Mill Mountain Greenway is a mixture of separated and paved, shared-use path and on-road connections that link Downtown Roanoke with the Star on Mill Mountain.
Mill Mountain Greenway Sections
The greenway changes character dramatically as it moves from an urban setting into Mill Mountain Park and is described below:
- John Nolen Plaza to Elmwood Park: This section of the greenway is on-road or through concrete sidewalks through Holton Plaza and Elmwood Park. It is urban in nature as the greenway trail is not separated from the flow of traffic and crosses many intersections.
- Williamson Road: From Elm Avenue to Jefferson Street, this section is a shared-use path on Williamson Road that is separated from the vehicular lanes.
- Jefferson Street/Walnut Avenue: Mill Mountain Greenway is back on the road for a short stretch of Jefferson Street, over the Walnut Avenue bridge, and heading up Mill Mountain proper. There are sidewalks and wide shoulders, but no separated, shared-use path.
- “The Old Road” from Sylvan Road to the Mill Mountain Discovery Center: This section is on-road, but with limited vehicle traffic. Greenway users will experience steeper grades as they travel up Mill Mountain and pass by large, historic homes and an old toll booth.
- Discovery Center to Star: Mill Mountain Greenway returns to a shared-use path through this section and boasts two overlooks, Rockledge, and the Star. This is the most-used section of this greenway.
Trailheads
The following trailheads are located along Mill Mountain Greenway:
- John Nolen Plaza: Parking available at adjacent parking garage
- Elmwood Park: Parking available at adjacent parking garage
- Mill Mountain Discovery Center
- Mill Mountain Star
Mill Mountain Trails
In addition to the greenway, Mill Mountain Park is also home to network of multi-use, natural-surface trails used by mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, trail runners, and more. Hikers/trail runners can use all of the trails. Mountain bikers are welcome to ride on all of the trails except for: Watchtower Trail and Star Trail. Equestrian riders are welcome to use all of the trails except for: Crystal Spring Trail, Watchtower Trail and Star Trail.
More Information about Mill Mountain Trails
