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Read Mountain Trails

Read Mountain Trails

Read Mountain Preserve is a 243-acre park with 4.5 miles of natural surface trails. This “mountain island” is visible from most parts of the Roanoke Valley as a long undeveloped ridge. The trails ascend challenging terrain in dry woodlands. Parking, a picnic shelter and an overlook are provided from Crumpacker Drive. The park lands, protected by a conservation easement, were donated to Roanoke County, with the hiking trails built by volunteers. The main destination within the Preserve is Buzzards Rock, which offers views of the Hollins area and Carvins Cove. Other trails provide loop options.

The County is in the process of acquiring an additional 300 acres on the northwest side of the mountain.

Trees

Interactive Trail Map

Trail Facts & Figures

5mile
Trail
Distance
Varies
Elevation
Gain
medium
Amount
of Use
hard
Trail
Difficulty
Natural surface
Surface
Type
No
Wheelchair
Accessible
1
Total
Trailheads
Report Trail Issue
Report
Trail Issue

The Read Mountain Trails System

Buzzards Rock Trail

Buzzards Rock Trail is two miles long, connecting the trailhead to Buzzards Rock. The trail allows views of two tumbling mountain streams, utilizes boulders and rocks for steps, passes remnants of old mining activity, and climbs steadily up the mountain with several switchbacks. Near the top, the trail intersects the CCC Trail, which is wider […]

Trail Details

Trail Distance:
1.98 mile
Amount of Use:
medium
Trail Difficulty:
hard
Surface Type:
Natural

CCC Trail

The CCC Trail is presumed to be an old roadbed built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Most hikers go down this trail after visiting the rocks to make a loop hike. At one time there was an FAA tower on this trail with a beacon light for the airport, but it has been removed. One […]

Trail Details

Trail Distance:
0.82 mile
Amount of Use:
medium
Trail Difficulty:
medium
Surface Type:
Natural

Crossover Trail

The short crossover trail connects Rocky Way to Buzzards Rock Trail, via Jacob’s ladder of rock steps.

Trail Details

Trail Distance:
0.21 mile
Amount of Use:
medium
Trail Difficulty:
hard
Surface Type:
Natural

Rocky Way Trail

Rocky Way Trail is indeed rocky with steep sidehill. It connects the CCC Trail back to the lower section of Buzzards Rock Trail. In the winter a beautiful feature is the frozen “weeping wall”. 

Trail Details

Trail Distance:
1.45 mile
Amount of Use:
medium
Trail Difficulty:
medium
Surface Type:
Natural

Rules, Regulations
& Etiquette

Trail Rules

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

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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Report Trail Maintenance Issue

Please report any trail maintenance issues using this form.