Best of the Blue Ridge Winners (Roanoke Region)

Posted on January 2nd, 2019

blue ridge marathon relay

Quite a few events, locations, and destinations in the Roanoke Region earned top honors in Best of the Blue Ridge voting. The results were published by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. Here’s a look at the top winners from across the region.

You can find the full results from the magazine online.

EVENTS

best of the blue ridgeToughest Race: Blue Ridge Marathon

Start and end this grueling 26.2-mile race in downtown Roanoke. Prepare for more than 7,430 feet of elevation change as runners climb and descend Mill Mountain and Roanoke Mountain.

Running Event Over 13.1 Miles: Blue Ridge Marathon

Take in the views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Roanoke Valley as you run through the mountains. Register early as spots for this marathon fill up quickly.

DESTINATIONS

Hiking Trail: Tinker Cliffs (Troutville)

Once you make it up this leg of the Virginia Triple Crown, Tinker Cliffs offers a stunning view of the Roanoke Valley to the south. This moderately strenuous hike is around 7 miles round trip and climbs almost 2,000 feet in elevation.

A.T. Section: McAfee Knob

Visitors from around the world come to hike the famous McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the A.T. Sunrise, sunset, or middle of the day, leave plenty of time to soak up the scenery at the top.

Urban Park/Greenway: Roanoke River Greenway

This paved pathway weaves through the heart of Roanoke, passing through busy shopping districts and residential areas.

National Park: Blue Ridge Parkway

From the Great Smoky Mountains to Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers hundreds of miles of winding roads and mountain vistas.

Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Family: Roanoke

Introduce your kids to the outdoors on one of Roanoke’s many greenways and river accesses before moving them up to more challenging adventures on the Appalachian Trail.

Best State in the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic for Outdoor Activities: Virginia

From the shores of the Chesapeake Bay to the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, step into Virginia’s backyard for hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, and more.

FOOD & DRINK

  • Best Restaurant with Vegetarian Options: Local Roots
  • Best Burger: Jack Brown’s

PEOPLE

  • Environmental Educator: Emily Satterwhite (Virginia Tech)