• The most visited National Park in the U.S. – Blue Ridge Parkway• The longest footpath in the U.S. – Appalachian Trail• The most photographed point along the Appalachian Trail – McAfee Knob• The 2nd largest municipal park in the U.S. – Carvins Cove Nature Reserve• Smith Mountain Lake• Mountain Bike trails ranked in Top 5 according to Resort Sports Network TV• More than 600 miles of trails and 20 miles of greenways• Four State Parks • Four large lakes ideal for boating, fishing, and water sports • Two major rivers – James and New Rivers• World-class fishing can be found on the region’s numerous wild and stocked streams

and lakes including the Roanoke River which runs through Roanoke

The Roanoke Region of Virginia is a premier spot for outdoor recreation. RoanokeOutside.com showcases why Roanoke is one of the best outdoor towns in the United States.

The Roanoke Region consists of counties and cities at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley nestled between the Blue Ridge and Alleghany mountain ranges. From city streets to rolling hills to majestic mountains, the Roanoke Region offers urban, suburban, and rural landscapes and living. The temperate climate gives four distinct seasons that are neither too warm nor too cold but just right to take advantage of the fishing, hiking, climbing, and biking dominant in the region.

Whether it is mountain or road biking, hiking or camping, bass or fly fishing, wakeboarding or water skiing, greenways or blueways, climbing or caving, or whitewater or flat water, Roanoke has a little of everything to help you get outside!

Appalachian TrailThe Appalachian Trail is a 2,175-mile trail following the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine, 544 miles of which are in Virginia. Winding through the Roanoke Region, 120 miles of the A.T. offers dozens of short and long hikes, easy to strenuous. Throughout the region you can enjoy trail loops that peak at waterfalls and cliffs, always promising spectacular views.

McAfee Knob (pictured below) is the most photographed point along the A.T. The trail head is less than 15 minutes from downtown Roanoke.

Blue Ridge ParkwayKnown as "America's Favorite Drive," the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway meanders from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The parkway follows the Appalachian Mountain chain and provides some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, ranging from 650 to 6,000 feet in elevation. Scenic overlooks, historic structures, walking trails and waterfalls are just some of the highlights along the parkway.

• Blue Ridge Marathon – America’s Toughest Road Marathon takes place every spring

Smith Mountain LakeSmith Mountain Lake is a 20,600 acre lake with 500 miles of shoreline offering sailing, water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, paddling, and swimming. Click here to learn more.• Home to the ESPN Bassmasters Elite Tournament and

Oakley’s Big Bass Show

Carvins Cove Nature Reserve

Carvins Cove Nature Reserve is the second largest municipal park in the nation. Located 15 minutes from downtown Roanoke, it holds a major water source within its 12,700 acres and overflowing recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, and boat rentals. 11,363 acres of Carvins Cove is protected by the largest conservation easement in Virginia's history. Click here to learn more.

State ParksDouthat State Park

• Named one of the nation’s 10 best by Outside Family Vacation Guide• It is one of the original six Virginia State Parks• Nestled in Virginia’s Western Highlands, it features some of Virginia’s most outstanding scenery• Overnight options include RV camping, tent camping, or cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps• Ideal for swimming, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, canoeing

Smith Mountain Lake State Park• Virginia’s most popular lake• Offers superb recreational activities• More than 500 miles of shoreline• Home to the ESPN Bassmasters Elite tournament and Oakley’s Big Bass Show• Plenty of vacation rentals nearby• Ideal for fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and swimming

Claytor Lake State Park• Located on the 4,500-acre, 21-mile long Claytor Lake• Overnight options include RV and tent camping• Ideal for boating, swimming, canoeing, and fishing

New River Trail State Park• This is a linear park that is an official National Recreational Trail• Parallels 39 miles of the New River which is the 2nd oldest river in

the world and uniquely flows north• Ideal for biking, hiking, and walking

Greenways

Walk along the Roanoke River Greenway or hop on your bike and pedal to the top of Mill Mountain for a spectacular view of the city and valley. More than 22 miles of greenways help link Roanoke’s natural beauty to its charming neighborhoods and vibrant downtown. Click here to learn more.

Canoeing & KayakingSandwiched between the New and James Rivers, Roanoke has hundreds of miles of rivers and creeks for you to explore. Looking for a relaxing float with your family, or are you looking to hone your paddling skills on some classic whitewater runs? Whatever floats your boat, you'll find it here in the Roanoke Region of Virginia. Click here to learn more.

HikingThe surrounding mountains provide the ideal setting for scenic day hikes as well as overnight camping trips. With the Appalachian Trail in our backyard and dozens of park trails, the Roanoke Region offers the best hiking. Click here to learn more.

More than 600 miles of trails dot the region.

BikingThe Roanoke Region is one of the best places in the nation for mountain biking and road cycling. People travel from all over the world to experience the incredible riding we have to offer. A temperate climate and access to miles of lightly traveled roads and trails are just a few of the reasons why Roanoke is quickly becoming known as a cycling mecca. Click here to learn more.

• Resort Sports Network TV ranked our mountain bike trails in their Top 5

FishingWith the Roanoke River flowing through the city limits, Smith Mountain Lake just to the south, the James River to the east, the New River to the west, and Lake Moomaw to the north, Roanoke is blessed with some of the finest lake and river fishing on the East Coast. In fact, you will be hard pressed to find a richer or more diverse fishing resource in such close proximity to any other urban area in America. Click here to learn more.

Lake SportsWhether you are looking to rent a pontoon boat, ski on some glass water, or just sit on a sandy beach, the lakes that make up the Roanoke Region are spectacular. So come on out, play, and get wet. Click here to learn more.

Visit RoanokeOutside.com to learn why Roanoke is one of the best outdoor towns in the U.S.