Tinker Ridge/Hay Rock Overlook

The Tinker Ridge Trail crosses Tinker Creek, which is the site depicted in Annie Dillard’s 1974 Nonfiction work “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,” then ascends Tinker Ridge at Hay Rock Overlook, providing spectacular views of Carvins Cove, North County, and the Roanoke Valley. The 8-mile round trip hike on the Appalachian Trail is just a 15-minute drive from Downtown Roanoke and is of moderate difficulty.

Distance

  • The round-trip hike is 8 miles long.

Hike it

  • Begin the hike by crossing the guardrail go .2 miles on the unmarked trail until you reach the Appalachian Trail intersection.
  • At the intersection, go left onto the white blazed trail, where you will continue for close to a mile.
  • You will then reach the RATC information kiosk after crossing a creek and railroad tracks.
  • The trail then becomes steeper and rockier, where you follow the trail until you reach the top. There are three marked overlooks on the way to the top for beautiful views of McAfee’s Knob, Hay Rock, and Carvins Cove.

Directions/Parking

  • From Roanoke, take I-81N to Exit 150B.
  • After the exit, follow Rt. 220N toward Fincastle and Daleville.
  • After turning on 220, you will see a Park & Ride lot almost immediately on your left.
  • The Address of the park and ride is 39 Tinker Mountain Road, Daleville, VA 24083.
  • You will park at the Park and Ride, which is free for hikers.

Add-on Adventures

  • Visit a local brewery for a drink after your climb or hike, such as Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers (less than 15 miles away in Downtown Roanoke) or Ballast Point Brewing (less than 4 miles from US Hwy 220).
  • Visit Downtown Roanoke for dinner or lunch and enjoy the great local restaurants or market on a day that it is open.
  • Visit the Fincastle Winery in Fincastle for a glass of wine, or bottle to take home.

Nearby Breweries

  • A Few Old Goats Brewing (AFOG) Expand Collapse

    A Few Old Goats Brewing is a 2-barrel system brewery located in the Old Southwest area of Downtown Roanoke at the West End Flats. Owners Tom Kincaid, Curtis Reed, and Ken McGraw were active homebrewers before opening this location in July 2018. The tap room is open Wednesdays through Sundays. Beers choices include red ale, porter, light ale, stout, saison, IPA, New England IPA, and special and seasonal offerings.

    Indoor and outdoors seating (bring your own chairs). Food truck on site for dining most evenings.

  • Barrel Chest Wine and Beer Expand Collapse

    Barrel Chest has Roanoke’s largest, most expertly curated selection of craft beer and fine wine. It is the only retail store in the area to have beer on tap, wine by the glass, and growler fills to go. Beer options include plenty of names you know and beers brewed on site.

    Open daily.

  • Big Lick Brewing Company Expand Collapse

    Big Lick Brewing Company was Roanoke’s first nano brewery and taproom; while it has grown the idea that it is “specializing in craft beer with an emphasis on quality and variety” has not. You might find anything from a cream ale to IPA to porter at any given time.

    The taproom is open Wednesday through Saturday. Bring your growler for a fill-up to go.

  • Golden Cactus Brewery Expand Collapse

    We brew every week, usually a beer we’ve never made before to keep things fun and fresh. We’re colorful, kid friendly, and love to share behind the scenes of how we brew. Visiting us is like visiting your grandma’s greenhouse on a warm Spring day.

    Hours of Operation

    Mon. – Thurs. 3 pm – 9pm
    Fri. – Sat.  12 pm – 10 pm
    Sun. 1 pm – 8 pm

  • Golden Cactus Brewing Expand Collapse

    Specialty craft beer brewed in Downtown Roanoke, Virginia.

  • Olde Salem Brewing Company – Roanoke Expand Collapse

    The newest Olde Salem Brewing Company location is on the corner of Church and Market Streets in Downtown Roanoke. Come have a beer with us.

    Monday-Thursday: 11am-9pm
    Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm
    Sunday: 11am-8pm

    Be sure to check out our Salem location too.

