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Virginia's Blue Ridge Adventures

Carvins Cove Mountain Biking

Carvins Cove

Located about three hours west of Richmond in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia’s Blue Ridge communities are becoming well-known for their outdoor adventures. The region recently earned the first and only Silver-Level Ride Center designation on the East Coast by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, quickly earning the title of “America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital”. Conquer a few of the challenges in Virginia’s Blue Ridge this summer for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Trip Highlights:
  • Mountain biking the trails at Carvins Cove with Roanoke Mountain Adventures
  • Paddle the Upper James River with Twin River Outfitters
  • Hike the Peaks of Otter trails
Outfitters and Guides:
  • Roanoke Mountain Adventures
  • Twin River Outfitters

Day 1

Roanoke Star Sunrise - Sam Dean Photography - Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

Roanoke Star Sunrise - Sam Dean Photography - Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

Before taking on the mountain bike trails, stop at Sweet Donkey in Roanoke for breakfast. Their assortment of locally-baked goods, light breakfast fare, and specialty coffee and teas will fuel your morning treks.

If you haven’t brought your own mountain bike along, swing by Roanoke Mountain Adventures and rent one for the day. After packing up your bike and gear, drive to Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, a 12,000 acre park in northwest of Roanoke with nearly 60 miles of cross country singletrack, free ride downhill, and fire road mountain biking trails.

Bring along a packed lunch and set up a picnic near the park’s 630-acre reservoir for a serenely beautiful meal.

After exploring Carvins Cove, head back to Downtown Roanoke and check into your hotel, staying at either the Hampton Inn & Suites or the posh Hotel Roanoke.

Next, hike the Mill Mountain Star Trail. Winding along Roanoke Valley’s most famous mountain, the trail ends at the summit of the iconic Roanoke Star, affording scenic views of the Roanoke Valley from the trail overlooks.

Make your way back down the mountain and spend some time exploring Downtown Roanoke, visiting the Taubman Museum of Art, the Historic Roanoke City Market, and Center in the Square.

For dinner, dine at  Tuco's Taqueria, for Latin American food, inventive spirits with select ingredients organically grown on-site, and more than 90 tequilas and mezcals served up to your liking at our industrial-style bar. 

Day 2

Upper James River Water Trail

Upper James River Water Trail

Eat a quick breakfast at your hotel or at Scratch Biscuit Company, known for their down-home southern biscuits made from scratch each day.

Meet up with Twin River Outfitters in Botetourt County for a guided paddle of the Upper James River Water Trail. Featuring class I & class II rapids, the kayak down this section of the James River should take about two to three hours.

Pack up and grab lunch at Ballast Point, a West Coast-based brewery that recently opened its first East Coast location in Daleville, Virginia. The brewery provides panoramic views of the Roanoke Valley and the mountains beyond.  

Drive back to Downtown Roanoke to explore Historic Grandin Village, a district within the city that contains shops like Black Dog Salvage, the historic Grandin Theatre, and an assortment of eclectic restaurants.

Get dinner at either Taaza Indian Cuisine or the farm-to-table restaurant Local Roots, both located within Grandin Village.

Day 3

Peaks of Otter

Peaks of Otter Lodge

Start your last day with breakfast at Downshift, a bikes and craft beer specialty shop in Roanoke.

Check out of your hotel before setting out for Dody Ridge, a 12-mile mountain bike trail right off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

If you’re still up for a little more adventure, head to Peaks of Otter for a little hiking, or take a shuttle to the summit of Sharp Top for epic mountain views.

Before hitting the road for home, stop by Peaks of Otter Lodge for lunch.

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge 

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

 

