Virginia's 45-Mile River Trail Offers Idyllic Paddling With Blue Ridge Mountain Views

Virginia is a historically rich state well-known for its natural landscapes. Travelers come from all over the world to visit places like the stunning Shenandoah Valley or the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, where routes like Skyline Drive deliver sweeping vistas, amazing places to camp in the mountains, and vibrant fall foliage. There are many reasons to visit this incredible state full of underrated destinations, including one lesser-known feature paddling enthusiasts won't want to overlook: the Roanoke River Blueway. 

The Roanoke River Blueway is a 45-mile long water trail that provides an accessible way to engage with nature through paddling, as well as some pretty incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A blueway is a designated water trail for non-motorized and small boat recreation (think kayaks, innertubes, and paddle boards). This one in particular begins at the South Fork Roanoke River in East Montgomery County Park and ends at the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Hardy Ford boating access near Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County. 

The route includes sections of the South Fork Roanoke River, Tinker Creek, and Back Creek. It flows through both the cities of Roanoke and Salem, as well as stretches of rural, forested canopies. Paddlers, fishers, and nature lovers can gain easy river access for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The blueway also links an impressive network of trails and parks, including the Roanoke River Greenway, Tinker Creek Greenway, Mill Mountain Greenway, Explore Park, and areas near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smith Mountain Lake. Incredibly convenient from Roanoke, visitors can combine scenic river experiences with city exploration in the same day. 

The Roanoke River Blueway can be easily accessed from the city, but also deeply explored within the upper Roanoke River watershed. It has the opportunity to be more than just a float, as it can become an exploration of nature and the local culture. It placed on USA TODAY's 10 Best Reader's Choice awards for Best Urban Kayaking Spot thanks to its proximity to downtown Roanoke and its wonderful accessibility. 

Along the river, visitors will encounter various habitats from lush forests to teeming wetlands. These diverse areas support an abundance of wildlife, and the blueway also connects to the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, part of the first statewide system of its kind in the United States. Fishing is also popular throughout the waterway. The river supports a healthy population of trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and striped bass. Anglers can float, wade, or bank fish depending on the section of this blueway. Don't forget your license!

Another highlight of the Roanoke River Blueway is that it suits a range of skill levels. Part of the river is flat water, meaning there aren't any rapids and it's ideal for families and those who want a relaxing experience. Other stretches include Class II rapids, which are less relaxing but still straightforward to navigate for beginner whitewater rafters. 

Roanoke is just under three hours from Richmond, Virginia, and about 104 miles from Greensboro, North Carolina.  If choosing to fly, the Roanoke Blacksburg Airport will land you nearby. The area's moderate climate supports year-round activity, but summer brings the warmest weather perfect for enjoying the water trail. 

It's important to check the current water level conditions, as water levels will affect navigation of the trail. Higher water levels can create more intense rapids, while low water means you'll need to be careful about scraping your canoe or kayak on the riverbed. Real-time streamflow data and minimum recommendations for water levels for various access points are available on the official website. 

18 public access points line the route and range from basic launches with only parking, to sites with more amenities like public bathrooms, picnic areas, and boat ramps. An interactive map on the Roanoke River Blueway site details each point's coordinates, amenities, and conditions, making it easy to choose your own put-in and take-out spots to match your goals. No water craft? No problem. Roanoke Mountain Adventures is a full-service outfitter located on the Roanoke River Greenway that offers kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, inner tubes, and other equipment for both self-guided or guided trips down the water trail.