Hurricane Helene Update

We are thinking of our neighbors in SWVA and are grateful for the first responders and organizations that are providing assistance. Virginia's Blue Ridge region (Cities of Roanoke & Salem and Counties of Botetourt, Franklin, & Roanoke) was fortunate to sustain minimal damage from the storm and our local businesses are open and ready to welcome visitors. Learn More

Image
Search
Search

Explore Park - Hiking

Click image for larger view
Details 
Map 
Amenities 
Yelp 

Nestled near Roanoke, VA, Explore Park stands as a testament to both natural beauty and historical significance. Spanning over 1,100 acres against the backdrop of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, this park offers an immersive experience where hikers can tread paths rich with historical resonance.

Explore Park's historical allure lies in its meticulously preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, which serve as portals to the region's storied past. These structures, lovingly reconstructed, offer a tangible connection to Virginia's heritage, providing visitors with a glimpse into daily life centuries ago. Wander through these time-honored edifices, from rustic cabins to bustling village shops, and feel transported to bygone eras.

Moreover, the trails themselves bear witness to history, winding through landscapes that have witnessed centuries of human endeavor and natural evolution. As hikers traverse these paths, they encounter remnants of the past—a weathered stone wall, a forgotten homestead—each whispering tales of days long gone.

For history enthusiasts and casual explorers alike, Explore Park offers a captivating blend of outdoor adventure and cultural immersion. It's an opportunity to not only revel in the splendor of nature but also to walk in the footsteps of those who came before.

Experience the intersection of past and present at Explore Park near Roanoke, VA, where every hike is a journey through time.

  • Map View:
Directions
Things to Do
Services
Accommodations
Sports Facilities
Recreation
Directions
  • Directions: Roanoke County's Explore Park is located at Milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Things to Do
  • Monday Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
  • Tuesday Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
  • Wednesday Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
  • Thursday Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
  • Friday Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
  • Saturday Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
  • Sunday Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
  • Admission Rates: $0
  • Credit Card Types Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover
  • Gift Shop:
  • Restrooms:
  • Additional Information: Hours listed here are for Visitor Center seasonal operation (April - October). Park is open dawn to dusk.
Services
  • Credit Cards Accepted:
Accommodations
  • Miles to airport: 11
  • Coffeemaker:
  • Gift Shop:
  • Total Number of Rooms: 11
  • Pet Policy: Some cabins/yurts are pet friendly
  • Points of Interest Nearby: Located within Explore Park, home to Treetop Quest aerial adventure course, Twin Creeks Brewpub, 14 miles of hiking/biking trails and river frontage.
  • Refrigerator:
  • Restaurant:
  • Restaurant(s) Nearby:
  • Additional Information: Don's Cab-Inns Campground at Explore Park offers small pod-cabins, yurts and RV spaces
General Facility Information
  • Additional Information: Disc Golf, mtn. biking, hiking
Recreation
  • Additional Information: Explore Park is home to Treetop Quest aerial adventure course, a disc golf course, seasonal river tubing, and 14 miles of hiking/biking trails.
  • Credit Card Types Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover
  • Credit Cards Accepted:
  • Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
  • Friday Hours: Open
  • Monday Hours: Open (Visitor Center closed M-Tu in Winter)
  • Restrooms:
  • RV Parking:
  • Saturday Hours: Open
  • Sports: Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Aerial Adventure, Disc Golf
  • Sunday Hours: Open
  • Thursday Hours: Open
  • Tuesday Hours: Open (Visitor Center closed M-Tu in Winter)
  • Wednesday Hours: Open