Mill Mountain Greenway
The Mill Mountain Greenway, recently completed in 2003, is the longest greenway yet completed in the Roanoke Valley region. It begins in Elmwood Park, near the Market Area of downtown Roanoke. The greenway winds through the beautiful park, the site of many summer-time festivals, and down Williamson Road before following the scenic Roanoke River. Greenway users will enjoy a brief stroll through one of Roanoke's beautiful residential neighborhoods before the hike takes them into the woodsy, rugged area of Mill Mountain. The greenway links to the old Mill Mountain Star Trail, which takes users through a wooded path back to the Roanoke River. Once the Roanoke River Greenway is completed, the Star Trail will link it to the Mill Mountain Greenway. A map of the Star Trail can be found below the description of the Mill Mountain Greenway.
Trail Length: 2.8 mile
Trail Surface: varied
Directions
From Interstate 581:
From I-581 take exit 6, turning west onto Elm Ave. Go two blocks, turn left onto Jefferson Street. Go about ½ mile and take a left at the stoplight just before the overpass onto Walnut. Cross over the Walnut Street bridge and take the first left onto Piedmont. Parking is available at the corner of Piedmont and Arbor.
From Mill Mountain Discovery Center:
The trail begins in the Mill Mountain Park near the Mill Mountain Star. Simply take the walking trail that links the Discover Center to the Overlook area. The entrance of the greenway, is near the Star.
From the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitor's Bureau:
Start on Shenandoah Avenue NE, walking west. Take the Pedestrian Bridge visible from the Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Exit the Pedestrian Bridge once you have crossed the railroad tracks by taking the escalators/elevator down. Take Wall Street until you reach Campbell Street. Cross Campbell Street, walking more or less in a straight line. Walk through the Roanoke City Market Area/Market Street. Market Street will end at its intersection with Church Street. Cross Church Street and enter Elmwood Park (You will note a large fountain at the entrance of Elmwood Park). Follow the sidewalk through the park, which will lead to the crossing at Elm Avenue, and you have begun walking/jogging/biking on the Mill Mountain Greenway.
Mill Mountain Star Trail
Trail Length: 1.7 mile
Trail Surface: dirt, hiking trail
Directions
From Interstate 581:
From I-581 take exit 6, turning west onto Elm Ave. Go two blocks, turn left onto Jefferson Street. Go about ½ mile and take a left at the stoplight just before the overpass onto Walnut. Cross over the Walnut Street bridge and take the first left onto Piedmont. Then, almost immediately, take the first right onto Riverland Road. Travel .8 miles to the stoplight, and then travel .3 miles and turn right into the gravel drive. Parking is to the left. Trail Length: 1.7 miles Trail Surface: Natural Surface
From Mill Mountain Discovery Center:
The trail begins in the Mill Mountain Park near the Mill Mountain Star. Simply take the walking trail that links the Discover Center to the Overlook area. The entrance of the greenway, is near the utility shed and the upper parking area.
