Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke is the mountain bike capital of America's east coast. Besides exploring the trails on a bike or foot, there are plenty of other things to do in Roanoke. Head up Mill Mountain to see one of the United States’ largest man-made stars and check out awesome views over the town. Be sure to visit the city’s museums and breweries, the striking St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church, or shop for unique antiques at Black Dog Salvage, featured in the popular TV show Salvage Dawgs.
Aim for April–June or September–November when visiting Roanoke. Spring and fall have the best temperatures for getting outdoors. Winters get chilly and snowy, and summers can get pretty hot. The spring welcomes new blossoms, and the fall sees the trees change color. There are a bunch of festivals in Roanoke year-round, from kite festivals and pirate days to folk festivals, so check to see what’s on when planning your visit.
Roanoke is a popular stop-off for folks traveling along Interstate 81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, so it's easily accessible by car, motorcycle, or bus. In town, the Valley Metro, the Smart Way Bus, and the Star Line Trolley can get you around town and its outskirts. Roanoke is also well suited for pedestrians and cyclists, with loads of trails and paths. If necessary, there are also easy rideshare options.
Make the most of being in the bike capital of the east US by seeing the sights in town on either a pedal or electronic bike. Several tours take you to top attractions, and some include breweries, local restaurants, and tubing on the river. Another idea is to get up into the big trails on a mountain bike and truly earn the spectacular views.
