The best walks and hikes around Hollins

Yes, the area offers several accessible options perfect for families. The Roanoke River Greenway — Roanoke is a great choice, providing a relatively flat path through urban green spaces. For a shorter walk, the Downtown Roanoke loop is another easy option that explores the city's core.

Many trails in the Hollins area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. The Tinker Creek Greenway is a popular spot for dog walkers, offering varied scenery with river and mountain views. Always check specific regulations for parks like Carvins Cove Natural Reserve before you go.

Carvins Cove is the second-largest municipal park in the US and features over 60 miles of trails. You can find everything from gentle lakeside paths to strenuous mountain climbs. For a challenging circular route with significant elevation gain, consider the Brushy Mountain loop. A longer, more moderate option is the Carvins Cove Reservoir loop via Happy Valley Trail, which offers great views of the water.

The trails cater to a range of fitness levels. Of the 20 routes in the area, you'll find a good split between easy and moderate hikes. There are gentle paths like the local greenways and more demanding routes in Carvins Cove and on the Appalachian Trail that involve steep climbs and significant elevation gain.

While the immediate Hollins area is known more for its mountain vistas and reservoirs, several beautiful waterfall hikes are just a short drive away in the wider Blue Ridge region. Exploring trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway or in the Jefferson National Forest will lead you to some of the area's best cascades.

The Triple Crown refers to a challenging and rewarding 35-mile loop that includes three of the most iconic viewpoints on the Appalachian Trail: McAfee Knob, Dragon's Tooth, and Tinker Cliffs. While some hikers tackle it as a multi-day backpacking trip, you can also hike each section as a strenuous day hike. For more details on planning this adventure, you can consult Visit Roanoke's guide.

McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail. While the most common route starts from the VA 311 parking lot, you can also access it via a longer, more strenuous hike from within Carvins Cove. The McAfee Knob from Carvins Cove Natural Reserve trail offers a challenging ascent to the famous overlook.

The Tinker Creek Greenway is a well-regarded multi-use trail that starts near Hollins University and connects to the Carvins Cove trail system. It's praised by locals for its peaceful atmosphere and diverse scenery, which includes river, forest, and mountain views. The path is suitable for both walking and biking.

Spring and fall are ideal for hiking in the Roanoke Valley. During these seasons, you'll experience pleasant temperatures and see the landscape in full bloom or vibrant autumn colors. Summer can be hot and humid, so early morning starts are recommended. Winter hiking is possible, but be prepared for cold weather and potentially icy conditions on the trails, especially at higher elevations.

Hollins is conveniently located. The Tinker Creek Greenway trailhead is right on the edge of the area. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is just a few minutes' drive away. The trailheads for the iconic Triple Crown hikes, such as McAfee Knob and Dragon's Tooth, are typically within a 30-45 minute drive, making Hollins an excellent base for exploring the region's best trails.

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends at popular trailheads like the one for McAfee Knob on VA 311. Lots can fill up early in the morning. For a less crowded experience, consider hiking on a weekday or exploring the vast network of trails at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, which has multiple access points and larger parking areas.