Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge has earned another outstanding recognition as a winner in the 2016 Top Towns contest by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine.

The magazine announced the winners of the contest with the release of its November issue, and Roanoke took home the title in the Large Towns category, edging out Knoxville, Tn., for the victory.

Thousands of voters participated in the contest and helped Roanoke advance through multiple rounds of competition, beating out cities like Virginia Beach, Baltimore, and Chesapeake, Va.

It’s the fourth time in the past five years the city has earned a recognition during the Blue Ridge Outdoors Top Towns contest. Roanoke won Best Mountain Town honors in 2012, Best Trail Town in 2013, Top Mid-Sized Town in 2015, and Top Adventure Town in 2016.

With incredible trails for hiking, easy access to waterways, and a quickly growing reputation as the Mountain Biking Capital of the East, it’s no surprise that locals and visitors are proud to cast a vote for Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge as one of the best places in the country for outdoor adventure!

And with exciting new projects like the continued expansion of the Roanoke Valley Greenway network, continued growth at Explore Park, and increased access to nearby rivers, there are many exciting new adventures ahead!

Thanks to everyone who helped bring another Top Towns title back to Roanoke and Virginia’s Blue Ridge!

You can also check out more honors the region has received by viewing our Awards & Accolades page.