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Poor Mountain Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 172 Google reviews · Running trail in Roanoke, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Poor Mountain Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
A series of looping mountain trails leading to scenic overlooks , waterfalls and a stream.
What runners say about Poor Mountain Trail
“Beautiful views in the winter :) Trails have elevation changes with the Blue Steps going down to the right and twitchbacks of the left coming back up.”
Excellent hike. Plenty of space for parking and very scenic while hiking and on the way up driving. We took the cascade trail which is about 3.6 mi total and it was pretty easy. If you want a real challenge, I would recommend you to go straight from the trailhead. We took an immediate right and it was an easier path.
Challenging Hike with Unique Flora The Poor Mountain trail offers a very rigorous 4-mile round-trip hike that takes you down and back up the mountain. The effort is no joke, especially on the ascent! However, I'll be honest: the payoff at the bottom isn't as grand as some other trails in the area.
Cool little trail in the suburbs of Roanoke. Parking was a breeze. There's two trails; both loops. Red loop is under 1 mile. Blue loop is about 3.5 miles. Steep descent via switchback to a gorgeous mountain stream. Climb out was challenging. Take a picture of the map to reference.
Round trip about 3.6 miles if you do the longer trail and visit the overlooks. Trail was well marked, but kind of steep. Its all switchbacks going down then back up. The waterfall is small, but it was pretty, and my dogs were able to take a nice swim.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful views in the winter :) Trails have elevation changes with the Blue Steps going down to the right and twitchbacks of the left coming back up.”
“Beautiful views in the winter :) Trails have elevation changes with the Blue Steps going down to the right and twitchbacks of the left coming back up.”
“Parking is limited so that’s an issue but if you get a spot, it’s a great way to reconnect with nature and get your steps in.”
“A nice, quiet loop trail that first takes you through lush forest and then down to a lively stream with a small waterfall.”
“Dogs are welcome on a leash, but be careful if you have a puller as there are several steep staircases and most of the foot path is quite narrow.”
“Pretty over looks, decent maintained trails, only a few rocky moderately difficult sections that hiking boots would definitely help but not required.”
Plan your run at Poor Mountain Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance4 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitedcr.virginia.gov
- Phone+1 540-265-5234
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
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