  • Olde Salem Brewing Company – Salem Expand Collapse

    Located at the very heart of Salem Virginia’s Historic Main Street District, Olde Salem Brewing Co. exudes history. The building was constructed just 114 years after the town was founded in 1806 by James Simpson; and was home to a well known appliance store for decades. Olde Salem believes its craft beers hold a piece of that history in every glass.

    Open Tuesday through Sunday.

    Be sure to check out our downtown Roanoke location on the corner of Church and Market Streets.

  • Parkway Brewing Company Expand Collapse

    Parkway Brewing Company is a 4 vessel, 30 bbl micro-brewery with a 17,000 barrel capacity, in Salem, Virginia, specializing in distinctive ales for the discriminating beer enthusiast. Founded in 2012, Parkway Brewing offers several beers exclusively on-site, as well as flagship beers sold in bottles and kegs throughout Virginia.

    Random live music, from old-time bluegrass to blues and rock, and a variety of food trucks make this a destination for weary travelers who need a break from driving on Interstate 81. A casual, low-key vibe, along with some stellar brews keep the locals coming back for more. Family friendly and boasting an outdoor beer garden, Parkway Brewing has become one of Salem’s most unique and welcome community assets.

    The tasting room is open seven days a week:

    • Mon. and Tues:  2-8pm
    • Wed. and Thurs:  2-9pm
    • Fri. and Sat: 12-9pm
    • Sunday:  12-8pm
  • Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage Expand Collapse

    Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage has 23 rotating taps of Starr Hill craft beer, including special pilot batches that you can only find in Roanoke. The location has live music and open mic nights and there’s often a food truck on-site. Brewery is open daily.

  • Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery Expand Collapse

    The Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery – Roanoke is located in the heart of Downtown directly across from Center in the Square. The kitchen specializes in creating locally-sourced, beer-infused dishes designed to complement the season as well as what’s on tap. From Southern classics to modern favorites and our kid’s menu, you’ll find something for everyone. Location serves flagship and seasonal beers, plus unique, locally focused styles brewed on the pilot system and from other taprooms.

  • Twin Creeks Brewing Co. Expand Collapse

    Twin Creeks Brewing Company is Vinton and Roanoke County’s first micro-brewery. The brewery has plenty of options on tap from blonde ales to IPAs to porters. The brewery also has food trucks and live music on site. Extra parking at Vinton Farmer’s Market, Between the farmer’s market and post office, and Vinton Library (after hours).

    Open Thursday through Saturday.

  • Twisted Track Brewpub Expand Collapse

    The Twisted Track Brewpub thrives to be a destination for the whole valley and beyond; the premier brewery in the Roanoke Valley, brewing everything from traditional European ales to American IPAs , stouts and sours, while specializing in lagers. The aim is to add a new twist to the existing craft beer scene and to serve and nurture our wonderful community – our home.

    In addition to hand crafted beer, we offer pub fare with yet another twist and a selection of wines, ciders and soft drinks – something for everyone.

    Open hours: 4:00pm to 9:00pm Tues. thru Thurs., 12:00pm to 10:00pm Fri./Sat., and 12:00pm to 7:00pm Sun

Nearby Food

Nearby Shopping & Gear

  • Boat & Kayak Rentals at Carvins Cove Expand Collapse

    Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the second largest municipal park in the nation. It holds a major water source within its 12,700 acres and overflowing recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, and boat rentals. The cove includes 11,363 acres that are protected by the largest conservation easement in Virginia’s history.

    With more than 60 miles of trails and an 600-acre reservoir Carvins Cove is a mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating paradise.

    The Marina rents 14′ row boats along with single and tandem kayaks.

  • Botetourt County Horseman’s Association Expand Collapse

    The Botetourt County Horseman’s Association is designed to promote interest in breeding and showing of horses, to promote better horsemanship, to offer educational opportunities and social activities, and to stimulate interest in the equine and local equine activities and events.

