Best Parks in Roanoke, VA (Hiking, Picnic Spots & Scenic Views)
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Roanoke, Virginia, has long been a destination for outdoor lovers, making it easy for everyone to get outside.
Set in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and just minutes from the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke is packed with parks that are both accessible and incredibly beautiful.
Locals take full advantage, whether they’re hiking before work, biking after dinner, or spending the afternoon picnicking with a view.
Every time I visit Roanoke, I find myself returning to these parks again and again. Some are right in the city, others feel a world away, but all of them showcase what makes Roanoke such a special place for a nature-inspired vacation
If you’re planning a trip, these are the best parks in Roanoke to explore.
Quick Guide to the Best Parks in Roanoke, VA
- Best for views: Mill Mountain Park
- Best for families: Mill Mountain Park, Explore Park, and Elmwood Park
- Best for hiking & mountain biking, and kayaking: Carvins Cove
- Best for camping & adventure: Explore Park
- Best in-town park: Elmwood Park
- Best for river and Greenway access: Wasena Park
The Best Parks in Roanoke, Virginia for Outdoor Adventures
One of the first things I noticed about Roanoke was how many people are constantly taking advantage of the public green spaces, bike paths, playgrounds, and hiking trails.
This is a city that wholeheartedly embraces the outdoors. There are 55 parks within the city limits, as well as eight recreation centers, five public plazas, two public pools, and two dog parks.
I spent a large portion of my visit exploring the city’s parks and green spaces, but the following parks are definitely my favorites for their unique offerings, beautiful landscapes, and fabulous hiking trails.
Map: My Favorite Parks Around Roanoke
Mill Mountain Park: Iconic Views and Easy Access from Downtown Roanoke
If you only have time to visit one park in Roanoke, make it Mill Mountain Park. Located just minutes from downtown and right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, this is one of the most accessible and scenic parks in Roanoke.
Best known as the home of the famous Roanoke Star, Mill Mountain Park is perfect for a quick stop, a sunset picnic, or a longer day of hiking and exploring.
Why Visit Mill Mountain Park:
- Incredible views overlooking downtown Roanoke
- Home to the iconic Roanoke (Mill Mountain) Star
- Easy access from downtown and the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Family-friendly with picnic areas and a playground
- Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails
Planning a full itinerary? Don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Roanoke for more ideas nearby.
See the Roanoke Star (The Best View in the City)
The Roanoke Star is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Virginia’s Blue Ridge and a must-see when visiting Roanoke. Built in 1949 as a temporary Christmas decoration, it now shines year-round and has earned Roanoke its nickname, the Star City of the South.
You’ve got two options for getting there:
- Hike the Star Trail (1.38 miles one way, 763 feet of elevation gain)
- Drive to the top and walk a short distance to the overlook
If you’re short on time, driving is the easiest way to enjoy one of the best views in Roanoke. If you’re up for it, the hike is a great introduction to the park’s trail system.
Looking for more hikes like this? Check out my guide to the best trails around Roanoke.
Hiking and Biking at Mill Mountain Park
Mill Mountain Park features about 10 miles of mixed-use trails, making it a great spot for both hikers and mountain bikers.
You can easily combine trails to create anything from a quick loop to a longer workout, and most routes are well-marked and beginner-friendly.
- Hiking: All trails are open to hikers and trail runners
- Mountain biking: Allowed on most trails (except Star Trail and Watchtower Trail)
Need a trail map? You can download one here.
If mountain biking is your thing, you’ll also want to explore Carvins Cove, which has some of the best riding on the East Coast (more on that below).
Mill Mountain Zoo (Great for Families)
Located just below the summit, the Mill Mountain Zoo is a fun stop, especially if you’re visiting Roanoke with kids.
The zoo is small but thoughtfully designed, with more than 85 animals, including snow leopards, red wolves, and red pandas. It’s also the only major nonprofit wildlife attraction along the entire Blue Ridge Parkway.
Admission is affordable, and it’s an easy add-on if you’re already exploring the park.
Where to Eat After Your Visit to Mill Mountain
After exploring Mill Mountain Park, head to Sweet Donkey Coffee for a laid-back atmosphere, great coffee, and plenty of outdoor seating. It’s a local favorite and a perfect place to refuel after a hike, with outdoor seating, live music on select evenings, and a good selection of local beers. On a recent visit, I enjoyed broccoli cheddar quiche and a fantastic orange-ginger scone.
