Mill Mountain

Overview

Mill Mountain is not a true mountain as in the Rockies or High Sierras, but it is a Mid-Atlantic mini mountain that affords some enjoyable days in the outdoors. This mountain looms above Roanoke, Virginia and is one of the city's better known landmarks for two reasons. On top of the mountain is a mini-zoo as well as the Mill Mountain Star which lights up the night sky. Also from the top of Mill Mountain there are great views of the not so distant Blue Ridge Mounains. The most popular way up this mountain is on the road that goes to the zoo. There are no officially maintained hiking trails that I know of, but with some easy bushwacking, it can be an enjoyable hike to the summit. Also, the summit gives fine views of Roanoke below, as well as Roanoke Mountain.

Getting There

From I-81:
Take Exit 143 / I-581 South to Downtown Roanoke Take Exit 6 / Elm Ave. off I-581 (220) Turn Right at the end of exit ramp onto Elm Ave. Past hospital - Left at second light onto Jefferson St. Turn left at fourth slop light onto Walnut Ave. Walnut Ave. goes up Mill Mountain - Becomes Parkway Spur Rd. At top of Mountain turn right at the Mill Mountain Park Sign Zoo is located to the left of parking area
From I-581 (220):
Traveling North on I-581 (220) - Take Blue Ridge Parkway Exit Go North on the Parkway 1/4 of a mile Take a Left a Mill Mountain Park / Zoo sign Travel Parkway Spur 3 miles Take a Left at Mill Mountain Park sign Zoo is located to the left of parking area
From Rt. 460:
At intersection of Orange Ave (460) and Williamson Rd. Take entrance ramp to I-581 (220) Downtown (South) Take Exit 6 / Elm Ave. off I-581 (220) Turn Right at the end of exit ramp onto Elm Ave. Past hospital - Left at second light onto Jefferson St. Turn left at fourth stop light onto Walnut Ave. Walnut Ave. goes up Mill Mountain - Becomes Parkway Spur Rd. At top of Mountain turn right at the Mill Mountain Park Sign Zoo is located to the left of parking area

Red Tape

There are no permits required for the mountain. As for the zoo, there is a fee to get in but I'm not sure of the price.

When To Climb

Anytime of year is a good time to climb or hike this mountain.

Mountain Conditions

Go to the National Weather Service for weather conditions.
Also weather.com for Roanoke will give forecastst up to ten days for the area.

External Links

• www.mmzoo.org
  This is a website about the zoo on top of Mills Mountain.
  
• www.roanoke.com
  Roanoke, Virginia website with information on Mills Mountain.
  

Images

View Mill Mountain Image Gallery - 4 Images