    The group meets monthly and maintains an active Facebook group.

  • Boy Scouts of America Blue Ridge Mountains Council Expand Collapse

    Scouting is about building character, developing personal fitness, and learning leadership and citizenship. These goals are achieved in the outdoors. The adventure of hiking, camping, swimming, boating, high-adventure challenges, and touring is woven into the scouting program.

    • Cub Scouts: First through fifth grades (seven to 10 years old)
    • Boy Scouting: Ages 11-17, program of fun outdoor activities, peer group leadership opportunities and a personal exploration of career, hobby and special interests
    • Venturing: Youth development program for young men and women who are ages 14-20
  • Cardinal Bicycle – Orange Avenue Expand Collapse

    Cardinal Bicycle has been serving the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia since 1977. Cardinal has a knowledgeable sales staff, a certified mechanic with over 25 years of experience, and a certified fit professional. They have two location, one on Orange Avenue and the other in Grandin Village.

  • Gander Outdoors Expand Collapse

    If you’re going fishing at Smith Mountain Lake or hiking on the Appalachian Trail, make sure you’re prepared with a stop at the Roanoke Gander Outdoors. The store has a tremendous assortment of the top brand-name gear as well as technical clothing designed to make your day more enjoyable.

  • Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Expand Collapse

    For almost 100 years Girl Scouts have been helping girls discover their self potential. Did you know that 70 percent of women in the U.S. Congress were Girl Scouts? They’re not alone. About 69 percent of female executives and leaders have participated in Girl Scouts.

    Girl Scouts has age-appropriate programs that meet the needs of today’s girls from kindergarten to 12th grade. The model is based on three principles:

    • Girls discover their world and their own potential and strengthen their values
    • Girls connect with others through caring relationships and team building
    • Girls become empowered to take action and be advocates for themselves and others
  • Muddy Squirrel Expand Collapse

    Muddy Squirrel is your gateway to outdoor adventure. If you would like to start trail running, mountain biking, orienteering, or even shooting, they have the tools you’ll need in a fun, risk-free environment. Muddy Squirrel offers women’s only events, guided trips, kids’ birthday parties, and corporate team-building.

  • Outdoor Trails Expand Collapse

    Outdoor Trails is your outdoor gear and clothing specialist. Founded in 1995 on the principle that enjoying the outdoors leads to a better quality of life, Outdoor Trails has the knowledge and the passion to help you with all your outdoor equipment and clothing needs.

    Selection includes tents, backpacks, clothing, camping gear, climbing gear, and camping rentals. Outdoor Trails also provides a shuttle service for hiking the Appalachian Trail.

  • Sportsman’s Warehouse Expand Collapse

    Whether your passion is hunting, fishing, camping, backpacking or shooting, it’s important to have the right equipment when you head into the great outdoors. That’s why Sportsman’s Warehouse carries only top-quality, brand-name products for the serious outdoor enthusiast.

  • Trail Running with Muddy Squirrel Expand Collapse

    Trail Running training program that lasts six weeks and concludes with a social run for everyone. (There is also a 3-week training option.) The sessions will help you learn how to navigate trails and terrain, how to stay injury-free, and how to “think like a trail runner.”

    • Activities: Training and social runs for trail runners of all levels. Times and locations of social runs are posted on Facebook.
    • Who should join: Runners of all levels.
    • Cost: Social run if free; training program is $49
  • Walkabout Outfitter – Valley View Mall Expand Collapse

    Co-Owned by Kirk Miller, an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and Eagle Scout; Walkabout Outfitter carries clothing, footwear, and equipment for camping, hiking, backpacking, travel and everyday wear.

    Walkabout Outfitter sells outdoor, travel, and lifestyle clothing from The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear and offer plenty of footwear options to include: Keen, Chaco, Merrell and Ahnu.  Walkabout sells top of the line gear from Osprey, Eagles Nest Outfitters, MSR, Leki, Petzl, Black Diamond and more.

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