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Getting Here
By the Blue Ridge Parkway (Clearbrook US220)
General: from I-81 take 581S (which turns into 220S) about 13 miles from the interstate to the Blue Ridge Parkway North to milepost 115; approximately 7 miles to Explore Park. Follow the Roanoke River Parkway and the signs to the park entrance.
From Downtown Roanoke
Off of I-581 North take exit 6, turn left onto Elm Avenue, to third stop light. Turn right on 13th Street (changes to Bennington Ave. along the river), follow to the round about at the intersection with Riverland Road (Route 116) circling clockwise all the way around the intersection to head eastbound. Immediately take next left turn onto Rutrough Road (Route 658); continue 4.5 miles to the Explore Park Service Entrance on your left just past the little stone church.
ROANOKE RIVER BRIDGE CLOSURE - May 24, 2021 - Spring 2022
The Roanoke River Bridge, at Milepost 114.7, on the Blue Ridge Parkway will be CLOSED for a major rehabilitation project starting Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 4:00 PM. The closure is expected to be in place through spring of 2022.
As a result, there is a closure on Blue Ridge Parkway South from VA Route 24 in Vinton (Milepost 112) to Explore Park (Milepost 115).
Instead, travelers can access Explore Park (Milepost 115) from the Blue Ridge Parkway North from US220 at Milepost 121 or by the Alternate Entrance at 3900 Rutrough Road. See the map and directions below for more details.
Visit https://www.visitroanokeva.com/parkwaydetour/ for more information regarding the current Blue Ridge Parkway Detour in the region
Blue Ridge Parkway - Roanoke River Bridge Project DETOUR MAP (PDF)
By the Blue Ridge Parkway (Clearbrook US220)
General: from I-81 take 581S (which turns into 220S) about 13 miles from the interstate to the Blue Ridge Parkway North to milepost 115; approximately 7 miles to Explore Park. Follow the Roanoke River Parkway and the signs to the park entrance.
From Downtown Roanoke
Off of I-581 North take exit 6, turn left onto Elm Avenue, to third stop light. Turn right on 13th Street (changes to Bennington Ave. along the river), follow to the round about at the intersection with Riverland Road (Route 116) circling clockwise all the way around the intersection to head eastbound. Immediately take next left turn onto Rutrough Road (Route 658); continue 4.5 miles to the Explore Park Service Entrance on your left just past the little stone church.
Eastern Virginia: take 460W to 581S (which turns into 220S) to Blue Ridge Parkway North to milepost 115; approximately 7 miles to Explore Park. Follow the Roanoke River Parkway and the signs to the park entrance.
West Virginia: take I-77 South to I-81 North to I-581 South (turns into 220 South) to Blue Ridge Parkway North to Explore Park exit at milepost 115.
D.C. Area: take I-66 West to I-81 South to I-581 South (turns into 220 South) to the Blue Ridge Parkway North to Explore Park exit at milepost 115.
Eastern North Carolina: take I-40 West to 220 North (or may take 77 North) to Blue Ridge Parkway North to Explore Park exit at milepost 115.
Western North Carolina: take I-40 East to I-77 North to I-81 North to I-581 South (turns into 220 South) to Blue Ridge Parkway North to Explore Park exit at milepost 115.
View the Latest Parkway Road Closures from the National Park Service
NOTE: NO COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ARE ALLOWED ON THE PARKWAY
EXPLORE PARK ALTERNATE ENTRANCE DIRECTIONS
From Downtown Roanoke: Off of I-581 North take exit 6, turn left onto Elm Avenue, to third stop light. Turn right on 13th Street (changes to Bennington Ave. along the river), follow to the round about at the intersection with Riverland Road (Route 116) circling clockwise all the way around the intersection to head eastbound. Immediately take next left turn onto Rutrough Road (Route 658); continue 4.5 miles to the Explore Park Service Entrance on your left just past the little stone church.
On a phone or GPS navigation system: List your destination as 3900 Rutrough Road SE. Roanoke, VA 24014 or Call the Explore Park Visitor Center at (540) 427-1800.
To Avoid the Blue Ridge Parkway
From Downtown Roanoke: Off of I-581 North take exit 6, turn left onto Elm Avenue, to third stop light. Turn right on 13th Street (changes to Bennington Ave. along the river), follow to the round about at the intersection with Riverland Road (Route 116) circling clockwise all the way around the intersection to head eastbound. Immediately take next left turn onto Rutrough Road (Route 658); continue 4.5 miles to the Explore Park Service Entrance on your left just past the little stone church.
On a phone or GPS navigation system: List your destination as 3900 Rutrough Road SE. Roanoke, VA 24014
To Rutrough Point (Roanoke River Access)
From Downtown Roanoke: Off of I-581 North take exit 6, turn left onto Elm Avenue, to third stop light. Turn right on 13th Street (changes to Bennington Ave. along the river), follow to the round about at the intersection with Riverland Road (Route 116) circling clockwise all the way around the intersection to head eastbound. Immediately take next left turn onto Rutrough Road (Route 658); continue to the end of Rutrough Road, which dead-ends at the Roanoke River and Back Creek.
By the Blue Ridge Parkway: Take the Blue Ridge Parkway from Routes 220, 460, or 24 and follow the signs to Virginia’s Explore Park at milepost 115. Turn onto the Roanoke River Parkway, which is the entrance to Explore Park. Upon entering Explore Park stay to your right on the service road until you reach Rutrough Road. Take a left onto Rutrough Road and follow to the end. Rutrough dead-ends at the Roanoke River and Back Creek.