Blue Ridge Parkway Guide – Hiking Trails in Virginia III

Continuation of part 2

MP 91.0 A moderate 1.9-mile portion of the Appalachian Trail, leading from VA 695 to the Sharp Top Mountain overlook.

MP 92.5 The Sharp Top Mountain to Harvey’s Knob section of the Appalachian Trail is a moderate 2.9-mile hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

MP 95.4 The Harvey’s Knob overlook to the Montvale overlook portion of the Appalachian Trail is also a moderate challenge, but it’s only a 0.6 mile hike.

MP 95.9 This mile-long stretch of the Appalachian Trail runs from Montvale Overlook to Taylor’s Mountain Overlook and is a moderately strenuous hike.

MP 96.0 Spec Mine Trail is a 2.8 mile strenuous trail maintained by the US Forest Service. This Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trail begins at Montvale Overlook and leads into Botetourt County along State Route 645.

MP 97.0 A moderate 0.8 mile section of Appalachian Trail from Taylor’s Mountain overlook to Blackhorse Gap.

MP 110.6 Stewart’s Knob Trail is a short walk to an incredible view of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.

MP 114.9 Roanoke River Trail is a 0.35 mile self-guided walk to a balcony overlooking the Roanoke River.

MP 120.4 Roanoke Mountain Summit Trail is a moderate ten-mile hike to a splendid view of the Roanoke Valley.

MP 120.5 Chestnut Ridge Trail is a moderate 1.75 mile hike near the Roanoke Mountain campground.

MP 121.4 Roanoke Valley Horse Trail is an 18.5-mile-long moderate horse trail that begins near Highway 220 and runs along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

MP 123.2 Buck Mountain Trail is a moderately challenging half-mile hike to the top of Buck Mountain. The summit offers a fantastic view of the city of Roanoke.

MP 154.5 Smart View Loop Trail is a moderate 2.6-mile hike around the relaxing Blue Ridge Parkway picnic area.

MP 167.1 Rock Castle Gorge Trail is a strenuous 10.8-mile hike. The loop trail leads from Rocky Knob Campground, over Rocky Knob and through the incredible Rocky Knob Gorge before ending back at the campground. This trail makes for an extreme day hike. If you’re not used to strenuous hiking, be sure to pack a Coleman foot care kit.

MP 167.1 Hardwood Cove is a moderately strenuous .8-mile portion of the Rock Castle Gorge trail. This section is a self-guided nature trail.

MP 169.0 Black Ridge Trail is a moderate hiking trail that runs 3.1 miles from the Rocky Knob Visitor Center through Black Ridge and Grassy Knoll.

MP 169.0 Rocky Knob Picnic Loop Trail is a relaxing mile-long hike around the picnic area. This is an effortless hike perfect for hot afternoons.

MP 176.2 Mabry Mill Trail is an easy trail that passes the restored Mabry Mill and numerous exhibits of life on the mountain long ago, including blacksmith crafts and shoemaking.

MP 179.2 Round Meadow Creek Trail is a moderate half-mile hiking trail through the quiet, shady forest around Round Meadow Creek.

There is much, much more to see and do along the Blue Ridge Parkway!