Roanoke River Blueway

The Roanoke River drops 45 miles from Salem to Smith Mountain Lake, carving a line through the valley that was home to the Tutelo before Scotch-Irish and German settlers arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries. The river runs Class I to II — manageable for beginners, with rock gardens that demand attention. Bald eagles and great blue herons work the banks. Seventeen public access points break the route into sections. The downtown stretch passes under the Market Street Bridge with the city skyline visible from the water. In 1882, the Norfolk and Western Railway chose the site that would become Roanoke for its headquarters and shops; during the 20th century, the city became Southwest Virginia's economic and cultural hub. The river moved through the valley before any of that, and it's still moving. Kayak and canoe rentals are available in Salem. Best paddled in sections, not all at once. The water keeps going whether you're on it or not.