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Roanoke River Greenway
4.5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Running trail in Roanoke, Virginia · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Roanoke River Greenway'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.
What runners say about Roanoke River Greenway
“I'm loving the beautiful Mural's underneath the bridge at the sewage treatment plant in She Roanoke absolutely beautiful”
Very scenic and relaxing area. Trail goes for a while. There is children’s play area as well as bench along the path.
One my favorite things about Roanoke is the Roanoke River Greenway. It is perfect for cyclist, runners, families out for a stroll, walking your dogs, and to just get away for a moment to yourself in nature . It stretches from northeast Roanoke all the way to Salem.
This is a beautiful, very well-maintained, paved trail running through the heart of Roanoke. Total out and back is approximately 21 miles.
What a lovely way to spend the day. At one point you can stop at Blue Cow creamery. There's restaurants if you park at Roanoke Mountain Adventures. Take your dog, walk, run or ride your bike. Playground for kids to play on. Just so much! Enjoy!
Trail conditions & character
“I'm loving the beautiful Mural's underneath the bridge at the sewage treatment plant in She Roanoke absolutely beautiful”
“It is perfect for cyclist, runners, families out for a stroll, walking your dogs, and to just get away for a moment to yourself in nature .”
“This is a beautiful, very well-maintained, paved trail running through the heart of Roanoke.”
Plan your run at Roanoke River Greenway
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- 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.
- Websiteplayroanoke.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Roanoke
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mill Mountain Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,365 reviews
Mountaintop hiking & biking trails with scenic overlooks, plus a zoo & discovery center.
Tinker Creek Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 87 reviews
Paved trail for walking, biking and running, plus a few non-paved trails.
Wasena Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,224 reviews
City park, connected to the Roanoke River Greenway, with recreational fields, courts & playgrounds.
Vic Thomas Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 178 reviews
Linear recreational space with a river path, plus sculptures and exercise stations.