Explore Park

Features

ADA Accessible
Fishing
Gift Shop
Hiking Trails
Museum
Open Lawn Area
Parking
Picnic Areas
Picnic Shelters
Picnic Tables
Portable Toilets
Restrooms
Trails: Dirt
Trails: Gravel

Description

Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 115, and only fifteen minutes from Downtown Roanoke, Explore Park features hundreds of acres of rolling hills, pristine woodlands, 14 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, riverfront access for fishing, canoeing or kayaking, plus historical buildings on a loop trail including a grist mill, blacksmith shop, homesteader house, German double crib barn and school house. Picnic pavilion located beside the trailhead to the Forester’s Trail. Stop inside the Visitor Center to browse in a gift shop featuring Artisan crafts, artwork and parkway memorabilia, view a twenty-minute movie about the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the Blue Ridge Museum. The newly opened Mayflower Disc Golf course featuring 18-holes is only three minutes away! Come to Explore Park for a day of play and adventure!

Download a Trail Map

Directions

General: From I-81 take 581S (which turns into 220S) about 13 miles from the interstate to the Blue Ridge Parkway North entrance. Travel North approximately 7 miles to Explore Park. Turn right onto the Roanoke River Parkway spur at milepost 115. Follow the Roanoke River Parkway and signs to the park entrance.

Vinton & Downtown Roanoke: Take Rt. 24 to Blue Ridge Parkway South entrance. Travel South and turn left at milepost 115 to Roanoke River Parkway. Follow the Roanoke River Parkway and signs to the park entrance.

Botetourt County: 460 / Blue Ridge Blvd / US 221 to Blue Ridge Parkway South entrance. Travel South and turn left at milepost 115 to Roanoke River Parkway. Follow the Roanoke River Parkway and signs to the park entrance.