Blueway in Virginia's Blue Ridge Named
"Best Urban Kayaking Spot"

ROANOKE, VA - After a four-week public competition among 20 total nominees, the Roanoke River in Virginia's Blue Ridge took home first place in the 2022 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice travel award for "Best Urban Kayaking Spot." 

The Roanoke River's unique proximity to downtown Roanoke as well as popular local parks, outfitters and trails, makes it an exciting metro mountain adventure in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. More than just a kayaking destination, the 45-mile blueway ranges from flatwater to Class II rapids as it flows through the region, offering tubing, fishing, birding and wildlife sightseeing nearly year-round. 

With its beautiful mountain setting and easy accessibility, the Roanoke River Blueway is a great way to experience the outdoors in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. 

Find out more and plan your metro mountain adventure to Virginia’s Blue Ridge today!

Hi-res editorial images for download in this Google Drive.

About Virginia’s Blue Ridge: Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR), known as America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital, earned the “Top Large Adventure Town” title by Blue Ridge Outdoors in 2020.  The region continues to receive attention around the world as a must-visit metro mountain destination. Find examples of earned media coverage here.

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The top ten winners in this category are as follows:
1.    Roanoke River
2.    Cuyahoga River
3.    James River
4.    Milwaukee River
5.    Tennessee River
6.    Bartram’s Garden
7.    Boston Harbor Islands
8.    St. Augustine Harbor
9.    Lady Bird Lake
10.    Clark Fork River