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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.

  • Barrel Chest Wine and Beer Expand Collapse

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    Open daily.

  • Big Lick Brewing Company Expand Collapse

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

  • Deschutes Brewery Roanoke Tasting Room Expand Collapse

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    Open daily.

  • Parkway Brewing Company Expand Collapse

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    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.

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    Open Thursday through Saturday.

Nearby Shopping & Gear

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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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    • 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.

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

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    The group meets monthly and maintains an active Facebook group.

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    • Boy Scouting: Ages 11-17, program of fun outdoor activities, peer group leadership opportunities and a personal exploration of career, hobby and special interests
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    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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    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.

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    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.

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    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
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    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).

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    • 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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    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.

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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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