Day Trip to The Roanoke Star
Summer has arrived and with it, our desire to travel. It’s stronger this year than ever before, but in the time of COVID-19, travel comes with many new challenges. Roanoke is one of our favorite in-state destinations and Mill Mountain Park gave us the opportunity to explore the outdoors and stay socially distanced in wide open spaces.
It also has a spectacular attraction that makes it worth the drive: the Roanoke Star!
Mill Mountain Park
Mill Mountain Regional Park is known for its views of the city. Soaking in the picturesque valley panorama while surrounded by acres of forest, you’d never guess you were still only minutes from Downtown Roanoke.
When we arrived at Mill Mountain park, we saw playground, picnic areas, and shelters with grills all within walking distance. They could all be easily accessed from the main parking lot. We followed the sidewalk around the corner and found an incomparable view of the city… and a giant star!
The Roanoke Star
Yes, on your way to the overlook, you’ll no doubt notice the five-ton neon star looking down at you!
The Roanoke Star, also called The Mill Mountain Star, stands 88 feet tall and is perched on a hillside over a thousand feet higher than the City of Roanoke.
Even my youngest children recognized this landmark and immediately knew where we were!
You can see why Roanoke is called The Star City. The views from the overlooks at the base of the Mill Mountain Star are beautiful!
We last visited in the winter of 2020. Which view do you prefer?
The County also maintains the StarCam, allowing you to check out the view anytime! As the Star Overlook was the most crowded area during our visit, using the StarCam to gauge the crowds before you go might not be a bad idea, either!
The Trails
While a giant star is the element that draws you in, there is so much more to do in these 500+ acres!
We took advantage of the opportunity to explore on the trails. They were relatively empty compared to the overlooks by the star.
While the trails span a combined 10 miles, no single one is longer than 2 miles. Some do have large changes in elevation (600+ feet), but there are shorter, flatter trails for those who need an easier hike.
And they’re open year-round!
If you aren’t a fan of hiking, bring your bike… or your horse! Most of the trails in the park are multi-use.
At this time, the trails are being evaluated for an overhaul, planned to occur over the next couple years.
Plan Your Visit
Mill Mountain Park
2000 J B Fishburn Parkway
Roanoke, Virginia 24013
website
10 Comments
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Melissa Jones
That looks like a great trip! I’m definitely trying to find a few new places to take my kiddos before they are all out of the house and off to college.
Holly
Same here! It’s such a lovely area and any outdoor activity is a plus these days!
Beth
Thanks for a picturesque view of the Star, and Star city. The trails beckon with adventure. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Holly
It’s a great area! A bit off the beaten path as far as big cities go, but worth your time.
Tiffany Smith
This looks like a fun place to explore, I love the mention of the Wool Workshop- will have to stop in when we make it that way!
Holly
Wool Workshop is so lovely! A great little yarn shop.
Mariah French
I miss the east coast! Just seeing your pictures alone makes me want to book a trip back!
Ronda Bowen
FUN! What a great adventure. I love the photos. I really want to go hiking soon. I had originally planned on doing 20 hikes this year (at least) but UGH stupid COVID. Still going to sneak in as many as possible.
Holly
We’re in the same boat. Travel has been restricted to road trips with outdoor activities only. We’re making the most of it!