I went to Roanoke's main tourist website before traveling to Roanoke. I discovered that the Mill…read moreMountain Star is the top attraction. Like Diamond Head and Waikiki are icon landmarks in Hawaii, and Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York City, Roanoke has the Mill Mountain Star. It was a short 15 minute drive from downtown Roanoke to the Star itself. My friend and I decided to spend a little time here before heading back to downtown Roanoke for dinner. It looked like a beautiful drive and it ended up being one of the most beautiful ones I've done all day in Roanoke. Once we got to the parking area, we found parking and walked to the viewing platform. The overlook was fenced off from people who happened to be looking a little too close and might fall off the cliff. There was informational signage for those who want to learn more about the area and the mill mountain star itself. The views were spectacular looking out into the city of Roanoke and Roanoke valley. It was very beautiful and amazing to see. The mill mountain star is the symbol of the city of Roanoke and it is made out of neon tubing and is 88.5 feet tall. It was initially created as a Christmas symbol but gradually became a symbol of the city of Roanoke. I soaked it all in for maybe 10 minutes and took a selfie with the Mill Mountain Star before we went back to downtown Roanoke for dinner. It was definitely worth going, even if it was just 30 minutes, including the drive times. Definitely Recommended if you're in the area. At least there is restroom facilities here, which is a big plus. The overall experience here at the Mill Mountain Star was breathtaking and indescribable. It was a highlight of my trip to Roanoke, Virginia for sure. The drive up the hill was nice and definitely walkable if you want to, just watch out for cars if you do. There is a long bench directly in front of the structure that you can sit on to rest. On this March 2026 day I was here, my friend and I came across a group of adolescent girls who happened to be sitting on the bench at the time. All 5 of them hanging out together. Thought that was pretty neat and typical. Friends hanging together. After reading those information signage at the Mill Mountain Star, I gazed out into the Roanoke valley and reminded myself that it was absolutely great that I am able to travel. How the history of the Roanoke valley came to be and how the city gradually was formed and is currently thriving. The area is kept clean by the local parks department and there were a few trash cans around for visitors to throw away their garbage. There's also restroom facilities here too for visitors. After leaving downtown Roanoke and driving south towards Rocky Mount, we saw the Star being lit up for the evening. It was great to see it being lit up as a landmark of Roanoke. If you're in the area and want to look at the top attraction of Roanoke, swing on by. Best bet would be to come in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds if possible. The Mill Mountain Star is the iconic symbol of the city of Roanoke, Virginia. Its physical address is located in Mill Mountain Park, 2000 JB Fishburn Parkway SE. There was no admission fee required here, which s very nice. Just be respectful to others that are around and keep the area litter free. As far as parking goes, there are maybe 8 parking stalls that are readily available for visitors. You may want to avoid crowds for the best time possible. If you're a fan of public transportation, bus route 41 takes you from the 3rd street station in downtown Roanoke close enough to Mill Mountain. You'd stop off at the Dollar General at Riverland Road EB and Garden City (Hwy 116) but you'd have to walk close to 2 miles from there to get to the parking lot and the Mill Mountain Star. There is also the Mill Mountain Trail head if you don't want to follow the road leading up to the Star. Might be more scenic if you have the time to hike versus driving. And of course, there's always Uber and Lyft if you need them for your convenience. It was one thing that I can knock off my list to visit. It's quite nice to see at night. If you're in the area and want to see the Roanoke Star, come on by. And by the way, There's nothing up here besides restrooms and a parking lot, as far as amenities go. Best thing to do is eat or drink before or after you visit. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Support local! A+

We stopped here on our travels to Roanoke. We read about it being one of the most visited places in…read moreRoanoke. We followed the directions and arrived before the sun was setting. We were told it is great place to see the sunset. We parked in the small parking area and took the short walk to the observation deck which is just below the star. The view from the observation deck is amazing. There is a display that shows the mountains you can see with names and distance. We read there is another observation deck if you follow one of the trails but we did not explore more. Our only recommendation is to get here early because parking is limited.

If you are anywhere near Covington or Hot Springs, Virginia…read more I definitely recommend a stop here. The view and the sound of the falls is fantastic! Just bit of warning: if you don't drive in the mountains. Go slow, sharp turns going up and down the mountain. Plus, be very careful when pulling in or out. There are blind curves on both sides.

This scenic waterfall / overlook is located on Rte. 220 in Alleghany County, about 5 miles north of…read moreCovington. The road is very windy as you approach the overlook area, but the property has had extensive renovations to the overlook and grounds so that visitors can more safely stop and enjoy the view. There are a number of shaded picnic tables at the overlook. One star off as there is no direct access to the falls or trails nearby. I get it though; I'm sure that there is a safety risk.

Tony and I discovered this lovely location on Saturday June 15th, we were driving to Prince, WV to…read moresee the Art Deco Train Station when we saw the sign for Glade Creek. Turn off is on the right, just before you cross the bridge crossing the New River. The road is all gravel and not in bad condition but very busy. There were many cars and trucks up and down this road. There are a lot of pullover spots but we saw a sign that said Gladecreek Sandbar Rd so we cut to the left heading over the hillside down to the river through the trees and brush. It opened into a clearing, to the right was drive up camping tent sites (no electric available) and to the left was walk in tent sites (No electric there too) and in the middle was parking, bathhouse and boat ramp available for use. There was also a couple of picnic tables near the boat ramp and once at the end of the ramp to the left and right come really nice places to spend the day fishing and swimming and having fun. The water is a little swift here and there are boaters coming down the river in rafts going whitewater rafting. It is all very nice and with the sun shining very lovely and relaxing...I want to camp and fish now!!!!

