Roanoke Mountain Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 120.3
Roanoke Virginia is the largest city right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The city of Roanoke grew rapidly from 1882 when the railroad became the town’s major industry. At top of Mill Mountain surrounding the city is the the huge neon star which dates back to the 1940s, and is a symbol of the industrial and civic progress of the city.
Roanoke Mountain is at an elevation of 2, 192 feet and is a mountain in Virginia located two miles south of the Roanoke River and one mile east of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The summit of Roanoke Mountain may be reached by a one-way loop road off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are two overlooks on the summit ridge with excellent views. There are no trailers allowed.
For panoramic views of the Roanoke Valley take the 4-mile detour to Roanoke Mountain Loop Road at milepost 120.3, a one-way road leading to the summit of Roanoke Mountain. Make sure you stop at the Mill Mountain View Overlook for a view of the City of Roanoke. Further up at the top of Roanoke Mountain is the Roanoke Mountain Overlook and a parking area. The summit overlook gives you a perfect view of the Roanoke Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains off in the distance.
If you have been driving for awhile the Roanoke Mountain Loop Trail is a short moderate 0.4-mile loop trail perfect for stretching your legs which takes about 15 min.
Roanoke Mountain Hiking Trails
- Roanoke River trail
- Roanoke Mountain Loop Trail
- Buck Mountain Trail
- Stewarts Knob Trail
- Chestnut Ridge Trail
- Roanoke Valley Horse Trail
Picnic Area
The Roanoke Mountain picnic area is the former campground that closed and has re-opened with 60 picnic areas offering picnic tables and grills. The picnic area also has a restroom facility managed by the National Park Service and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The tent pads are still at the picnic area. The grills are traditional fire rings and cooking must be done in campground-style fashion. All picnic sites having their own parking spot allowing convenience to your picnic area. Roanoke Mountain is a great place to take a quick hike or eat a snack rather than eating on the go. If you are looking for a bit more Roanoke;s Mill Mountain park is just a few minutes away by car and also has a picnic area, pavilion, zoo, playground, and outdoor activities.
Sunday Concerts
Every Sunday Roanoke Mountain has FREE Sunday Concerts in the picnic area at the small stage located near the entrance. You have to bring your own chairs, blankets and food. Alcohol is not permitted.
Concerts are every Sunday from Memorial Day to the end of October.
