Type
No
Wheelchair
Accessible
6
Total
Trailheads
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Trail Issue

Prohibited Activities

Rules, Regulations
& Etiquette

Trail Rules

Some trails cross jurisdictions along route. Rules vary by jurisdiction.

Trail-Specific Rules:

  1. No bicycles allowed.

System-Wide Rules:

  1. Yield to pedestrians.
  2. Keep to the right, pass on the left.
  3. Give an audible warning when passing.
  4. Maintain safe, courteous speeds.
  5. Keep pets on a leash.
  6. Clean up after pets.
  7. Keep the greenway trash free.
  8. No trespassing after hours.
  9. No motor vehicles.
  10. No alcohol, camping, hunting, or fires.

Roanoke County Hours:

  • Hours: 6 am -9 pm.

Trail jurisdiction

This trail crosses the following jurisdictions:

Roanoke County

General Trail Etiquette

  1. Share the trail.
  2. Slow down when congested.
  3. Do not take up more than half the trail.
  4. Keep leashes short.
  5. Wear appropriate safety equipment.
  6. Step off the trail when stopping.
  7. Scoop the poop immediately.
  8. Carry trash to waste receptacles.
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Please report any trail maintenance issues using this form.