Read Mountain Preserve

Got up early for a sunrise hike only to realize the view looks west. 😅

Still totally worth it even though it was windy and cold.

Great for hiking, running, climb and chill, or explore the various loops

Good wooded hike! Well marked to stay on the right trail. We saw a creek along the way. It’s pretty rocky and you even climb some rock steps. If you take the blue trail, it takes you 2 miles up the mountain to Buzzards Rock. It’s all uphill to the overlook, but not too steep. I’d say this hike is moderately challenging.

I love read mountain!!! The hike is easy to moderate and there’s many trails to choose from to get to the summit. This helps if you want a harder hike or if you want some solitude. The hike can range from 2-3 miles to the summit depending on which trail you take. There’s also a bench at the summit which wasn’t always there. I honestly don’t see the need for a bench up there as there are plenty of rocks to sit on. Overall a beautiful mountain and a beautiful view that overlooks Roanoke, mainly the hollins area. You can also watch airplanes take off and land from the summit!

Very nice hike. Enjoyed it

If you're looking for a local hike that's challenging and fun, look no further. And the view from Buzzards Rock is worth the effort. Have a seat on the bench at the overlook and enjoy! Varying distance between 4-5 miles round trip depends on your route. Rocky Way alternative is challenging but scenic. Bring water on hot days.

Short but can be intense climb if you take the red and yellow trails. I'd recommend having hiking boots with ankle support. The blue trail is a nice gentle incline. It is about 2.1 miles to the rock cliffs and you can go further but not as good of a view.
Decent parking and seems pretty safe.

Great hike! Intermediate difficulty. 1.9 miles to buzzards rock, or about 6 miles round trip. The ascent is moderate and footing is a little rocky. 1 small creek for the pups to stop and take a drink. My favorite part is that there weren't many people there.

Great 5 mile loop hike in a county park with well maintained and marked trails. Portapotty at the trailhead.

Didn't realize that a hike like this was available so close. Trail is well maintained and marked. It's a steady climb going up along with steps. There some awesome views with the airport all the way to Carvins Cove.

Great family experience. Great for pets, kids, all in between, and elderly. The hike is subtle and full of life all around but don't worry, most of it keeps to its own. Keep an eye out for some shortcuts and enjoy a water crossing and some water falls that are refreshing in every aspect. The view from the top is gorgeous as you peek towards parts of the Roanoke Valley (airport area) from several rock formations or even a bench for those who prefer it. Keep an eye out for some short cuts as well, enjoy, and relax on the Read Mountain Preserve Trail.

Relatively close to where I live or shop this mountain gives me easy access to mountain hiking. It is tame but moderately challenging. Allow four hours for the up and down hike and stops along the way.

Round trip hike from the trailhead to Buzzards Rock then along the CCC trail and yellow trail is around 6 miles. If you just do an out-and-back to Buzzards Rock it's around 3. Not a super challenging hike but there is about 800 ft of elevation gain to the Rock. There is a very helpful trail map you can pick up in a mailbox right when you start.

Amazing day! Do pick your trail accordingly. Some areas require a little more effort but nothing terrible. Definitely will be back again and again

Loved the local yolks that live at the base of the mtn. everyone on the trail has good vibes.

Tucked away behind a neighborhood you'd never realize its there. Perfect for a beautiful hike without going too far out of Roanoke. I've hike both Buzzards Rock and Rocky trail and love them both. Rocky trail is a bit more advanced but has an awesome flat view spot for a rewarding lunch afterward before heading back down.

Nice short hike you can do in an evening (or morning or whenever). It overlooks North Roanoke and the Hollins area. The trail is well marked, as is the parking lot. It's well maintained and has a trail map of the area. This is also a nice place to have a little picnic.

Love this hike and all the options for distance. Super accessible from roanoke and just enough challenge to get the heart going. The signs are pretty awesome too.

Lovely, breathtaking, picturesque! Do come for beautiful sunsets and some healthy cardio burns.

Sweet hike! Moderate intensity with a great lookout at the top. There are a lot of really neat stone staircases along the way and the trails are pretty well marked. There is also a bench at the lookout point so you know when you're at the top. And just as a heads up, you travel through a subdivision to get to the trailhead.

Nice hike with a lot of elevation to get the heart rate up! Would rate moderate, view at the top has some mountains, but mostly the city of Roanoke below. Cool rocks to climb out on and get a good photo!