Top 10 Roanoke Outside Stories of 2017

You guys really love to hike! At least that was the first thing that came to mind when we started looking back at the most popular stories from the Roanoke Outside blog this year. 

The end of the year is a great time though to step back and think about all the cool things that happened in our region this year (and some of the cool ways we got outside). Also make sure to check out the Top Roanoke Region Stories of 2017, where you’ll find a recap of announcements of new jobs and investment, information about some stellar events, and why the region is a place millennials want to live.

Here are our top 10 stories of 2017:

Family + Baby Finish Historic Appalachian Trail Hike

Derrick, Bekah, and Ellie Quirin finished an adventure of a lifetime on Sept. 30. The family completed a thru hike of Appalachian Trail with the youngest person to travel the distance of the A.T. Ellie is the first baby to go along for the ride. She learned to walk on the trail, made plenty of friends along the way and encountered plenty of firsts with parents Derrick and Bekah during 6 months on the trail.

11 Waterfall Hikes in the Roanoke Region

Looking for a fun hike? Try taking a path that leads to one of the many waterfalls in the area. These rewarding hikes end with some spectacular views (and a place to get your toes wet.) Some of these waterfall hikes include Bottoms Creek Gorge, Roaring Run (pictured), the Cascades and Apple Orchard Falls. Not sure which hike is for you? There are 11 great options to get you on your way.

Roanoke Street Pub Breaks Records … Again

The Deschutes Street Pub on July 15 in Roanoke was the biggest event ever on the nationwide tour. The Roanoke stop drew more than 25,000 people and kicked 269 kegs in just eight hours. Plus, all that drinking raised $67,500 for four local nonprofits. The Roanoke Outside Foundation put in many hours as the pub’s local organizer and helped coordinate the more than 300 volunteers who worked the event.

Hike a Hidden Gem

Some days just have people running for the mountains. And while that’s a good thing, too much hiking can be harmful to some of our most beloved trails. Try another hidden gem hike right in your backyard. The advantages of hiking a lesser-known trail include more parking, and a quieter day with nature that still results in the stunning vistas you would expect from more well-known locations. This post includes five options that you’ll love.

7 Things To Try At Least Once at GO Fest

This year’s Anthem Roanoke GO Outside Festival was the biggest yet, and these seven events were sure crowd-pleasers. Plus, it’s never too early to save the date for next year’s event – Oct. 12-14, 2018.

What Do You Want To See Outside?

What do you want to see Outside? The Roanoke Regional Partnership created Roanoke Outside to showcase why the Roanoke Region is one of the best outdoor communities in the United States. It is our mission to make outdoor activity and environmental stewardship a core component of our community’s lifestyle. And we are thrilled that so many of you took the survey that will help shape the outdoor needs assessment we are conducting. Stay tuned for results from that project in 2018.

How to SUP at Carvins Cove

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the second largest municipal park in the nation and is perfect for SUP. It holds a major water source within its 12,700 acres and overflowing recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, boat rentals and new to the list, Stand Up Paddleboarding. If you are interested in SUP at the Cove, here’s everything you need to know before you go (i.e. the ground rules).

5 Questions with Stephen Ambruzs of Downshift – Handcrafted Bikes & Brews

Gear. Bikes. Beer. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a community gathering place. And you’ll find it at the newly opened Downshift – Handcrafted Bikes & Brews on Campbell Avenue in Roanoke. Downshift has a “mission to get more people into riding bikes and bring bicycling to life,” said Stephen Ambruzs, owner of the bike shop and café. “We want to be a part of the growing cycling community in Roanoke and create a comfortable space.”

Shout Out to Outdoor Mentors and Sponsors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia and the Roanoke Outside Foundation launched a mentoring program to connect more children to the outdoors this year. The Outdoor Explorers Mentoring Program provides children in underserved communities with access to Roanoke’s outdoor community through activities and mentorship. The year-long program includes a hiking, tubing, paddling, rock climbing, stargazing, or environmental education activity each month for children and their outdoor-minded mentors.

Explore Park ‘Adventure Plan’ Proposals Coming In

Roanoke County is accepted proposals for “Adventure Plan” for Explore Park this year. The former living history attraction is one step closer to being reinvented into a 21st-century recreational park. Here’s where the project currently stands.