Roanoke 7 Summits

#7peaks7weeks Hiking Challenge in Roanoke This fall, we encourage you to accept the #7Peaks7Weeks challenge and climb seven peaks in just seven weeks! Roanoke 7 Summits is an annual hiking tradition presented by Roanoke Parks and Recreation. Join us for all seven, or simply come along for your favorite hikes. Guided hikes take place on Thursdays and Saturdays. You’ll get a chance to explore local trails, experience Roanoke’s stunning fall foliage, and make new friends while challenging yourself!

Throughout the challenge, you will receive an email with more information about the upcoming hike and how to prepare.

Registration:

For $30.00, you will receive a custom Deuter Wizard daypack, access to amazing sponsor giveaways, weekly emails with trail information and tips, and an invite to the 7 Summits Celebration! If you have any questions about the program, please contact the program supervisor, Matt Allenbaugh at matthew.allenbaugh@roanokeva.gov or 540-853-1236.

Guided Hikes:

If you’d like to join a guided hike, please register for each hike individually in advance. Registration links provided below. Guided hikes cost $10 and include transportation and leadership. Please bring water, snacks, and appropriate footwear and clothing for trekking in the hinterlands!

What peaks are we hiking in 2019?

Hike #1: Mill Mountain

Mill Mountain Park offers incredible hiking within five minutes of downtown Roanoke. The trails encompass Roanoke’s highest point – the summit of Mill Mountain Park (1703 ft.) and the Roanoke Star. This area offers 500 acres of parkland atop Mill Mountain, picnic areas, two overlooks that provide 20-60 mile vistas, access to additional hiking trails, the Mill Mountain Zoo and the Discovery Center.

We offer two guided hikes to Mill Mountain, register for them below:

When: Thursday, September 19th (9am-3pm)
Where: Meet at the Riverland Road Parking Lot for Mill Mountain
Last Day to Register: Sept. 17th
REGISTER HERE!

When: Saturday, September 22 (9am-3pm)
Where: Meet at the Riverland Road Parking Lot for Mill Mountain
Last Day to Register: Sept. 18th
REGISTER HERE!

Hike #2: Read Mountain

Located in Roanoke County this park boasts 243 acres of mostly forested land, preserving a natural environment the public can enjoy for generations. The trail system was built by Pathfinders for Greenways and the hike for the series is a great loop to Buzzard Rocks, Summit Ridge, and Boulder Point. The view from the top is one of the best in the Roanoke Valley.

We offer two guided hikes to Read Mountain, register for them below:

When: Thursday, September 26th (9am-5pm)
Where: Meet at the Norwich Center at 2127 Buford Ave SW Roanoke, VA.
Last Day to Register: Sept. 24th
REGISTER HERE!

When: Saturday, September 28th (9am-5pm)
Where: Meet at Public Works Service Center at 1802 Courtland Road in Roanoke, VA.
Last Day to Register: Sept. 26th
REGISTER HERE!

Hike #3: Poor Mountain

Stone stairs, scenic vistas, fire ecology and outstanding looks at Table Mountain pine woodlands make the Poor Mountain Trail a great recreational resource in the Roanoke area. Poor Mountain Natural Area Preserve protects the world’s largest population of the globally rare shrub piratebush, which is restricted to only a handful of sites in the mountains of Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

We offer two guided hikes to Poor Mountain, register for them below:

When: Thursday, October 3th (9am-5pm)
Where: Meet at the Norwich Center at 2127 Buford Ave SW Roanoke, VA.
Last Day to Register: Oct. 1st
REGISTER HERE!

When: Saturday, October 5th (9am-5pm)
Where: Meet at Public Works Service Center at 1802 Courtland Road in Roanoke, VA.
Last Day to Register: Oct. 3rd
REGISTER HERE!

Hike #4: Sharp Top

While this peak is not the tallest of the three peaks at Peaks of Otter along the Blue Ridge Parkway, it offers the best view by far. After hiking 1,500′ of elevation over 1.5 miles, hikers will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the other peaks, the Ridge and Valley to the west, and the Piedmont to the east. While it falls a few feet short of the tallest peak, Flat Top at 4,002′, the views are not comparable. Be sure to stop on the way up or back at Buzzard’s Roost for some additional vistas!

