Roanoke River Blueway

A new way to experience the river is in the works. If you’ve noticed the sandbags in the Roanoke River, here’s what’s going on: they’re acting as temporary dams, slowing and redirecting the river so crews can safely work on shaping sections of the riverbed. This is all part of the city’s first in-river kayak park, giving paddlers a chance to enjoy the river in a whole new way. 🛶💦

Beat the heat and float the ! 😎💦

These people have the right idea on this scorching afternoon… I’m seriously tempted to jump in 🥵💦

💦 Summertime brings countless opportunities to enjoy the Roanoke River Blueway and beat the heat.

One way is to take an evening stroll along the Roanoke River Greenway at the 13th St/ Bennington St access point where you'll find a Virginia LOVE sign and Blueway information kiosk.

Plan your trip and discover all 18 access points along the Roanoke River Blueway at https://www.roanokeriverblueway.org/plan-a-trip/

🚧 Explore Park Greenway Project Update 🚧

While Explore Park remains open to visitors for hiking, biking and camping, portions of the park along the Roanoke River are closed to allow for the safe construction of the Roanoke River Greenway.

When the project is complete in the Spring of 2026, the nearly 5-miles of new greenway will provide more recreation and river access opportunities to park visitors.

To learn more about the greenway project or to download updated park maps, please visit https://roanokecountyparks.com/373.

be aware, check for road closures before you travel (511) and don't cross moving water🌊🚫⚠️ Remember to stay safe as water levels continue to rise! Before heading out, make sure to check for road closures on 511 and never attempt to cross moving water.

You probably know that our last stop on the Roanoke River Blueway is at the Hardy Ford boat launch - the top of Smith Mountain Lake! The new version of the Smith Mountain Lake guide is a helpful resource for folks wanting to explore the lake after they're done paddling with us. 😁

Smith Mountain Lake Chamber releases annual guide, announces big changes! ⭐️ The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce recently released its annual guide to the lake, beefing up key relocation information and significantly increasing circulation.

“Over the past few years, we’ve had a major increase in requests for information about relocating to Smith Mountain Lake,” said SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns. “So, for 2024, our production team decided to not only showcase information to attract visitors and assist newcomers, but also provide key information for those looking to make this their permanent home.”

Bruns said he also increased circulation of the publication, now entitled the Smith Mountain Lake Visitor, Newcomer and Relocation Guide, from 30,000 to 45,000 copies.

“In addition to being distributed at the SML Visitor Center at Bridgewater Plaza, the guide is available at approximately 50 other local spots and 60-plus hotels in Roanoke and Lynchburg,” Bruns said.

Bruns noted that it’s also heavily distributed throughout Virginia year-round via a partnership with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and mailed to those who individually request it via phone, email or website. In addition, thousands of copies are sent to other visitor centers and military bases around the mid-Atlantic region.

“We’re even in the Pentagon!,” Bruns said.

The guide includes sections for on-water and off-water activities, dining, shopping, accommodations, events, real estate and lifestyle, as well as a comprehensive business directory and a pull-out map. To read the guide online or to request a free copy of the 132-page magazine by mail, log onto visitsmithmountainlake.com/visitor-guide.

About the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce:
The SMLRCC is dedicated to promoting tourism and growing business for its members and the community. As a member-driven organization with 650 members, the SMLRCC provides information, advocacy, and support to the lake’s growing business community. SMLRCC’s goal is to strengthen the social and economic environment of the region. Visit online at www.visitsmithmountainlake.com



Cover photo by Casey Johnson, & Casey Johnson - Remax Lakefront Realty

PLAY Roanoke will be showcasing current designs for the planned In-River Kayak Park at Wasena Park tomorrow night at 5:30pm.

Proposed Design for In-River Park Focuses on Community Enjoyment and River Access - Roanoke Parks And Recreation Roanoke Parks and Recreation invites residents to view in progress designs for the City’s future in-river park and join for a Community Meeting on August

Please vote!

Voting is currently open for the USA TODAY 10Best contest for Best Urban Kayaking Spot for 2023 and the Roanoke River in Virginia's Blue Ridge is one of the nominees.

You can vote daily through February 6 so head to the link and cast a vote to help show your support.

It'd be awesome to see the Roanoke River win this award for the 2nd consecutive year!

Vote: http://bit.ly/3pb4KTZ

Roanoke Outside | PLAY Roanoke | Roanoke River Blueway

Vote for Roanoke River as 2023's Best Urban Kayaking Spot Roanoke River: Vote for your favorite urban kayaking spot!!

If you've been by Rotary Park in Salem you may have seen some construction! This work is to facilitate the eventual completion of this section of the Roanoke River Greenway. City of Salem staff is asking that the public use the entrance closer to Apperson at this time, and it's expected that all work in the park should be completed around March 2023. Thanks for your patience!