Roaring Run

Roaring Run is an excellent hiking trail for the whole family. The easy, well-marked trail begins at a historic iron furnace and winds back and forth along the Roaring Run stream. You will pass rock walls, cascading water, and cross five footbridges before ending at beautiful Roaring Run Falls.

Roaring Run is more than a hiking trail; it is also a great trout stream with a natural water slide at lower levels. At higher levels, it becomes a Class V+ creek. Bring your water shoes and a bathing suit because the natural water slide is a thrilling ride.

• Easy
• Approximately halfway to the falls is a natural water slide
• Toilets and picnic area with charcoal grill

Distance

• 1.5-mile out-and-back trail

Hike It

• Two trails lead to the falls: the Streamside Trail and the Woodland Trail. Visitors usually take the Streamside trail on the way to the falls and the Woodland Trail for the hike back.
• Streamside Trail: hikers can expect to see stone bridges, remarkable rock surfaces, and the sound of turbid water as they are led alongside Roaring Run Creek towards the falls.
• Woodland Trail: for its namesake, this trail takes hikers through the woods. Hikers will pass by a scenic overlook and the iron furnace (which reflects the national and statewide iron industry in the 19th century).
• The two trails converge 0.1 miles before reaching the falls.

Directions/Parking

From Roanoke – Take I-81 and get off at Exit 150B to US-220 N. Turn left at SR 615 and go 5.5 miles. Turn right onto SR 621 and go 1 mile to Roaring Run entrance, which will be on the left. The trip should take about 40 minutes (27.5 miles) from I-81.

Add-On Adventures

• Need some hiking supplies? Visit Outdoor Trails on US 220 near the intersection with I-81.
• Any trip to this area is not complete without a trip to The Fountain sandwich grill in Ransone’s Drug store in the town of Buchanan. Step back in time – walk through the wooden doors, take a seat at the counter, and prepare yourself for a taste of history.
• Taste Virginia’s award-winning wines. The Botetourt County Wine Trail consists of three local wineries located along Rt. 220 – one of which is only a few miles from Roaring Run.

• Directions
• Website
• Map