Read Mountain

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Read Mountain is a 243-acre park in Roanoke County and one of the county’s largest passive recreation areas. The park includes a 5-mile trail system with moderate to strenuous levels of difficulty.

The main feature of the park is a 2-mile trail to Read Mountain’s summit, known as Buzzards Rock. The view from the top is one of the best in the Roanoke Region and is a great spot for a hike and picnic with whomever. The Virginia Outdoors Foundation and Blue Ridge Land Conservancy preserve the forested land of the park so that future generations in the Roanoke Valley can enjoy its beauty.

Distance

  • There are 5 miles of trail systems, but also a 2-mile trail to the top of Buzzards Rock.

Hike it

  • A trail map is available online outlining the Buzzards Rock Trail, Rocky Way Trail, Crossover Trail, and CCC Trail.
  • The other trails all breed off the Buzzards Rock Trail, which begins just off the parking lot off Crumpacker Drive.
  • The branches are all marked on the trail, and the highest point of elevation in the park is Boulder Point on the CCC Trail at 2,220 feet.

Directions/Parking

  • From Roanoke, take Orange Ave/ Route 220 N to Vinton.
  • Turn right on Route1220/Huntridge Rd and continue for 1.2 miles. Turn left on Crumpacker Drive and continue to destination. The address is 6101 Crumpacker Drive, Roanoke, VA 24012.
  • Parking and picnic tables are available at the trailhead.

Add-on Adventures

  • Visit a local brewery for a drink after your climb or hike, such as Parkway Brewing, Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers, or Ballast Point in Botetourt County.
  • Visit Downtown Roanoke for dinner or lunch and enjoy the great local restaurants or historic City Market.
  • Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in Roanoke or Vinton, just a short distance away, for a scenic drive through the nature and beauty of the Roanoke Region.

Nearby Breweries

  • A Few Old Goats Brewing (AFOG) Expand Collapse

    A Few Old Goats Brewing is a 2-barrel system brewery located in the Old Southwest area of Downtown Roanoke at the West End Flats. Owners Tom Kincaid, Curtis Reed, and Ken McGraw were active homebrewers before opening this location in July 2018. The tap room is open Wednesdays through Sundays. Beers choices include red ale, porter, light ale, stout, saison, IPA, New England IPA, and special and seasonal offerings.

    Indoor and outdoors seating (bring your own chairs). Food truck on site for dining most evenings.

  • Barrel Chest Wine and Beer Expand Collapse

    Barrel Chest has Roanoke’s largest, most expertly curated selection of craft beer and fine wine. It is the only retail store in the area to have beer on tap, wine by the glass, and growler fills to go. Beer options include plenty of names you know and beers brewed on site.

    Open daily.

  • Big Lick Brewing Company Expand Collapse

    Big Lick Brewing Company was Roanoke’s first nano brewery and taproom; while it has grown the idea that it is “specializing in craft beer with an emphasis on quality and variety” has not. You might find anything from a cream ale to IPA to porter at any given time.

    The taproom is open Wednesday through Saturday. Bring your growler for a fill-up to go.

  • Golden Cactus Brewing Expand Collapse

    Specialty craft beer brewed in Downtown Roanoke, Virginia.

  • Parkway Brewing Company Expand Collapse

    Parkway Brewing Company is a 4 vessel, 30 bbl micro-brewery with a 17,000 barrel capacity, in Salem, Virginia, specializing in distinctive ales for the discriminating beer enthusiast. Founded in 2012, Parkway Brewing offers several beers exclusively on-site, as well as flagship beers sold in bottles and kegs throughout Virginia.

    Random live music, from old-time bluegrass to blues and rock, and a variety of food trucks make this a destination for weary travelers who need a break from driving on Interstate 81. A casual, low-key vibe, along with some stellar brews keep the locals coming back for more. Family friendly and boasting an outdoor beer garden, Parkway Brewing has become one of Salem’s most unique and welcome community assets.

