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Blue Ridge Parkway Roanoke Recreational Area Roanoke River Trail
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This trail is actually two trails, one steep fishing trail that leads to the riverside and an interpretive trail that leads to a stone overlook above the river. This trail is located at the Roanoke River Parking Area, located at milepost 114.9 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail starts at the middle of the lot.
Take the paved trail on a gradual descent. A sign warns hikers about the danger of the river's boulders and currents. The paved trail becomes a gravel and dirt trail that is still descending gradually. On your left is a blue blazed fishing trail that leads steeply to the riverside. Continue on the white blazed trail that bears white. A short ways on the blue trail is an easel that shows pictures of the Niagara Power Plant.
Continuing along the white blazed trail, you'll pass under the Parkway bridge and enter the woods to a trail junction. Go right on this short loop and then left to steps that descend to a stone overlook. This overlook had views of the Roanoke River, unfortunately (at least when we visited in 2007) the view was blocked by trees. It looks like a nice spot.
From the stone overlook, go back to the main trail and continue along the trail. The trail is wide as you pass through a mixed evergreen and deciduous forest. The trail bends high above the river pass a bench and cross a small bridge. A trail turns off to the right, but go left and pass another bench with the sounds of the rapids from the river below.
The trail crosses another small bridge and switchbacks as you continue on your return route. Cross a third bridge and the trail begins to descend to close the loop. Reach the trail junction and a bench, where you'll turn left to return to the parking area. This hike is listed as a 0.9 mile moderate hike.
This hike is featured in the hiking guide book Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway
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