Chestnut Ridge Loop

The Chestnut Ridge Trail is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a wide and well-graded path lined with mountain laurel and rhododendron. This 5.4-mile figure-eight loop trail can be shortened to 2.5 and/or 3.4 miles via some of the well known roads that cross-cut the park. The trail is mostly easy to moderate as there is some rolling terrain to navigate. The route is especially good for those either visiting Roanoke, or who may not want to drive to their trails. The route is located only 10 minutes from downtown Roanoke. Directions to Trailhead: Take I-581S/220S out of Roanoke. As you begin to leave Roanoke you'll see entrance signs for Blue Ridge Parkway. Drive north on Parkway to milepost 120.5. Turn right onto Mill Mountain Spur Rd. Drive 1.1 miles to trailhead at Chestnut Ridge Overlook. Add On: Finish your day with a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy the view from the Mill Mountain Star, the world's largest freestanding illuminated man-made star, constructed in 1949. Call your friends when you get to the star and have them check you out on the StarCam. Another option is to visit the Mill Mountain Zoo. And no visit is complete without a "cheesy western all the way" from Roanoke's iconic Texas Tavern, open 24 hrs.