    The tasting room is open seven days a week:

    • Mon. and Tues:  2-8pm
    • Wed. and Thurs:  2-9pm
    • Fri. and Sat: 12-9pm
    • Sunday:  12-8pm
  • Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage Expand Collapse

    Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage has 23 rotating taps of Starr Hill craft beer, including special pilot batches that you can only find in Roanoke. The location has live music and open mic nights and there’s often a food truck on-site. Brewery is open daily.

  • Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery Expand Collapse

    The Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery – Roanoke is located in the heart of Downtown directly across from Center in the Square. The kitchen specializes in creating locally-sourced, beer-infused dishes designed to complement the season as well as what’s on tap. From Southern classics to modern favorites and our kid’s menu, you’ll find something for everyone. Location serves flagship and seasonal beers, plus unique, locally focused styles brewed on the pilot system and from other taprooms.

  • Twin Creeks Brewing Co. Expand Collapse

    Twin Creeks Brewing Company is Vinton and Roanoke County’s first micro-brewery. The brewery has plenty of options on tap from blonde ales to IPAs to porters. The brewery also has food trucks and live music on site. Extra parking at Vinton Farmer’s Market, Between the farmer’s market and post office, and Vinton Library (after hours).

    Open Thursday through Saturday.

  • Twin Creeks Brewpub at Explore Park Expand Collapse

    Twin Creeks Brewpub is a brewery and restaurant located in the historic Brugh Tavern within Explore Park. Amenities include a full-service restaurant with burgers, sides and appetizers, outdoor fire pits, a Virginia wine and cider bar, and outdoor music events. Additionally, the brewpub can host private events, showers, and parties. Spend the day enjoying the wonderful activities found in Explore Park and relaxed afterward in this rustic and quaint brewpub.

Nearby Shopping & Gear

  • American Flyers Expand Collapse

    American Flyers has 30 years of experience as a bicycle technician in custom builds, upgrades, wheels and fittings for all makes and models. Free pickup and delivery in the Roanoke area. Open Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Available by appointment and on-call hours.

  • Badass Lady Gang Roanoke Expand Collapse

    The Badass Lady Gang is a free global running movement on a mission to connect, support, and encourage women to get active in ways that empower them. The Roanoke chapter kicked off in January (although some members have been together since 2017).

    The goal of bringing the BALG to Roanoke was to encourage more women to get active, so runners, walkers, and badasses of all fitness levels and experience have a tribe where they feel welcome, supported, and strengthened. The mantra of BALG is that “our goals are individual, but together, we redefine what strength looks like.” BALG was founded nationally by Kelly Roberts, who struggled with her identity as a runner, because she saw runners as slim, athletic, and fast, and she didn’t feel she checked those boxes (a common theme among many runners). Her vision for BALG is to redefine what strength looks like; health isn’t a look; it’s a lifestyle.

    You are invited to BALG events, including first and third Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at Vic Thomas Park: The idea is to have a fun (and challenging) workout that helps push everyone to get stronger while creating a common bond.

  • Blue Mountain Adventures at Explore Park Expand Collapse

    explore park campingBlue Mountain Adventures offers camping and tubing rentals at Explore Park; camp right off the Blue Ridge Parkway in a primitive site, canvas tent or tipi.

    • Canvas Tents: These 14’x16’ tents are constructed on a custom made wood platform with an extending rain fly over the 16’x24’ deck to keep the elements off. Each tent sleeps up to four and comes with a queen bed and 2 single cots with plush padding for comfort.
    • Canopy Camping: Elevated platforms with canvas flies will be constructed for a unique “in-the-trees” camping experience.
    • Tipi Tents: Measuring 16’ in diameter, these platform elevated canvas tents will board two adults and a child or two.
    • Primitive Camping: Come pitch your tent; it’s not a bad way to kick back.
    • Rent tubes for a float down the Roanoke River Gorge.

    Book a campsite at Explore Park.

  • Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Expand Collapse

    The purposes of The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, Inc. are to promote and encourage the use of the bicycle for transportation and recreation in Southwest Virginia; to support the rights of cyclists; to provide information in the interest of bicycling safety; and to promote competitive cycling. From trail access to helmet laws, the BRBC is strongly active in all advocacy issues.

    The club has been responsible for helping open up trail access at Carvins Cove, build trails for Explore Park, begin the construction of greenways, sponsor Team BRBC, gain improvements on Roanoke Valley roadways, and organize bicycle rodeos to teach bike safety. But the work is never done. The Roanoke Valley needs more road improvements, trail access and bicycle awareness, so become a member.

  • Blue Ridge Land Conservancy Expand Collapse

    The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy has helped preserve over 20,000 acres of land and 60 miles of streams since its founding in 1996. The group promotes and holds conservation easements, permanent legal agreements that protect what makes western Virginia such a special place to work and play.

    The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy  is a 501(c)3 non-profit.

  • Boat & Kayak Rentals at Carvins Cove Expand Collapse

    Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the second largest municipal park in the nation. It holds a major water source within its 12,700 acres and overflowing recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, and boat rentals. The cove includes 11,363 acres that are protected by the largest conservation easement in Virginia’s history.

    With more than 60 miles of trails and an 600-acre reservoir Carvins Cove is a mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating paradise.

    The Marina rents 14′ row boats along with single and tandem kayaks.

  • Botetourt County Horseman’s Association Expand Collapse

    The Botetourt County Horseman’s Association is designed to promote interest in breeding and showing of horses, to promote better horsemanship, to offer educational opportunities and social activities, and to stimulate interest in the equine and local equine activities and events.

    The group meets monthly and maintains an active Facebook group.

  • Boy Scouts of America Blue Ridge Mountains Council Expand Collapse

    Scouting is about building character, developing personal fitness, and learning leadership and citizenship. These goals are achieved in the outdoors. The adventure of hiking, camping, swimming, boating, high-adventure challenges, and touring is woven into the scouting program.

    • Cub Scouts: First through fifth grades (seven to 10 years old)
    • Boy Scouting: Ages 11-17, program of fun outdoor activities, peer group leadership opportunities and a personal exploration of career, hobby and special interests
    • Venturing: Youth development program for young men and women who are ages 14-20
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    Cardinal Bicycle has been serving the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia since 1977. Cardinal has a knowledgeable sales staff, a certified mechanic with over 25 years of experience, and a certified fit professional. They have two location, one on Orange Avenue and the other in Grandin Village.

  • Cardinal Bicycles – Grandin Location Expand Collapse

    Cardinal Bikes is a full-service bike shop located in Grandin Village.  The shop offers quick turnaround on all types of bike repair. Cardinal Bikes also as a location on Orange Avenue. They host several group rides throughout the week.

  • Clean Valley Council Expand Collapse

    The Clean Valley Council is a non-profit organization that has served the Roanoke Valley for more than 30 years. CVC provides educational programming and citizen participation events to spread the word about litter prevention, recycling, waste stream reduction, stormwater pollution prevention and protecting our natural resources.

    CVC provides educational resources and programming for the school systems, the public, and the municipalities in the cities of Roanoke and Salem, the counties of Botetourt and Roanoke and the town of Vinton. The group hosts and sponsors several regional litter cleanup events and e-waste collections each year.

  • East Coasters Bike Shop – Roanoke Expand Collapse

    East Coasters is a full service bike shop offering new bikes for sale and professional repair on all makes and models. The shop carries everything you need to make your ride safer, more enjoyable, and most importantly – more fun!

    In addition to promoting and assisting local races, East Coasters offers weekly rides and dedicates recycling resources for tubes, chains, gears, paper, plastic, aluminum, and steel.

  • Float Fisherman of VA Expand Collapse

    The Roanoke Valley Chapter of the Float Fishermen of Virginia is a varied group of boaters that includes rafters, kayakers and canoeists. The group floats the rivers, streams and waterways of Virginia and works to preserve and protect these important natural resources.