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve: Roanoke’s Best Park for Hiking, Biking, and Water Adventures
If you’re looking for a true nature escape near the city, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is one of the best parks in Roanoke, VA. Just a short drive from downtown, this massive park feels a world away, with forested mountains, quiet coves, and miles of scenic trails.
At more than 12,000 acres, Carvins Cove is one of the largest municipal parks in the country and a favorite for locals who want to hike, bike, paddle, or simply spend a peaceful afternoon outdoors.
Why Visit Carvins Cove:
- One of the best nature parks near Roanoke, VA
- 60+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, plus access to the Appalachian Trail
- A 630-acre reservoir for kayaking and fishing
- Quiet picnic spots with lake and mountain views
- Easy access from downtown Roanoke
You can download a Carvins Cove trail map here.
Hiking and Mountain Biking at Carvins Cove
Carvins Cove is best known for its extensive trail system, which offers something for every skill level—from easy lakeside walks to challenging climbs with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hikers can explore miles of wooded trails, many of which wind along the shoreline or climb into the surrounding mountains. If you’re looking for a longer adventure, you can even connect to the Appalachian Trail via the Sawmill Branch Trail.
Mountain bikers, take note: Carvins Cove has earned a reputation as one of the best places to ride on the East Coast, with fast, flowing singletrack and technical sections for more advanced riders
Boating and Paddling on Carvins Cove Reservoir
The centerpiece of the park is the Carvins Cove Reservoir, a 630-acre lake surrounded by forested ridges. It’s one of the most peaceful places to paddle near Roanoke, with quiet coves and miles of undeveloped shoreline to explore.
You can bring your own kayak or canoe, or rent one at the marina:
- $10/hour for a single or double kayak, or a row boat
- $15 for two hours
- $25 for four hours
Motorboats are limited to 10HP engines, which helps keep the water calm and ideal for paddling.
Fishing is also popular here, though you’ll need a valid Virginia fishing license if you plan to cast a line.
Carvins Cove: Know Before You Go
Carvins Cove has three main access points, and choosing the right one can make a big difference depending on what you want to do:
- Marina Entrance: Best for kayaking, fishing, and picnic areas
- Bennett Springs Entrance: Best for hiking and trail access
- Timberview Entrance: Good access to the southern trail system
There is a $7 daily parking fee, which can be paid at the marina or via drop boxes at the trailheads.
Good to know:
- Swimming is not allowed in the reservoir
- Trails are shared with mountain bikers
- Cell service can be spotty in some areas
- Leashed dogs are welcome
Explore Park: Adventure, Camping, and Outdoor Fun on the Blue Ridge Parkway
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure near Roanoke with easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Explore Park is one of the most unique parks in the area.
Located at milepost 115, this 1,000-acre park blends hiking trails, river access, and family-friendly activities with some of the best camping and glamping options in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
At Explore Park, you can spend the morning on the trails, the afternoon on the river, and the evening around a campfire, all without leaving the park.
Why Visit Explore Park:
- Direct access from the Blue Ridge Parkway
- 14+ miles of hiking and biking trails
- River tubing, kayaking, and outdoor adventures
- One of the best places for camping near Roanoke, VA
- Onsite brewery
- Family-friendly activities, including ziplining and playgrounds
Outdoor Adventures at Explore Park
Explore Park is more than just a place to hike; it’s a full-on outdoor adventure hub.
- Hiking & Biking: The park maintains more than 14 miles of trails, with plans for even more as part of the Blue Ridge Mountain Bike Center
- Treetop Quest: An aerial obstacle course and zipline experience for all skill levels (including night ziplining on select dates)
- Blue Mountain Adventures: Tube or kayak the Roanoke River, with shuttle service available
- Camping and glamping: Tent/RV sites, plus cabins and yurts
Need an Explore Park trail map? You can download one here.
Whether you want a laid-back walk in the woods or something a little more adrenaline-filled, Explore Park has options.
If hiking is your main goal, you’ll also want to check out my guide to the best trails around Roanoke.
Camping and Glamping at Explore Park
One of the things that sets Explore Park apart from other parks in Roanoke is the variety of overnight options. You can stay right in the park, just minutes from downtown, and still feel completely immersed in nature.
Options include:
- Primitive campsites along the river (closed for renovations 2025-2026)
- Camping cabins with electricity and easy access to amenities
- Yurts with more space and comfort for families
- RV sites with electric hookups
It’s easily one of the most convenient places for camping near the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially if you want a mix of comfort and adventure.