We offer two guided hikes to Sharp Top, register for them below:

When: Thursday, October 10th (9am-5pm)
Where: Meet at the Norwich Center at 2127 Buford Ave SW Roanoke, VA.
Last Day to Register: Oct. 8th
REGISTER HERE!

When: Saturday, October 12th (9am-5pm)
Where: Meet at Public Works Service Center at 1802 Courtland Road in Roanoke, VA.
Last Day to Register: Oct. 10th
REGISTER HERE!

Hike #5: Dragon's Tooth

Dragon’s Tooth s a unique geologic feature that consists of Tuscarora quartzite spires which outcrop on the top of Cove Mountain. The tallest “tooth” projects roughly 35 feet above the surrounding rock. The trail to Dragon’s Tooth ascends steep, rugged outcrops of quartzite which form the spine of Cove Mountain and North Mountain. The spine is known as Dragon’s Back. A difficult hike, Dragon’s Tooth summit offers magnificent views of nearby and distant peaks year-round.

We offer two guided hikes to Dragon’s Tooth, register for them below:

When: Thursday, October 24th (9am-5pm)
Where: Meet at the Norwich Center at 2127 Buford Ave SW Roanoke, VA.
Last Day to Register: Oct. 22nd
REGISTER HERE!

When: Saturday, October 26th (9am-5pm)
Where: Meet at Public Works Service Center at 1802 Courtland Road in Roanoke, VA.
Last Day to Register: Oct. 24th
REGISTER HERE!

Hike #6: Tinker Cliffs

Outstanding views, a tough climb, a cool creek cliff face and Scorched Earth Gap are just a few reasons to hike Tinker Cliffs via the Andy Layne Trail. Tinker Cliffs is the third leg in the Triple Crown of great views/hikes in this part of Virginia, along with McAfee Knob and Dragons Tooth.

We offer two guided hikes to Tinker Cliffs, register for them below:

When: Thursday, October 31st (9am-5pm)
Where: Meet at the Norwich Center at 2127 Buford Ave SW Roanoke, VA.
Last Day to Register: Oct. 29th
REGISTER HERE!

When: Saturday, November 2nd (9am-5pm)
Where: Meet at Public Works Service Center at 1802 Courtland Road in Roanoke, VA.
Last Day to Register: Oct. 31st
REGISTER HERE!

Hike #7: McAfee Knob

The poster trail for the AT. In almost every book or pamphlet containing pictures of the scenic beauty on the AT you are sure to come across a picture of McAfee Knob. This just may be the most beautiful spot in Virgina.

McAfee Knob stands 3400+ ft and is the tallest mountain in the area surrounding Catawba. Once you reach the summit you are rewarded with stimulating view of the valley below.

We offer two guided hikes to McAfee Knob, register for them below:

When: Thursday, November 7th (9am-5pm)
Where: Meet at the Norwich Center at 2127 Buford Ave SW Roanoke, VA.
Last Day to Register: Nov 5th
REGISTER HERE!

When: Saturday, November 9th (9am-5pm)
Where: Meet at Public Works Service Center at 1802 Courtland Road in Roanoke, VA.
Last Day to Register: Nov. 7th
REGISTER HERE!

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FAQ

What do I need to bring with me on my hikes?

Be prepared for any situation you think you might find on the trail. It will be up to you to ensure that you are properly equipped to be out on the trail. Remember to bring plenty of water, food, proper clothing and footwear, first aid, measures and maps.

Do I have to hike the summits in a particular order?

We organize the #7peaks7weeks guided hikes in sequence from easiest to most challenging, but you can mix it up and tackle the hikes according to your own schedule!

I'm only interested in self-guided hikes. Do I still need to pay to join the program?

To register in the program and receive a Deuter Wizard day pack, you will need to pay the registration fee. This fee helps cover costs associated with program management and the packs. By registering, you’ll also have access to weekly emails that include helpful info about the next hike.

Some of the summits have multiple trail routes to reach the top. Which route am I supposed to take?

We have provided you with suggested routes in the trail description of each summit. If you find another trail route that you’d like to try instead, you’re welcome to do so! Please try to ensure that these trails are safe and always stay on the indicated path.

I am registered for a guided hike. Where do we meet?

If you are registered for a Thursday hike, we will meet at Norwich Recreation Center located at 2127 Buford Ave. in Roanoke, VA. If you are registered for a Saturday hike, we will meet at the City of Roanoke’s Public Works Division parking lot at 1802 Courtland Rd. in Roanoke, VA.