  • Gander Outdoors Expand Collapse

    If you’re going fishing at Smith Mountain Lake or hiking on the Appalachian Trail, make sure you’re prepared with a stop at the Roanoke Gander Outdoors. The store has a tremendous assortment of the top brand-name gear as well as technical clothing designed to make your day more enjoyable.

  • Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Expand Collapse

    For almost 100 years Girl Scouts have been helping girls discover their self potential. Did you know that 70 percent of women in the U.S. Congress were Girl Scouts? They’re not alone. About 69 percent of female executives and leaders have participated in Girl Scouts.

    Girl Scouts has age-appropriate programs that meet the needs of today’s girls from kindergarten to 12th grade. The model is based on three principles:

    • Girls discover their world and their own potential and strengthen their values
    • Girls connect with others through caring relationships and team building
    • Girls become empowered to take action and be advocates for themselves and others
  • Mast General Store Expand Collapse

    Located at 401 South Jefferson Street, the Mast Store’s “newest” location dates to 1915 and has been occupied by two of the city’s top retailers. Thurman & Boone Furniture originally built the structure and for a time shared space with Heironimus and WDBJ radio before both relocated.

    “We are excited to be a part of all that is happening in and around Roanoke,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store. “The city’s star is continuing to rise with new opportunities for locals and even more reasons for visitors to plan a stay in the Roanoke Valley.”

    Mast Store’s Roanoke location will feature traditional fashions, rugged outdoor gear and outerwear, travel clothing, hiking and casual footwear, home décor and country gourmet foods, and barrels overflowing with hundreds of old-fashioned favorite candies.

    A visit to Mast is an experience.

  • Mountain Laurel Designs Expand Collapse

    Mountain Laurel Designs is a Roanoke-based manufacturer of ultra-light outdoor gear. The product line includes 9.75 oz backpacks to tents, clothing, gear, drybags, cook sets, and more.

  • Muddy Squirrel Expand Collapse

    Muddy Squirrel is your gateway to outdoor adventure. If you would like to start trail running, mountain biking, orienteering, or even shooting, they have the tools you’ll need in a fun, risk-free environment. Muddy Squirrel offers women’s only events, guided trips, kids’ birthday parties, and corporate team-building.

  • Orvis Expand Collapse

    Located in Downtown Roanoke, the Orvis retail store is a one-stop shop for your fly fishing needs. The store carries a selection of fly rods, flies, clothing, lessons, and more. Plus, Orvis offers periodic fly lessons.

  • Outdoor Gear Consignment Shop at RMA Expand Collapse

    One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

    No longer a kayaker, sell your old boat. Thinking about hiking the Appalachian Trail but don’t have a backpack, pick up a used one.

    The Outdoor Gear Consignment Shop at Roanoke Mountain Adventures is a great way to get a little cash for that outdoor gear you no longer use, and it’s a great way to get a deal on that piece of gear you’ve been wanting but can’t justify buying at full retail price.

    Come browse the current selection of gently used gear between 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

    And if you want to unload your gear, contact James or Dan at 540-525-8295 or email info@roanokemountainadventures.com with descriptions, desired sales price and pictures (if available).

  • Outdoor Trails Expand Collapse

    Outdoor Trails is your outdoor gear and clothing specialist. Founded in 1995 on the principle that enjoying the outdoors leads to a better quality of life, Outdoor Trails has the knowledge and the passion to help you with all your outdoor equipment and clothing needs.

    Selection includes tents, backpacks, clothing, camping gear, climbing gear, and camping rentals. Outdoor Trails also provides a shuttle service for hiking the Appalachian Trail.

  • River Rock Youth Climbing Programs Expand Collapse

    The River Rock Climbing Gym has multiple youth programs, clubs, and activities throughout the year. Some of these clubs include Parent;s Night Out, Member Kids Club (ages 5+), Youth Club, and a Youth Competitive Team.

  • Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club (RATC) Expand Collapse

    The Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club (RATC) is a recreational hiking association of volunteers who preserve and improve the Appalachian Trail as the nation’s premier, continuous, long-distance footpath. Founded in 1932, the club is celebrating  90 years of service and adventure on the Appalachian Trail.

    The RATC is an all volunteer 503(c) nonprofit Appalachian Trail (AT) trail maintenance organization. The club maintain 120 miles, 16 Shelter/Privies and 53 bridges on the Appalachian  Trail from Lick skillet Hollow in Giles County, VA to Black Horse Gap in Botetourt County, VA. This includes Virginia’s “Triple Crown”, i.e., Dragon’s Tooth, mcafee-knob-shirtMcAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. McAfee Knob is the most photographed spot on the AT with approximately 50,000 hikers visiting each year. Virginia’s “Triple Crown” has become a destination hike and draws visitors/hikers from all over the USA.

    Show your support for the Appalachian Trail by purchasing a McAfee Knob t-shirt. All proceeds from shirt sales will be utilized by RATC to continue our mission to maintain, protect and preserve with an emphasis on Virginia’s Triple Crown, i.e., Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs.

  • Roanoke Mountain Adventures Expand Collapse

    Roanoke Mountain Adventures is a full service outfitter offering guided trips for mountain biking, road cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking and other activities. In addition RMA offers shuttles, instructional clinics and rentals for all their outdoor gear. They also have an Outdoor Gear Consignment shop at their location, selling used boats, bikes, outerwear and other outdoor gear.

  • Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society Expand Collapse

    The Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society is an organization of amateur astronomers dedicated to the pursuit of astronomical observational and photographic activities. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. Observing sessions are held one or two weekends a month at a dark-sky site. No telescope is needed to participate.

  • RunAbout Sports Roanoke Expand Collapse

    RunAbout Sports Roanoke is a specialty running store located in the Cave Spring area of Roanoke. Runabout Sports is unique because their expert staff is trained to help you the customer find the correct shoe by analyzing the customer’s biomechanical needs.

    Run with a casual group of runners and train for events.

    Events can be found in the RunAbout Sports Roanoke Facebook page.

  • Sportsman’s Warehouse Expand Collapse

    Whether your passion is hunting, fishing, camping, backpacking or shooting, it’s important to have the right equipment when you head into the great outdoors. That’s why Sportsman’s Warehouse carries only top-quality, brand-name products for the serious outdoor enthusiast.

  • The Original Pub Run Roanoke Expand Collapse

    The the first Pub Run Group in Roanoke is a group that likes to socialize after runs. The pub run has been taking place weekly since 2008. Find each week’s run on Facebook.

    • Activities: Meets weekly for 3-5 mile run/walk in the Grandin Road. Group meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Village Grill.
    • Who should join: For running, jogging, and walking; pace for everyone with no one left behind.
    • Cost: Free
    • Contact info: John Park, sapark@vt.edu
  • The River Rock Expand Collapse

    The area’s premier climbing gym, The River Rock, is an indoor rock climbing gym located on the first floor of the River House next to the Roanoke River Greenway and Wasena Park. The River Rock features 8,500 square feet of roped climbing and bouldering, with over 90 lead and top-rope routes and 160 boulder problems.

  • Trail Running with Muddy Squirrel Expand Collapse

    Trail Running training program that lasts six weeks and concludes with a social run for everyone. (There is also a 3-week training option.) The sessions will help you learn how to navigate trails and terrain, how to stay injury-free, and how to “think like a trail runner.”

    • Activities: Training and social runs for trail runners of all levels. Times and locations of social runs are posted on Facebook.
    • Who should join: Runners of all levels.
    • Cost: Social run if free; training program is $49
  • Trout Unlimited Expand Collapse

    The Roanoke Chapter of Trout Unlimited is a diverse group of more than 265 people with the common interest of pursuing the Trout Unlimited mission to “conserve, protect and restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds.”

