We’ve talked a lot about rock climbing on this blog, but there are so many other great ways to enjoy the outdoors. In today’s post, I’ll describe in a fair amount of detail some of the other outrageously fun outside activities you might like to do this summer.
Hiking
One of the greatest things about being in the Roanoke Valley area is that we are indeed in a valley. And where there is a valley, there are also mountains. What do we do with mountains? We climb them. In fact, we have over 600 miles of hiking trails here in our lovely little valley. Some climbs are tougher than others, but they’re each worth the effort. After all, there’s nothing quite like getting lost in the woods. Click here for a fantastic rundown of some adventures you can take.
Fishing
My favorite thing about fishing is that, by default, you’re right on the water. Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t know if there’s anything I love more than a beautiful natural body of water. Being able to interact with whatever swims beneath the surface is just the icing on the cake. There are so many different levels and styles of fishing that there’s really no excuse to say flat-out that you don’t like it. Smith Mountain Lake is an obvious go-to fishing hole, but if you’re looking for an experience unlike any other you can find in the area, I recommend Big Pine Trout Farm. The service is excellent, and there are some really great fish (Rainbow and Brook trout) up there – not to mention the location itself is beautiful. Of course, there are plenty of others, too.
Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, and Other Water Sports
Who doesn’t enjoy playing around the water? Between spending a day out on the open water on a pontoon boat, ripping around on a ski boat or jet ski, being pulled behind a boat in a tube or on a board, paddling down a creek in a canoe, challenging some rapids in your kayak, there’s so much fun you can have. And here in southwestern Virginia, there are oh-so-many places where you can have your fun. I’ve spent the last 8 years of my life on Smith Mountain Lake, so understand that I’m biased when I say that that’s my personal favorite for big, exciting activities with lots of other folks. But quieter, more tranquil experiences can be found not too far away in North Creek, Craig Creek, or Carvin’s Cove – just to name a few. There are so many different water paradises that can be found practically in your backyard.
Other Experiences Not to Forget
There are so many things to do around here, I can only briefly touch on a few of them. Some others that didn’t fit in above but should not be forgotten include: the Natural Bridge, the Dixie Caverns, Wilderness Adventure, cycling on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and, of course, FloydFest.
