쉬운 프랭클린 카운티 하이킹 및 워킹 코스

River Walk is closed for a new greenway but, most other areas closed to vehicle traffic is open to hiking/walking. Historic mill village is nice! Took our wedding photos there.

Parking area at the bottom is closed (Near Dollar General). We parked across the street and walked the gravel up to Star Trail Trailhead.

This overlook point offers a view of the cascade that falls down Bottom Creek Gorge. The viewpoint is named in honor of Malcolm and Jimmie Black, who were dedicated volunteer monitors at Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve. Bent Mountain Falls, also known as Puncheon Run Falls, is the second highest waterfall in Virginia. It features a series of cascading steps formed by unique rock formations called kettles.

Explore Park's Historic Area features a number of restored buildings including a schoolhouse, blacksmiths shop, barns, cabins, and mill. It's mostly flat and well maintained so you can do this one with the whole family.

Explore Park consists of miles and miles of trails across hundreds of acres. You'll find rolling hills, meadows, river access, historical buildings, and dense woodlands. You'll have plenty to do whether you stop for just and hour or decide to spend the day.

The Roanoke River runs for 410 miles from the eastern Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean at Albemarle Sound. The name Roanoke is derived from the Algonquin "rawrenok", which was their name for the tubular white shell beads more commonly known as wampum.

Chestnut Ridge offers wide, well graded trails just off of the Mill Mountain Parkway. The hiking isn't too strenuous and makes for a good family outing.

The brightly illuminated star that sits on top of Mill Mountain (1,703ft/519m) was constructed in 1949, and initially meant to only be lit during Christmas season. However, it proved to be so popular that is is now lit year round and gave the city of Roanoke its nickname, "Star City of the South".