I break all this down in detail in my guide to glamping on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Elmwood Park: A Walkable Downtown Park with Events, Art, and Family Fun
Located in the heart of downtown, Elmwood Park is one of the most accessible parks in Roanoke, VA, and a completely different experience from the city’s mountain and wilderness parks.
If you’re looking for a nearby park where you can relax, catch a live show, or let the kids run around, Elmwood Park is an easy and worthwhile stop. It’s within walking distance of many of Roanoke’s top attractions, making it a great addition to any downtown itinerary.
Why Visit Elmwood Park:
- One of the best parks in downtown Roanoke
- Outdoor amphitheater with concerts, festivals, and events
- Open green space for picnics and relaxing
- Interactive fountains and public art installations
- Easy access to shops, restaurants, and museums
Exploring downtown? Pair this with my guide to the best things to do in Roanoke for nearby attractions.
Elmwood Park is a Hub for Events and Entertainment
Elmwood Park is best known as Roanoke’s go-to gathering space for community events. The park’s terraced outdoor amphitheater can accommodate up to 4,000 guests and hosts everything from live music and theater performances to festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
In the winter, the park transforms into a seasonal ice skating rink, while warmer months bring outdoor yoga classes, concerts, and community celebrations.
If you’re visiting Roanoke during an event, this is one of the most lively and energetic places to be.
Elmwood Park is a Great Park for Families
Visiting Roanoke with kids? Elmwood Park has one of the most imaginative playgrounds in Roanoke, inviting kids to climb, explore, and play.
The playground is ADA accessible and was developed in partnership with local organizations, making it both inclusive and thoughtfully designed.
One of the biggest advantages of Elmwood Park is its location. It’s just steps from popular downtown attractions like the Taubman Museum of Art and the Roanoke City Market, and it connects to the Mill Mountain Greenway, which links to additional trails and parks throughout the city.
With thousands of nearby parking spaces and easy access by foot, bike, or car, Elmwood Park is one of the most convenient parks near downtown Roanoke.
Wasena Park: Riverfront Trails, Picnic Areas, and Local Vibes
If you’re looking for a laid-back, local favorite, Wasena Park is one of the best parks in Roanoke, VA, for easy outdoor access, riverside views, and family-friendly amenities.
Located along the Roanoke River Greenway, this spacious park is less about big attractions and more about everyday outdoor enjoyment: biking along the river, picnicking under the trees, or watching skaters practice their tricks.
Why Visit Wasena Park:
- Direct access to the Roanoke River Greenway
- One of the best picnic parks in Roanoke
- Playground, skatepark, and pump track
- Open green space for relaxing or playing
- Easy access from downtown Roanoke
Walk or Bike the Roanoke River Greenway
One of the biggest draws of Wasena Park is its location along the Roanoke River Greenway, a paved multi-use trail that runs for nearly 10 miles through the city. So yes, bring your bike if you have the space!
From Wasena, you can walk or bike along the river and connect to several other parks, including:
- Vic Thomas Park
- Smith Park
- River’s Edge Park
- Piedmont Park
Picnic Areas and Open Space
Wasena Park is one of the best picnic areas in Roanoke if you’re looking for something simple and accessible.
The park features two covered picnic shelters (both ADA accessible) and plenty of open green space where you can spread out a blanket and relax by the river.
It’s a great option for families, small gatherings, or a quick outdoor break during a busy day.
Skatepark and Pump Track (New in 2026)
One of the newest additions to Wasena Park is its 24,000-square-foot skatepark and pump track, which opened in 2026.
The space features street-style skate features and an asphalt pump track for bikes, skateboards, and scooters, making it a popular spot for riders of all skill levels.
Whether you’re riding or just watching, it adds a fun, energetic vibe to the park.
Playground and Family-Friendly Features
Wasena Park is a solid choice for families, with a playground, open fields, and easy access to the greenway.
The park is ADA accessible, with restrooms, paved paths, and convenient parking near the trailhead, making it one of the more inclusive parks in Roanoke.
River Access and What’s Coming Next
Wasena Park also provides access to the Roanoke River and is part of an exciting upcoming project, the In-River Park, currently under construction.
Once complete, this addition will expand recreational opportunities along the river, making Wasena an even better destination for outdoor activities in Roanoke.
So, friends, these awesome parks in Roanoke offer so many reasons for you to plan a visit to Virginia’s Blue Ridge. It doesn’t matter if you want to picnic beside a lake or tackle a trail that will make your heart pound — Roanoke is the place to do it.
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