Top 15 Exciting Day Trips Near Roanoke, VA

Roanoke, Virginia, is a delightful city with stunning landscapes. Nestled between Smith Mountain Lake and Virginia Tech in Southwest Virginia, Roanoke is often referred to as the “Magic City” or the “Star City of the South.” As the cultural center of Southwest Virginia, it offers exquisite dining, friendly locals, and a variety of outdoor activities. The unique experiences available in Roanoke cannot be fully appreciated through virtual platforms, making a visit essential.

The architecture in Roanoke reflects the Appalachian building style, with one major attraction being the overlook that showcases breathtaking views of the Roanoke Valley, ideal for photography. For those wishing to venture outside the city, we have curated a list of 15 exceptional day trips to explore from Roanoke.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

This 469-mile scenic byway traverses the core of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, offering day-trippers the chance to take in spectacular vistas.

The most frequented segment of the Parkway is the National Park System, where travelers can enjoy remarkable sites, including the iconic Mabry Mill.

As the longest linear park in America, the Parkway connects to Shenandoah National Park to the north and Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the south, while being flanked by United States Forest Service lands.

2. Town of Vinton

This town shares a significant boundary with Roanoke. Many neighborhoods in Vinton are divided by the border with the city.

Located to the south, a picturesque 1.5-mile lakefront along the Roanoke River Gorge is a must-visit. Formed during the construction of the Niagara dam in 1904, the lake offers visitors a chance to experience steep, wooded cliffs with stunning views of Roanoke.

An additional highlight of Vinton is the esteemed Vinton War Memorial, elegantly situated atop an 11.5-acre park.

3. Brushy Mountain

This mountainous region, an isolated spur of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is located in the northwestern part of North Carolina, spanning five counties: Yadkin, Iredell, Wilkes, Alexander, and Caldwell.

Brushy Mountain stretches approximately 45 miles in length and 6 miles in width. Visitors should aim for the highest peak, known as Pores Knob, which rises to 2,680 feet.

The area is rich with apple orchards and hosts annual harvest celebrations.

Additionally, the Brushy Mountain Penitentiary, now a historic tourist site, offers tours of the infamous former maximum-security facility and a chance to purchase memorabilia at the accompanying gift shop.

4. City of Salem

Located in Roanoke County, the City of Salem borders Roanoke and was officially established in 1802.

Archaeological evidence attests to the presence of Native American tribes in this area, dating back to 8000 B.C. There is much to explore in this historically significant town, originally called “Totero Town.”

Notable sites include Fort Lewis, constructed in 1752, and the Salem Public Library, established in 1937.

5. Mill Mountain Star and Park

The Mill Mountain Star, recognized as the largest freestanding illuminated star globally, stands at 88 feet tall and has graced Mill Mountain since 1949.

Often regarded as the East Coast’s version of the Hollywood sign, this remarkable structure is visible up to 60 miles away. The best time to view the star is at night, prior to midnight when it is typically turned off.

The exquisitely landscaped Mill Mountain Park features some of the finest biking and hiking trails in the region, offering sweeping scenic overlooks and picnic spots.

6. Virginia Museum of Transportation

This historic freight facility, serving as a museum, exhibits an extensive collection of Norfolk and Western locomotives, along with electric and diesel engines, antique vehicles, aviation artifacts, and vintage steam equipment.

Among the treasures in the Virginia Museum of Transportation are the renowned Class A and Class J locomotives, the latter being the sole surviving example of its kind.

A close encounter with these impressive rail collections allows visitors to grasp their scale, with locomotive wheels towering to the height of an average adult.

7. Virginia’s Explore Park

Located at Milepost 115 on Blue Ridge Parkway, this park features structures and reenactors representing various historical periods.

Spanning over 1,100 largely wooded acres, it provides nature enthusiasts with opportunities to appreciate the landscape and wildlife along trails that exceed 14 miles in length.

A multitude of historical buildings and cultural experiences immerse visitors in the rich heritage of southwest Virginia, bringing history to life in ways that written accounts cannot.

8. Science Museum of Western Virginia

This museum showcases diverse themes related to environmental health, computer programming, physical well-being, engineering methodologies, and the science of toys.

Established in January 1970, it initially started in a 400-square-foot basement before relocating six years later to a 3,000-square-foot facility in the former Tinker Creek School.

The museum features a tropical butterfly garden with specimens from around the globe, having transitioned from an exotic habitat to a pollinator-friendly space.

9. Green Ridge Recreation Center

This recreation facility, spanning 76,000 square feet, emphasizes family enjoyment, offering conveniently located attractions.

Indoor amenities include a swimming pool, gymnasium, and fitness center, while the outdoor segment features an aquatic complex with 34-foot slides, a spray ground, and a lazy river.

Green Ridge Recreation Center also boasts an indoor track that reveals beautiful mountain views, making it a perfect venue for children’s birthday celebrations.

10. Bottom Creek Gorge

Bottom Creek Gorge features stunning trails and impressive waterfalls, including Virginia’s second-highest waterfall.

A visit to Bottom Creek Gorge offers a quick hike past old farmsteads adorned with woodland flowers, rich flora, and wildlife, the area is a haven for rare species. Three trail options are available: Red, Blue, and Yellow.

Additionally, the vigorous streams of Bottom Creek provide excellent photographic opportunities.

11. Read Mountain Preserve

This preserve encompasses 243 acres of forested terrain, dedicated to conserving natural environments for future generations. Read Mountain Preserve is suitable for all ages, making it a delightful family outing.

If you are inclined to engage in a moderately challenging hike, the trail climbs to the summit, providing tranquility and panoramic views.

This hidden gem features a 1.9-mile rugged trail, typically taking 2.5 hours for an average hiker to navigate to the peak.

12. Rock Castle Gorge Trail

This picturesque trail features vibrant colors from a diverse array of wildflowers, trees, and plant life.

Wander through the trail while appreciating the stunning views of the gorge and learning about the families that once lived in this area, which drew power from Rock Castle Stream for their mills.

Rock Castle Gorge is home to over 200 wildflower species, 45 tree species, and 28 fern species, all thriving within the gorge’s deeply nestled confines, remaining largely undisturbed by human activity.

13. Peaks of Otter

The Peaks of Otter are renowned for their outstanding hiking trails that challenge adventurers. The three peaks, located within a dense forest along the Blue Ridge Parkway, provide a sanctuary for recreational pursuits.

This area encompasses rugged terrain with abundant hiking trails and diverse wildlife, including rare bird species abundant throughout the Peaks of Otter.

If fishing is your interest, Abbot Lake is stocked with catfish, sunfish, and bluegill, serving as the centerpiece within the Peaks of Otter Park.

14. Buck Mountain Trail

The Buck Mountain Trail leads visitors into an unspoiled natural area, providing ample climbing opportunities and tranquil spots to relax while listening to the surrounding wildlife.

Though relatively short, the trail’s shaded surroundings limit visibility, necessitating a climb to the summit for the best views.

While the journey is brief, it remains rewarding, with numerous resting spots available for quiet reflection.

15. Bedford County

Established in 1753 and named in honor of John Russell, the fourth Duke of Bedford, Bedford County became an independent entity in 1968, covering 769 square miles, of which 753 are land and 16 are water.

The region predominantly consists of indigenous Siouan-speaking tribes, bordered by Rockbridge County to the north and Campbell County to the south.