  • Verus Kayaks Expand Collapse

    verus kayaks logoVerus Kayaks is a specialty kayak company based out of Roanoke, Virginia. We pride ourselves in making the best carbon composite and HDPE plastic kayaks and accessories, with designs that are as unique as the paddlers who choose to use them.  Getting people on the water is our goal, and we are constantly working to achieve that goal through our line of whitewater boats at Verus Kayaks and our recreational kayaks at Blue Ridge Boats and Boards.

    Founded in 2017, Verus Kayaks started as a grass roots operation in a barn in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  We consider ourselves a small player in a world of large kayak manufacturers and we see this as one of our greatest strengths.  Being small and nimble allows us to be more personable with our surrounding community and really bringing out what makes getting on the water so great in the Roanoke region.  You can see our full lineup of boats at www.veruskayaks.com.

  • Walkabout Outfitter – Downtown Roanoke Expand Collapse

    Co-Owned by Kirk Miller, an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and Eagle Scout; Walkabout Outfitter carries clothing, footwear, and equipment for camping, hiking, backpacking, travel and everyday wear.

    Walkabout Outfitter sells outdoor, travel, and lifestyle clothing from The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear and offer plenty of footwear options to include: Keen, Chaco, Merrell and Ahnu.  Walkabout sells top of the line gear from Osprey, Eagles Nest Outfitters, MSR, Leki, Petzl, Black Diamond and more.

  • Walkabout Outfitter – Valley View Mall Expand Collapse

    Co-Owned by Kirk Miller, an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and Eagle Scout; Walkabout Outfitter carries clothing, footwear, and equipment for camping, hiking, backpacking, travel and everyday wear.

    Walkabout Outfitter sells outdoor, travel, and lifestyle clothing from The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear and offer plenty of footwear options to include: Keen, Chaco, Merrell and Ahnu.  Walkabout sells top of the line gear from Osprey, Eagles Nest Outfitters, MSR, Leki, Petzl, Black Diamond and more.

  • We Run Roanoke Expand Collapse

    Explore Roanoke with a running group that mixes it up with two group runs each week. The catch is that you never know where the run might take you because the location moves before each run and is announced on Facebook the day before. Recent runs have include 3- to 5-mile runs through Downtown Roanoke at night with glowing gear, runs along the greenway, and around the track at Hidden Valley High School. The group is large enough that every runner is sure to find a pace partner.

    • Activities: Group runs on Mondays and Thursdays (usually at 6:30 p.m.); location announced the day before on Facebook.
    • Who should join: Open to all runners
    • Cost: Free
    • Contact info: Facebook group
  • Wingman Outfitter Expand Collapse

    Wingman Outfitter is a unique, growing company that has transformed and enhanced the experience of the canoe. The primary product of Wingman Outfitter is the Canoe Cooler Outrigger, however the company also offers useful dry bags and quality apparel.

    The Canoe Cooler Outrigger is a durable multi-functional patent pending Cooler Outrigger that is the only product on the market that utilizes coolers to provide additional storage and when properly used added stability to your canoe. All materials are sourced from reputable U.S. companies and manufacturing is completed in Roanoke, VA.

    Key features of the Wingman Outfitter include:

    • Aluminum frame that telescopes from a setting close to the boat for a more streamlined float and a setting further out for additional stability.
    • Carpeted platform that serves many functions including additional seating for a third passenger, kids, your dog, or a raised platform from which to fish from.
    • Two 2,500 lb. rated heavy duty non-stretch polyester webbing straps and stainless steel ratchets for mounting to any canoe
    • Two durable Wingman Outfitter branded 48 quart white Rubbermaid coolers.

    Additionally, platform extensions and the highly-useful table adapter set can be purchased with the Canoe Cooler Outrigger. The table adapter set allows the platform to double as a campsite table.

    Wingman Outfitter is a Roanoke, Virginia-based company that is changing the way that anglers, adventurers, and the casual canoe-rider enjoy their experience on the water. By adding a multi-purpose platform to the canoe, there is stability, comfort, and safety added to anyone’s voyage.

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