Bridge Day was SOOO much fun. Not only was there such beautiful scenery but we got to see a tons of…read morebase jumps from the river down below. We took the bus to watch at the landing spot. Such a great vantage point. We watched the jumpers land on target, in the water and in a tree! Also enjoyed watching the rappelling as well. Great atmosphere. Loved it!

When there is something unique that you come across you either keep the information to yourself or…read moreyou spread the word. It always amazes me that people don't explore the cities within their state as well as states that border your own. West Virginia is no exception. If you ever feel the need to spend a weekend camping but also watching people base jump, then it doesn't get better than this. The New River Gorge Bridge gets closed for this one day of the year to celebrate the completion of its initial building. There are people jumping and rappelling down to the banks below. Camp out near and watch them come down or join the masses up on the bridge to watch from above. ~

It's true that pretty much all the locals take visitors to see Lovers Leap. It is essentially a…read morewide space on the mountain where you can park your car and look down into a beautiful pastoral valley. I think that you can see Chateau Morrisette Vineyard & Winery from here. You can certainly see something that looks like a vineyard & winery. Chateau Morrisette is not our only area winery though. Local "Pro" tip: Stop at Lover's Leap and get that view but then drive into Fred Clifton Park right next to it and follow (on foot) the signs to the overlook. You get much more specatular views from Fred Clifton Park.

Very beautiful scenic view in the middle of a relaxing drive through the mountains. If you are…read moretraveling that way, it is worth the stop.

Really enjoyed our quick adventure here. The water was perfect, loved the individual changing rooms…read moreand floaties in the women's bathhouse. The check in was easy and because it's reservation only, the number of people allowed makes it less crowded. The temperature of the water is perfect -- not super hot. The depth is 6ft so many cannot touch the ground. The sulphur smell isn't that strong. Loved the bit of history that they gave us at the end My only wish is that I could stay in there all day!! I will definitely try to get back here.

Part of our Girl's Trip earlier this year. My friend had made reservations so be sure to do that…read morebefore coming here. We went around March and it was freezing outside! Parking can def be tricky so be sure to come about 10-15 mins early to get the rules of what is to be expected. They are very organized and do have separate slots for co-ed, family-friendly, and separate female and male houses. My friend and I got the women's only warm springs and IT IS A MUST try. Like I mentioned earlier, very organized and a fantastic experience. We managed to get a dressing room to leave our belongings there and last minute decided to go in the nude. You do have the option to wear your bathing suit - your level of comfort! It was AMAZING. The water was perfect and the silence/meditation was much needed in my life. The rocks on the bottom of the springs to step on and floaties to float on. It's a really great experience I'm so happy I got to try it. Be sure to check out the website for additional information and make reservations - it is part of the Omni Hotel (https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia/wellness/warm-springs-pools?utm_source=GMBlisting&utm_medium=organic) Oh, and there is a REALLY delicious restaurant across the street (called The Inn - be sure to make reservations because they do tend to get crowded)!

This place has lots of personality to be so high up and away from other people and businesses. The…read moreday I visited they had a Blue Grass band and a fair amount of tourists stopping in. If you're brave and healthy enough, get a ticket to walk the stairs of the lookout tower. It's an experience you won't regret!

Cutest little country store I've ever been in! great prices and the nicest older man working.read more

Passed thru the area on the way home. We first came here in the spring.. day trip to see…read morewaterfalls. We saw the power plant and waterfalls. Very close to cathedral falls.

Peace, Solitude, A time to turn to quieter days, a time to recharge the inner batteries…read more On more than one occasion, I have traveled to this area and I've come to love it. The first was probably close to 30 years ago when I was living outside of Pittsburgh and heading south, I missed the turnoff to the US 19 shortcut to I-77 and made a correction and followed the Gauley River. It was in October and I was beautiful. Times have moved on since then and times have changed. Kids have grown up, I remarried and moved in a different direction in my career but I keep being drawn back to this place. Not sure but it may be the contrast. From the East, you have the New River which rises in the Mountains of NC of which I am a native. Not new but very old, quite at times but turbulent at others. From the side is the smaller Gauley and while smaller, a very vigorous stream. They come together at the town of Gauley River. The Gauley and the New River combine at this point to form the Kanawa in it's journey to become part of the Ohio. At the same time, mighty rail lines converge as well to form a contrast. Power or nature and industry on one side, but the quiet acceptance and tranquility of the other. I love this place for several reasons. The Beauty is one, particularly in the fall with fall colors but more importantly the underlying presence of the forces on nature and industry. Alli in all, somehow a since of tranquity and peace is maintained and that is what I love. I love to walk down on an early morning and watch the trains laden with cold go by. A gentle stream of traffic go by. The only confusion comes from natural events such as Waterfalls, Locks , etc Love this place because it is one of the few places i can gather my thoughs

What a beautiful spot!…read more Definitely worth the time to stop. They have picnic tables and trash cans available too so you can have a cute little picnic. Peak Fall, end of October, resulted in beautiful, colorful foliage and makes for some gorgeous pictures.

A nice spot with an amazing view. There are two large parking areas which do suggest that it has a…read morelot going on but in early September, there was only one other person here! The view over the valley is tremendous. There is a picnic pavilion and a marker which points out a local tragedy. It reads, "Off Young's Monument Rd. (.3M) is grave site of Henry & Lucinda Young. A Confed. militiaman or sympathizer, he was killed by Union troops nearby on 8 Sept. 1861. Details of Young's life and death are scant and confused, symbolizing divided loyalties, tragic times and enduring saga of Civil War in WV, when state was pitted against state and brother against brother. New road in 1970 required reburial." Worth a stop. Use caution if you're coming from southbound. [Review 20396 overall - 114 in West Virginia - 1374 of 2023.]