A person in a kayak is navigating through a river with rocks and trees on either side. The water appears to be flowing gently.

Roanoke River Adventures

If you meander through southern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, you’ll likely cross over the Roanoke River at least once or twice. It pulls water from coastal plains along the eastern Appalachians and redistributes the water across Virginia, creating lush scenery and endless opportunities for recreation. Roanoke has a front-row seat to it all. 

More than 200 bird species and countless plants and animals call the Roanoke River Watershed home. But bird watching and animal encounters are just two of the reasons why a day on the river is a must while visiting Roanoke. The Roanoke River Greenway is a network of trails and recreational sites along the river. From fishing to kayaking, hiking to picnicking, find out what the Roanoke River is all about. 

A person with tan pants and hiking boots dangles their legs over the edge of a cliff, overlooking a river surrounded by trees.
The image shows someone holding a fishing rod by a lake, with greenery and blurred background scenery. The person is dressed in casual summer attire.

Hiking & Biking

More than 30 miles of urban trails make the Roanoke River a satisfying destination for all. Serious hikers and bikers can cruise along the trails to their heart’s content, while those looking to take it easy can stroll between breweries and ice cream shops. This is a place you can get outside while still choosing your own adventure. From our hotel, hop on the Greenway trail at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges off Walnut Ave.

Trail Map

Fishing

Float fishing, wade fishing, and bank fishing are all popular along the Roanoke River. Cast your line and you may come up with any of the river’s many species, like smallmouth and largemouth bass, redeye, bluegill, catfish and trout. Be sure to purchase a Virginia freshwater fishing license before you get started, as this is required to do any Upper Roanoke River fishing. Some sections also require a designated stock trout waters license.

buy a licence

Two people kayaking on a narrow, tree-lined waterway with one person paddling in the foreground, and the other in the background, both in orange kayaks.

Kayaking

Roanoke River kayaking is one of the best ways to get out on the water. Sit atop a kayak as you paddle along the river, taking in views of Roanoke as you go. The section of the river that winds through the city tends to be a leisurely flat water paddle, making it an accessible adventure for anyone who wants to get closer to the river.

A person with tan pants and hiking boots dangles their legs over the edge of a cliff, overlooking a river surrounded by trees.

Hiking & Biking

More than 30 miles of urban trails make the Roanoke River a satisfying destination for all. Serious hikers and bikers can cruise along the trails to their heart’s content, while those looking to take it easy can stroll between breweries and ice cream shops. This is a place you can get outside while still choosing your own adventure. From our hotel, hop on the Greenway trail at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges off Walnut Ave.

Trail Map

The image shows someone holding a fishing rod by a lake, with greenery and blurred background scenery. The person is dressed in casual summer attire.

Fishing

Float fishing, wade fishing, and bank fishing are all popular along the Roanoke River. Cast your line and you may come up with any of the river’s many species, like smallmouth and largemouth bass, redeye, bluegill, catfish and trout. Be sure to purchase a Virginia freshwater fishing license before you get started, as this is required to do any Upper Roanoke River fishing. Some sections also require a designated stock trout waters license.

buy a licence

Two people kayaking on a narrow, tree-lined waterway with one person paddling in the foreground, and the other in the background, both in orange kayaks.

Kayaking

Roanoke River kayaking is one of the best ways to get out on the water. Sit atop a kayak as you paddle along the river, taking in views of Roanoke as you go. The section of the river that winds through the city tends to be a leisurely flat water paddle, making it an accessible adventure for anyone who wants to get closer to the river.