Mill Mountain Park - Roanoke, VA

Biking on Mill Mountain

Roanoke is one of the only cities in the country with a mountain within its city limits and Mill Mountain features an awesome park full of great trails for mountain biking.

Roanoke’s Mill Mountain Park is unique in that it truly is an “urban” mountain biking experience in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

Many locals can ride from the front door of their homes to the mountain via the network of Roanoke Valley Greenways, including along the scenic Roanoke River.

A number of bike-friendly hotels are located on or near our Greenways, and there are bike lanes so visitors can easily access the trails without driving.

Once on the mountain, the sights and sounds of the city give way to an amazing network of advanced-beginner, intermediate, and expert level singletrack. It will quickly become apparent that you’ve left the Greenway behind as rocks, roots, punchy climbs, and drops abound in these woods.

Whether you start straight up the mountain on Monument trail or opt for a more rolling climb up on Woodthrush, the Roanoke Star and the Mill Mountain Discovery Center are must see destinations located atop the mountain. Both locations also have restrooms and drinking water.

As you climb Riser trail, you will pass animal enclosures of the Mill Mountain Zoo. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of one of the red wolves that live there as you ride the Ridgeline trail.

For descending back to the city, we recommend the Understory trail. This expert level trail offers challenging rock features and great views of the valley below.

And don't miss your opportunity to take your picture in front of the park's "Big Ol' Bikes" statues! The statues are located at the entrance to the park off J.B. Fishburn Parkway and near the intersection of the Ridgeline & Riser trails.

Before You Ride: Familiarize yourself with the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics for Mountain Biking - a set of guidelines to help you enjoy the trails responsibly and minimize your impact on the natural environment.

Mill Mountain Park - Suggested Routes

• Mill Mountain/Riser/Monument - MTB Project
• The Mullet Ride - Ride With GPS
• Mill Mountain Full-Pull - MTB Project 

Mill Mountain Park Trail Map

Download this PDF map that was created by PLAY Roanoke to help you plan your next trip to Mill Mountain Park.

Each trail is color coded and the key provides helpful information about length, usage, and difficulty levels.

There are also markers for parking and other places of interest on Mill Mountain, including the zoo, star and information kiosk.

Additional Resources

• Mill Mountain Park Website
• Mill Mountain Park Trails (MTB Project)

Mill Mountain Park - Hours, Parking, Location

Mill Mountain Park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

There are multiple options for parking around the park. Visitors can park on top of the mountain at lots beside the Discovery Center or near the Roanoke Star. There is also parking available at the intersection of J.P. Fishburn Parkway & Prospect Road, as well as at the base of the mountain off Riverland Road.

Mill Mountain Park Address: 2000 J.B. Fishburn Parkway, Roanoke, VA 24013

Mill Mountain - Group & Guided Rides

Going for a ride at Mill Mountain Park with the Blue Ridge Off-Road Cyclists or Cardinal Bicycle group is a great way to experience the trails. You can also book a guided experience and arrange bike rentals through Roanoke Mountain Adventures.

Mill Mountain - Nearby Food & Drink

• Sweet Donkey Coffee House - local coffee shop with delicious drinks, scrumptious baked goods, and a great patio space that offers a view of Mill Mountain
• Blue Cow Ice Cream - hand-crafted artisan cream in a shop located along the Roanoke River Greenway at the base of Mill Mountain
• Fork in the Alley - a casual brick-walled bar & eatery located in a former carriage house that specializes in burgers, pizza, and great beer
• Crystal Spring Grocery Co. - local shop featuring gourmet items from local and regional providers, as well as made-to-order sandwiches, soups, salads, and prepared foods
• The River & Rail - an award-winning restaurant featuring a Southern bistro-style menu consisting of fresh, locally-sourced seasonal ingredients 
• Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage - craft brewery located across the river from Mill Mountain
• Lews Restaurant - local eatery known for its casual atmosphere and popular pub food, including pizza, wings, burgers, and sandwiches

Mill Mountain - Nearby Bike Shops

• UnderDog Bikes - small shop with a friendly staff located on the Roanoke River Greenway at the base of Mill Mountain
• Roanoke Mountain Adventures - local outfitter that offers bike rentals and provides the option for guided trips