Join Parks & Recreation for a gorgeous hike at the headwaters of North Creek, to the top of Apple Orchard Falls. This 6 mile loop takes you through two gorges on either side of Backbone Ridge. The flowing water cools the air and makes for amazing scenery as you hike, and it is all capped […]
(18+, 16+ with adult) Bryce Resort simplifies uphill climbs with a ski lift, allowing for more time to enjoy downhill trails and thrilling experiences. Plus, Play Roanoke has you covered with a shuttle service to transport you and your bike to Bryce for the day. This is the perfect opportunity for beginners to dive into […]
(18+, 10+ with adult) Come learn everything you need to know to get started in the exciting sport of Stand Up Paddleboarding. "SUP". Our instructor will help you learn one on one, the proper stance for balance and control, essential paddle strokes and other techniques. Courses will be held on calm water, and no experience […]
(18+, 14+ with an adult) Join fellow trail enthusiasts—hikers, bikers, and equestrians—to maintain the trails at Carvins Cove. These workdays will be administered by Roanoke Parks and Recreation and will work on maintenance projects on our current trails. Roanoke Parks and Recreation will provide the tools, just show up with sturdy shoes, water, work gloves, […]
(18+,10+ with adult) Experience the magic of Carvin’s Cove like never before! Roanoke’s beloved paddling spot transforms under the enchanting glow of a full moon on our special nighttime kayaking tour, happening on September 18th. Picture yourself gliding through the shimmering waters, guided by our knowledgeable paddling instructors who will unravel the area’s fascinating history […]
(18+, 10 with an adult) Join Parks & Rec and the Roanoke Diversity Center for a rare chance to paddle Carvins Cove under the light of a full moon. https://www.facebook.com/events/384346754685642/
Grab you camera and join a professional photographer for in person, in the field instruction. This workshop will cover photographing water in different ways. Whether you want to get that hazy image blur to convey the motion of the water or freeze the water in place, your instructors will help you learn how to use […]
Join Parks & Rec Naturalists for a guided hike on Mill Mountain to appreciate nature's bounty. Indigenous people values, "plant signatures," when foraging wild edibles. This was the belief that a plant's physical characteristics revealed its medicinal and culinary uses. Learn to identify wild edibles and how these plants were used by indigenous people. https://www.facebook.com/events/1048980680268307/
(18+,10+ with adult) Join us for an evening paddle to learn the basics of kayaking and explore the Cove. We will have you paddling off into the sunset in no time! Equipment and leadership provided. Participants must be able to swim. Please note: Parent or guardian must be present on this trip for participants under […]
Morningside Short Track XC Mountain Bike Bash promises an adrenaline-packed spectacle as riders power up steep, punchy climbs to muscle for position before plunging into twisty, roller-coaster-style single track. The course is a thrilling 2-plus mile loop, and it will deliver all the excitements that mountain biking offers, demanding competitors to complete multiple laps. The […]
(18+, 16+ with adult) Bryce Resort simplifies uphill climbs with a ski lift, allowing for more time to enjoy downhill trails and thrilling experiences. Plus, Play Roanoke has you covered with a shuttle service to transport you and your bike to Bryce for the day. This is the perfect opportunity for beginners to dive into […]
(18+, 10+ with a participating adult*) Come experience the adventure of caving and the thrills of challenging yourself as we crawl and climb deep underground to a place seldom seen. Explore hidden passages, admire beautiful cave formations, experience total darkness, and see a whole new world...in a different light! This program will depart from our […]
Fall bird migration is in full swing, and this hike puts you right in the middle of a major flyway. Hike to the observatory and watch the skies for eagles, hawks, & falcons making their way south. Bring a pair of binoculars. Don't have one? Let us know and we can bring a pair for […]
Autumn in the Appalachian Mountains is unrivaled for its beauty. People come from across the globe to experience it. With the help of a professional photographer, get on site instruction while hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and take your photos to the next level. Learn to capture the beauty of autumn in compelling photos. […]
Most people think of the movie Dirty Dancing when they think of Mountain Lake or the lake that is sometimes a lake. That being said some of the best hiking trails in the state can be found at Mountain Lake. So if you are a fan of Patrick Swayze or love 360-degree views then come […]
(18+, 10+ with a participating adult*) Come experience the adventure of caving and the thrills of challenging yourself as we crawl and climb deep underground to a place seldom seen. Explore hidden passages, admire beautiful cave formations, experience total darkness, and see a whole new world...in a different light! This program will depart from our […]
Hike around a local wetland & watch for wildlife. Pandapas Pond attracts many migratory birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Bring binoculars, or borrow a pair of ours, and let's see what we can see. This hike departs from the Roanoke Public Works Division located at 1802 Courtland Rd NE, Roanoke. Bring plenty of water (2 […]
Most photographers will tell you the best times to take are at the beginning and end of the day. This is what we will focus on for this workshop. We will drive up to the High Knob Fire Tower to photograph both the sunset on November 2nd, and the sunrise on November 3rd. We will […]
Most photographers will tell you the best times to take are at the beginning and end of the day. This is what we will focus on for this workshop. We will drive up to the High Knob Fire Tower to photograph both the sunset on November 2nd, and the sunrise on November 3rd. We will […]
(18+, 14+ with adult) Carvins Cove, for many of us living in Roanoke, is our weekend getaway adventure or our post work playground, but have you ever wondered what was there before you were hiking through the Enchanted Forest or how the trails got their name? Carvins Cove’s history can be found online or in […]
(18+, 14+ with participating adult) Mill Mountain has always been the center of attention in town even before the addition of the Star. Since the late 1800’s Mill Mountain has been a tourist destination and a local’s favorite place to escape from the daily grind. During our hike to the star we will learn the […]