More Adventures

  • Shenandoah Valley Adventures
    Journey through Virginia’s magnificent Shenandoah Valley by horseback, kayak, and on foot during this 3 day getaway in the foothills of Shenandoah National Park and George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
  • Three Days, Five Adventures, Two Coastlines
    A 70-mile peninsula bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia’s Eastern Shore is the perfect outdoor destination for water sports enthusiasts. Discover rare wildlife, epic views, and plenty of memorable experiences when you plan an adventure on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
  • Virginia's Blue Ridge Adventures
    Located about three hours west of Richmond in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia’s Blue Ridge communities are becoming well-known for their outdoor adventures.
  • Adventure Awaits in RVA
    Richmond, known as the River City, is home to the James River and is one of the only cities in the United States with Class III and IV rapids in an urban setting. Adventure-seekers come from all over to experience adrenaline-filled days both on and off the river.
  • Eastern Shore Outdoor Sampler
    Experience the wild barrier islands, Chesapeake Bay, and Chincoteague ponies and lighthouse by kayak, while staying in an historic lodging in the 1680 Colonial port of Onancock.
  • Historic Hikes and Outdoor Adventure
    Hike, Bike or Paddle your way through Prince William County, VA at one of the many National, State and Regional parks and forests found here. Stretching from the banks of the Potomac River to the foothills of Bull Run Mountain, visitors can re-connect with nature.
  • Outdoor Obsession in MHC
    Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southern Virginia, Martinsville - Henry County has plenty of adventures awaiting to guarantee that you have fun in record time in the great outdoors. Experience paddling, fishing, hiking, camping, and many other activities
  • Get your “Paddle & Hike On” in scenic Chesapeake, VA
    Enjoy a two night getaway in Coastal Virginia! With over 22 miles of wave- and wind-free water, locals and visitors consider Chesapeake Waterways one of the best kayaking spots in the country.
  • Make Mountains Move on a Summer Mountain Vacation
    Virginia is for adventurers, and if you’re looking for a true mountain adventure, look no further than this 3 day getaway in the majestic mountains of the Shenandoah Valley.
  • Explore Pocahontas: The Park & The Story
    Spend a wonderful outdoor weekend at Pocahontas State Park, where Swift Creek is the nucleus and you are sitting in a wildlife management area!
  • Over and Under the Blue Ridge Mountains
    With mountains to the east and the Shenandoah Valley to the west, Waynesboro’s prime location offers adventurers an almost limitless combination of excursions to enjoy by foot, bike, or kayak.
  • Get to Know the Rappahannock - on the River, on the Rocks and with a Rod!
    Fredericksburg is a gateway to adventure, welcoming all experience levels and all ages. Fredericksburg sits on the fall line of the longest free flowing river in the eastern United States, the Rappahannock River.
  • Explore Central Virginia with The Market at Grelen
    Explore central Virginia’s breathtaking scenery by horseback, kayak and even from the sky with The Market at Grelen’s Outdoor Adventure itineraries.
  • Tour de Seafood: Middle Peninsula Waterways
    Explore the coast of two Chesapeake Bay towns (Gloucester and Mathews Counties) on the Middle Peninsula by kayak, charter and stand-up paddle board (SUP)!

More Hiking Ideas

  • Hiking in Virginia

    10 Unforgettable Virginia Backpacking Trips
  • 10 Lesser-Known Payoff Hikes

    Virginia’s Five Highest Peaks
  • Circuit Hikes To Check Out This Summer

    Shenandoah County’s 5 Best Hikes For Fall Foliage
  • 25 Hikes For Wildflowers (And A Few Waterfalls, Too!)

    10 Trails For Spring Adventure

    10 Must Do Hikes In Shenandoah National Park

More Mountain Biking Ideas

  • Mountain Biking in Virginia

    Rip It & Grip It! Epic Mountain Biking Trails
  • Mountain Biking Trails For Everyone

    Seven Most Bike Friendly Cities And Towns
  • Virginia’s Rails To Trails

    4 Virginia State Parks With Incredible Mountain Biking Trails

More Paddling Ideas

  • Paddlesports in Virginia

    17 Canoeing And Tubing Adventures
  • Kayaking Adventures To Explore This Summer

    Best Overnight Paddling Adventures In Virginia
  • 10 Virginia Coastal Paddling Destinations

    Virginia’s Best Guided Paddling And Biking Adventures
  • Exploring Virginia’s Water Trails And Blueways

    Virginia Trips For Paddle-In Camping

    Explore Wild Barrier Islands On Virginia’s Eastern Shore

More Adventurous Ideas

  • All Things Horses in Virginia

    Unique Getaway Ideas For Adventurous Couples
  • Adventures In The Air

    Zip Lines in Virginia

    Hang On Tight! Ten Rock Climbing, Bouldering And Rappelling Spots
  • Six Adrenaline Pumping Adventures

    Four Epic Virginia Experiences For 2018

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