Directions: Take Walnut Avenue (which becomes a spur of the Blue Ridge
Parkway that comes down to the city) up Mill Mountain toward Roanoke's famous Star.
About 4miles up the road from the city, there is a campground on the right and an
"overlook" (not much to see, more of a parking area) on the left. Trail
can be entered from either of these areas.
Trail Information: ~5.4 mile loop with a fair amount of elevation change
and switchbacks. Mostly singletrack including some areas of transient stream.
Some areas are fairly close to the road but mostly within earshot rather than
eyeshot. Can be quite muddy in places if it has rained much recently. Can
cross over/under the Parkway in 3 places to vary length of run from about 2miles and up to
the full loop.
Miscellaneous Information: Part of the Parkway system so Federal laws
apply in terms of disturbing wildlife, etc. Can be busy on nice days; best time to
run is early morning when the deer are out.