What to do and see in Roanoke, Virginia (VA): The Best Outdoor Activities

Our Appalachian guide service builds tours & outings tailored to your specific interests. Join author/guide Don Defreeze hiking, camping, kayaking or even fossil hunting. Decades of experience will aid your fantastic adventure in the mountains near Roanoke, Va. All inquiries welcome, a few hours to week tours.

Roanoke Mountain Adventures is here to support your outdoor adventures in the beautiful Roanoke region! RMA sells new and used outdoor gear of all kinds. Our consignment shop includes an ever-changing selection of high-quality equipment -- bikes, camping, kayaking, fishing, climbing, and more -- at unbeatable value. We also now carry a wide variety of essential outdoor gear, making RMA a one-stop outdoor shop! We also offer a variety of exciting rentals and outings. RMA rents casual bikes for riding the greenway as well as high-quality mountain bikes for tackling the local trails. We offer tubing and kayak outings on the lively and scenic Roanoke River. Other rental options include stand-up paddleboards, bouldering crash pads, and bear canisters!

For over 20 years, Granite Arches has been home to expert rock climbing instruction, classes and guiding throughout the southeastern U.S.. No matter your experience level, our veteran AMGA certified instructors will design a day of climbing to thrill and inspire you.

I’m the founder of MotoPlaN8 Handlebars and have been riding motorcycles for 20 years. I have been in the motorcycle industry for 19 years and sold 14 different lines of motorcycles. I have trained with over a dozen different nationally and internationally renowned motorcycle racers and instructors in multiple disciplines from dirt to track. I have competed in harescrambles and have three regional championships in road racing. In my career I offered guided tours for 14 yrs in this community.

Mill Mountain Zoo was founded in 1952 as a nursery-rhyme themed petting zoo that featured farm animals, birds, and native Virginia wildlife. For the first twenty-five years, we were operated by Roanoke's Parks and Recreation Department. In 1978, the Roanoke Jaycees renewed the zoo and replaced old exhibits to create a place appealing to all ages. Governance was turned over to the Blue Ridge Zoological Society of Virginia, Inc. in 1988 (more commonly known as Mill Mountain Zoo). In the early 1990's, a citizens' committee created a master plan for exhibitions, visitor amenities, and expansion of the site to our current eight acres. Other improvements included new exhibits and an upgrade of infrastructure. Mill Mountain Zoo (MMZoo) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to promoting an appreciation and understanding of animal and habitat preservation through the use of quality exhibits, educational programs, and partnerships with other conservation programs. Mill Mountain Zoo is currently home to more than 183 animals, representing 70 species from around the world. Through our admissions and donations, we support local and global conservation efforts. The Zoo is also restoring habitat on-grounds to benefit declining pollinator species and participates in a national monitoring program for amphibians -- Frogwatch. Keeper Chats The zoo keepers love sharing information about their animals. Kids (of all ages) love watching them interact with their charges and learning more about the special relationships they share and how the animals are cared for. Plan to spend some time watching the animals during their feeding times.The schedule changes daily, so check with Guest Services when arriving or call in the morning to find out what will be happening during your visit. Zoo Choo Rides The Zoo Choo is a miniature model G-16 train that operates seasonally at the Mill Mountain Zoo.The train leaves from the station every 30 minutes and follows a 16-inch wide track around the Zoo. The train makes two laps around a track that is more than 1000 feet long. You'll see different views of Mill Mountain Zoo and its animals!

Test your abilities at this semi-private golf course which features a few hills, well-bunkered fairways and no water hazards.

Downshift offers group rides, bike rentals, e-bike tours, e-mountain bike rentals, art tours as well as a full service bike shop and cafe. We have locally roasted coffee, craft beer and healthy food available!