Distance

Buzzard Rock at Read Mountain

Trail Map: The Hike: This hike to Buzzard Rock has some of the best views in the Roanoke area. Read Mountain is the long, undeveloped ridge looming above the Roanoke Valley. The park lands, protected by a conservation easement, were donated to Roanoke County and the hiking trails were built by volunteers. The 243-acre park […]

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Turtle Island Loop

Trail Map: The Hike: We have received a few emails requesting shorter, easier hikes. This hike loops through a hardwood forest where interpretive signs tell how the forest changes and adapts throughout time. A footbridge leads to Turtle Island with some nice lake and mountain views. The trail returns back to the parking area. Directly

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Bush Mill Preserve Trail

Trail Map: The Hike: This short, easy hike leads to a viewing platform overlooking Bush Mill Stream. The trail is well marked and well maintained.  From the small parking area, follow the blue-blazed Deep Landing Trail as it gradually descends down to the stream. The preserve is rarely crowded, creating an ideal wildlife-watching experience. Several

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Laurel Point Trail

Trail Map: The Hike: Westmoreland is one of the original Virginia state parks and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is a great location for birdwatching. Bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons, common terns, and green herons are frequently spotted in the park. The Laurel Point Trail is well

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George Washington Birthplace Loop

Trail Map: The Hike: George Washington Birthplace National Monument comprises 551 acres of land where seven generations of the Washington family lived and where George was born in 1732. Several short trails can be combined into a longer hike. Visit the park visitor center and get a trail map. From the visitor center, we followed

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Belle Isle State Park Loop

Trail Map: The Hike: Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster (not be confused with Belle Isle in Richmond) is located on the banks of the Rappahannock River in Virginia’s Northern Neck. This area is a bird watcher’s paradise. We spotted several blue herons, osprey, and hawks. Bald eagles nest in this area but we didn’t

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