Looking for something fun to do in the Roanoke area? Check out these great day trips! There is something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to historical sites. No matter what you’re interested in, you can find a great day trip to take in the Roanoke Valley. So get out and explore all that our beautiful region has to offer!
1. City of Salem, Virginia
The Roanoke Valley’s earliest colony was Salem, which had a population of 25,000 people. Salem’s name is said to be derived from the Hebrew word “shalom,” which means “peace.” Others claim it was named after William Bryan’s hometown in New Jersey by an early resident.
From 8,000 to 9,000 B.C., archeological evidence of Indian involvement in Salem has been discovered. Until the mid-eighteenth century, that is. The Tutelo Indian tribe is thought to have dwelt along the Roanoke River in what would become Salem.
General Andrew Lewis was the founder of Salem. Lewis is buried in Salem, Massachusetts, and his tomb is marked with a monument. In Richmond’s Capitol Square, there is also a statue of Lewis, one of six that encircle the George Washington Monument.
Today, Salem is home to the Salem Museum, which tells the story of the town’s founding and early days. The museum also has exhibits on local archaeology, Native American culture, and decorative arts.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through the center of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. This magnificent route weaves its way through the Blue Ridge Mountains for 469 miles, providing travelers with some of the greatest mountain vistas in the world.
The Parkway is the most visited unit in the National Park System, and it is maintained by the National Park Service.
3. Brushy Mountain, North Carolina
Brushy Mountain is an isolated protrusion of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina’s northwest corner. Yadkin, Iredell, Wilkes, Alexander, and Caldwell counties all border these mountains.
Brushy Mountain ranges are around 45 miles long and 6 miles broad, with a length of about 45 miles and a width of about 6 miles. There are many apple orchards in this area, and harvest festivities are conducted every year.
Another attraction worth seeing is the Brushy Mountain Penitentiary, where visitors may tour the iconic maximum-security jail.
4. Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and the second largest in the southeastern United States. The Charlotte metropolitan area has a population of over two million people and is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.
Charlotte was founded in 1755 as a small trading outpost on the banks of the Catawba River. It was named for Queen Charlotte of England, wife of King George III. The city prospered thanks to its location at the intersection of several important trade routes.
Today, Charlotte is a major financial center and home to some of the largest banks in the country. It is also a major manufacturing center and has a thriving technology sector. Charlotte is a popular destination for business and vacation travelers.
5. Read Mountain Preserve, Virginia
Read Mountain was named after David Read, a mid-nineteenth-century settler in the area. Two conservation easements protect the mountain, which has more than five kilometers of moderate to severe hiking paths.
The Read Mountain Preserve’s main exit is an access point that opened to the public in October 2008. The trailhead is located in a nice park-like environment and features a picnic spot that encourages hikers to “Leave No Trace” within the preserve.
There is also a kiosk with interpretive signage about the natural and cultural history of Read Mountain.
The preserve has a rich history. Native Americans used the mountain for hunting and gathering, and early settlers carved their way through the dense forest to create farmland. The Civilian Conservation Corps built trails and fire roads in the 1930s, and during World War II the mountain was used as a training ground for paratroopers.
The Read Mountain Preserve is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.
6. Rock Castle Gorge Trail, Virginia
The Rock Castle Gorge Trail is a six-mile loop that winds its way through the heart of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The trail offers hikers a chance to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in Virginia.
This trail begins at the parking lot on Forest Road 60 and follows the banks of Rock Castle Creek for most of its length. The creek is a beautiful, clear stream that runs through a narrow gorge with high cliffs on either side.
The trail crosses the creek several times and eventually climbs to the top of the ridge. From there, hikers can enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. The trail then descends back to the creek and returns to the parking lot.
Before going, you should know that The Rock Castle Gorge Trail is a moderate to difficult hike, and hikers should be prepared for some steep climbs and rocky terrain. The trail is open year-round, but it is best enjoyed in the spring and fall when the temperatures are milder.
7. Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is the capital of Virginia and the center of the Richmond metropolitan area. The city has a population of over 220,000 people and is the fourth largest city in the state.
It was founded in 1737 by William Byrd II, one of the most powerful men in early Virginia. He named it for his hometown of Richmond, England. The city quickly prospered as a center of trade and commerce.
Today, Richmond is a major industrial center and home to several large corporations. It is also a cultural center with a thriving arts scene. The city is popular with tourists and has many historic sites and museums to explore.
There are many fun things to do in the Roanoke area, and these are just a few of them. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a chance to see some beautiful scenery, there’s something for everyone in this region. So get out and explore!
Featured Image Credit: Redfin
