Read Mountain is a 243-acre park in Roanoke County and one of the county’s largest passive recreation areas. The ...

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

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

  • Ballast Point Brewing Company: Virginia Expand Collapse

    Ballast Point Brewing Company’s newest facility in Daleville, Virginia, opened in 2017. Come for a tour, a taste, to fill a growler, or get a keg. The location offers craft beer, wine, and has a full restaurant. Open daily.

  • 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.

  • Deschutes Brewery Roanoke Tasting Room Expand Collapse

    Taste a craft beer (or two) in historic downtown Roanoke. Whether you’re biking through town or coming from an Appalachian Trail adventure, the tasting room is a great stop to experience great beer and great conversation. Deschutes Brewery souvenirs are available for purchase, as well as regional-sourced snacks, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

    Open daily.

  • 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 Wednesday through Sunday.

  • Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers Expand Collapse

    Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers opened in Downtown Roanoke in 2014 and features a mix of styles including Kolsch, Belgian white, IPA, APA, nut brown ale, porter, and seasonal specialties.

    The brewery is just four blocks from Hotel Roanoke and the Roanoke City Market. Stop by to sample what’s new or hang around for the weekly cornhole tournaments or live music in the tasting room.

    The tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday.

  • 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.

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.

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    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.

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    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 16,000 acres of land and 34 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.

  • BOLE Ball Expand Collapse

    bole-ball-tarahumaraBOLE is the maker of running balls used for the ancient endurance sport of the Tarahumara Native Americans.  BOLE is a sport that tests your dexterity and running ability. The sport was first played by the Tarahumara, a group of Native Americans famed for incredible feats of endurance. Our mission is to create a running ball with the same characteristics as the balls used by the Tarahumara. We pride ourselves on crafting running balls that have excellent performance, superb style, and product integrity. Now everybody can experience the running sport of stoneage superathletes. Buy your own handmade BOLE balls now – made in Roanoke, VA.

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    The group meets monthly and maintains an active Facebook group.

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    • 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
  • Cardinal Bicycle Expand Collapse

    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.

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    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.

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    Amateur WTF cycling team promoting the inclusion of women/trans/femme athletes in biking through a radically encouraging and supportive environment.
  • E-Bike Rentals Expand Collapse

    haibike-roanoke-rental-e-bikeA bicycle ride around Roanoke is a great way to truly see and appreciate all that this great community has to offer . . .  and riding an electric bicycle (e-bike) is the best way to do it in style.

    Handsmith is a local nonprofit that provides 3D printed bionic prosthetics and enabling devices to people in need. Founder Lyman Connor is also passionate about bicycling and proceeds from e-bike rentals go to Handsmith.

    With these Haibike E-Bikes you have the luxury of an electric assist while pedaling enabling you to ride at speeds up to 25mph for 20-30 minutes on a single charge.

    Bikes are available for rent online and for pickup at the Handsmith office in downtown Roanoke.

  • 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 Mountain 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 Mountain. 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
  • Mountain Laurel Designs Expand Collapse

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  • 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 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 over 80 years of service and adventure on the Appalachian Trail.

  • 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.

  • 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

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    • 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
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    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
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  • UnderDog Bikes Expand Collapse

    UnderDog Bikes offers bike rentals (including tandems and adult big wheels), service, sales, and sweet bike art. UnderDog Bikes is located just off the Roanoke River Greenway.

  • Walkabout Outfitter – Downtown Roanoke Expand Collapse

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    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

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    • 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

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    • 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.
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    • Two durable Wingman Outfitter branded 48 quart white Rubbermaid coolers.

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    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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