Roanoke River Blueway Brochure
Looking for a copy of the brochure to help you navigate the water? Brochures are available across the valley, including at Roanoke Mountain Adventures, the Visitor’s Center at the O. Winston Link Museum, and other locations.
Roanoke River Blueway Interactive Map
The Roanoke River Blueway Interactive Map provides information on Blueway resources – access points, amenities, river hazards/portages, USGS streamflow gages, Roanoke Valley Greenways and trails, DGIF Birding and Wildlife Trail sites, stocked trout waters, historic resources, reference points, and other resources. Click on the map icons for a pop-up menu of information for each Blueway resource. Click here to open a larger version of the interactive map in a new window. Note: Interactive map may take a few seconds to load.
Note: Outside of the designated Roanoke River Blueway public access points and required portages, land adjacent to the Roanoke River is private property and is NOT open for public use. Blueway users should respect private property rights at all times. Additionally, Blueway users should enter/exit the Roanoke River and tributaries only at designated public access points, parks or other areas open to the general public.
Roanoke River Blueway Access Points Map
The Roanoke River Blueway Access Map is designed to be printed as a double sided, 8 x 11 document and serve as a general reference.
Paddle by Bus Map
Valley Metro, the regional public transit provider, has bus routes with stops proximate to several Roanoke River Blueway access points. Although Valley Metro buses cannot transport a canoe, kayak or other watercraft, they can be utilized as a shuttle service for the return trip (upstream) to Roanoke River Blueway access points. Valley Metro hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 6:00 am – 8:00 pm with buses running every 60 minutes. Bus fare is $1.50 and exact change is required. Valley Metro route maps, schedules, and fare are available at www.valleymetro.com.
- Wasena Park Access to Salem Rotary Park Access (Valley Metro Route 71)
Paddle the Roanoke River Blueway from the Salem Rotary Park access (or Back Country Ski & Sport access ) to the Wasena Park access and utilize Valley Metro as a return shuttle to upstream to starting point. Canoe/kayak can be locked at Wasena Park access – bring your own cable/lock.
Blueway by Bike Map
The Regional Interactive Bicycle Map provides information area bicycle accommodations, greenways and trails, and alternative transportation amenities available to facilitate use of the Roanoke River Blueway and adjacent Roanoke River Greenway. Additional cycling resources are available at the Regional Commission’s Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenway Planning page.
Bike, Hike Bus, Roanoke Valley Map
The Regional Commission has released its all new Roanoke Valley Bike, Hike, & Bus Map which includes area bicycle accommodations (bicycle lanes, bike routes), Valley Metro and Smartway bus routes, greenways, trails, local parks, Carvins Cove, Mill Mountain, Explore Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, and other activity centers in the Roanoke Valley. Free copies of the map are available at the Regional Commission (313 Luck Avenue SW Roanoke VA 24016) or via the RIDE Solutions online request form.
Roanoke Valley Greenways
The Roanoke River Greenway parallels the Roanoke River Blueway for approximately 15 miles in the cities of Roanoke and Salem, Roanoke County, and the Town of Vinton. The Roanoke Valley Greenways Interactive Map provides information on area greenways and amenities many of which serve both the Roanoke River Blueway and Roanoke River Greenway.
Additional Maps
Additional maps of recreation, outdoor, and transportation amenities in the area are available on the Regional Commission’s Maps page.
