T-Rex Trail

T-Rex Trail - Roaring Again at Explore Park, Summer 2023!

Travel back-in-time again in 2023 at T-Rex Trail at Explore Park! Stay tuned for updates regarding hours of operating and advanced registration!

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T-Rex Trail at Explore Park

Travel back-in-time down our half-mile wooded path to take in the sights and sounds from dinosaurs of four time periods - Triassic, Jurassic, Early and Late Cretaceous! The trail features 18 animatronic dinosaurs, a dino dig-pit and photo ops! 

#TRexTrail #ExplorePark #CenterInTheSquare

T-Rex Trail Operating Hours:

Summer 2022 - May 28 - August 7 and August 13 - 14

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Trail Closes at 3:00 PM 
  • Wednesday - CLOSED 
  • Saturday & Sunday - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Trail Closes at 5:00 PM
  • T-Rex Trail will be closed Monday, August 8 through Friday, August 12

All proceeds from T-Rex Trail go to support the valuable missions of Center in the Square and Explore Park!

Admission Rates

Ticket TypeAdvanced Registration (Save $1)Walk-Up at Visitor Center
Adult (ages 16+)$14$15
Child (ages 2-15)$9$10


How to Purchase Tickets

  • Option 1: Online Purchase - Save $1 on registration when you purchase your tickets in advance, online. Click on the "T-Rex Trail Tickets Here" button above, which will take you to our online ticketing portal
  • Option 2: Walk-Up - Stop by the Explore Park Visitor Center for same-day walk-up registration, while space is available. Please call 540-427-1800 for more walk-up information or to check availability. PLEASE NOTE - WALK UP IS SUBJECT TO SPACE BEING AVAILABLE. THERE MAY BE WAIT TIMES FOR WALK UP. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY. 
  • Option 3: In-Person Purchase Reserve your tickets in advance for a future operating day with cash or credit card at Center in the Square Box Office, 1 Market SQ 24011 (Tu-Sa, 9:45 AM - 4:45 PM, Su, 12:45 PM - 4:45 PM) 


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Getting Here

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. Click here for more information, maps and details on how to get to Explore Park! Our physical location is 56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd, and postal address/ alternate entrance is 3900 Rutrough Rd, 24014.

Know Before You Go

  • The Walk and Trail: T-Rex Trail is a little less than a half-mile long. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Strollers & wheelchairs are welcome. It is a 6-foot wide packed, stone dust surface trail with grades of 8% or less throughout. It should be able to accommodate wheelchairs or individuals with limited mobility. 
  • Safety: Staying on the trail at all times is important. The dinosaur displays have support frames, so please do not touch them.
  • Be Prepared: Please keep in mind that T-Rex Trail is an outdoor activity. Dress appropriately for the weather and consider applying bug spray and/or sunscreen prior to check-in. During summer months the park is mostly shaded by the trees and stays several degrees cooler than direct sunlight. 
  • Rain policy: The T-Rex Trail will remain open through rain, and thus, reservations will not be refunded. Please dress appropriately and prepare for a roaring adventure back-in-time… rain or shine! 
  • Potentially dangerous conditions: In cases of high wind speeds or nearby thunder or lightning, the Trail will close until it is safe to resume the activity.
  • Online notification: Sign up to receive text or email alerts when T-Rex Trail is closed due to inclement weather. Visit our Notify Me Alert System, sign in with your email and select T-Rex Trail under "alerts".
  • Hydration: Please bring your own water bottle and remember to stay hydrated.

Group Rentals

Weekdays (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)

  • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Cost: $9 per person, 20 guests minimum.

Call (540) 777-6391 or email to book. When leaving a message, please include the requested date of our party, phone number and email address. 

Birthday Party Rentals

Weekends (Saturday & Sunday)

  • 10:00 AM  12:00 PM
  • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Cost: $320 for up to 30 individuals in your party.

Call (540) 777-6391 or email to book. When leaving a message, please include the requested date of our party, phone number and email address. 

T-Rex Trail is Proudly Sponsored by the Businesses & Donors Below:

Want to help create some Mesozoic memories at Explore Park this summer? Email our sponsorship coordinator

300x300 T-Rex Trail Sponsor Tile - Carilion Childrens
300x300 T-Rex Trail Sponsor Tile - Wirt Consulting
300x300 T-Rex Trail Sponsor Tile - WST
300x300 T-Rex Trail Sponsor Tile - Wells Fargo
300x300 T-Rex Trail Sponsor Tile - Big Lick Entertainment
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