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Vic Thomas Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 178 Google reviews · Running trail in Roanoke, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Vic Thomas Park'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.
Linear recreational space with a river path, plus sculptures and exercise stations.
What runners say about Vic Thomas Park
“Nice, clean park that is good for those looking to enjoy the outdoors for a leisurely stroll, bike ride or run.”
“Fall, foliage, and in winter, a quiet place to reflect.”
This is a great part for walking, bicycle riding, & skateboarding. There are water fountains, a repair station for bicycles and stands with bags to use to pick up your dogs poo. All along the trail are exercise stations with instructions. I start on the trail behind Black Dog.
This is a short segment of the Roanoke River Greenway consisting of about a half mile loop. It will be even better once the trees mature. It's located next to Black Dog Salvage. Parking is available. Note that you are connected to the rest of the greenway and NOT limited to this section.
Great walking by the river! Spartan in the sculpture department, hopefully they'll add more. The sculptures present are pretty cool though. Exercise stations are present for those out for more than a walk/ride. Plenty of dog waste mgmt stations as well along the river walk.
Nice, clean park that is good for those looking to enjoy the outdoors for a leisurely stroll, bike ride or run. We found several areas that were ideal for magnet fishing.
Trail conditions & character
“There are water fountains, a repair station for bicycles and stands with bags to use to pick up your dogs poo.”
“Excellent way to get in a good long walk, paved trail with some shade here and there, you can bike or walk very flat, it’s super easy.”
“From there, to the left & down the hill, the trail is about five & a half miles each way.”
“Fall, foliage, and in winter, a quiet place to reflect.”
“This is a short segment of the Roanoke River Greenway consisting of about a half mile loop.”
“Excellent way to get in a good long walk, paved trail with some shade here and there, you can bike or walk very flat, it’s super easy.”
“If you do there will be a bathroom over the bridge and about 100 ish ft down the path.”
“There are water fountains, a repair station for bicycles and stands with bags to use to pick up your dogs poo.”
Plan your run at Vic Thomas Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, restrooms, water — 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 | 6 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–11 pm |
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.
Wasena Park
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Fishburn Park
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Mill Mountain Park
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Chestnut Ridge Trail
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