Roanoke Valley map (click to enlarge)

An exit off of the Blue Ridge Parkway called Mill Mountain Parkway leads to more facilities run by the National Park Service. This exit is just south of the entrance to the Roanoke Mountain Loop Road. If you are making a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is no real reason to take a side trip on Mill Mountain other than to catch a Sunday evening concert at the Roanoke Mountain Picnic Area.

Here is a listing of what you can find along Mill Mountain Parkway:

ROANOKE MOUNTAIN PICNIC AREA

Large picnic area with grills and restroom facilities. Check out the Roanoke Mountain Picnic Area web page for more details.

GUM SPRING OVERLOOK

This is a parking area only, but for what, I have no idea. Any views have long since disappeared behind trees and other brush, and there is no trail access.

CHESTNUT RIDGE OVERLOOK

Park here to access the Chestnut Ridge Trail. There are no views.

CHESTNUT RIDGE TRAIL

The Chestnut Ridge Trail is a 5.4-mile loop trail that can be accessed at the Chestnut Ridge Overlook or at the Roanoke Mountain Picnic Area. I did not hike this trail, but the Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Guide rates it as moderate. For a list of more trails in the area, visit the Roanoke Valley Hiking Trail web page.