Roanoke, VA Outdoor Activities

Cox’s Golf Driving Range’s grounds slope and skate through beautiful landscaping arrangements of bushes and trees that ensconce practice greens and snuggle up against the tricks and traps of the 18-hole Putt-a-Round miniature golf course. Contenders who prefer bats to clubs unleash thunderclaps in the range’s 10 automated batting cages with pitching machines that can alternate between baseballs and softballs. An onsite pro shop outfits practitioners with all the gear they may need for a day of the sporting life, including clubs, balls, and disposable plaid pants.

The husband-and-wife duo that runs Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing always dreamed of starting an all-outdoor summer program for kids. In 1990, their dream became a reality when they purchased 500 acres of land in southwest Virginia that was perfect for outdoor adventures. Hills, trees, caves, and a glistening lake set the scene for activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and caving, though the staff says that its most popular attraction is the 900-foot zipline. Today, the grounds welcome participants young and old; many adult groups travel to the grounds for team-building and leadership events. All of Wilderness Adventure’s programs arm participants with these skills, boosting camper confidence and giving them enough self-esteem to try to singlehandedly bringing back the fanny pack.

As the James and Maury Rivers wind through the Blue Ridge Mountains, they carry kayakers, canoeists, and inner-tube riders past sheer rock walls, boulder-studded rapids, and tree-blanketed mountain peaks. For more than 30 years, the outdoorsmen at Twin River Outfitters have facilitated adventures for explorers of all experience levels on the nearly 100 miles of these rivers in the upper James River Basin. In addition to renting watercraft for independent exploration, Twin River's team leads guided outings, including overnight excursions. The headquarters also encompass a paddle shop, where a knowledgeable staff advises outdoorsmen on gear such as boats, life jackets, and oars autographed by local salmon.

Perched atop Liberty University's tranquil, 5,000 acre mountain, the Snowflex Centre unfurls an innovative system of slopes for year-round skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Thrill-seekers of all skill levels soar across the venue's synthetic winter wonderland, which uses Snowflex technology and a patented misting system to mirror the behavior of real-world snowfalls. Hidden beneath crisp, white drifts, multiple layers of cushions absorb potential tumbles, emboldening snow-thusiasts to attempt free-style tricks (on an elevated drop), triple kickers, and a large quarter pipe. Guests seeking reprieve from supersonic spins and relentless, panhandling snowmen can kick back inside a two-story lodge.

Perched on hilltops that overlook the scenic Roanoke Valley, Hanging Rock Golf Club’s 18-hole course surfs the mountainside for 6,602 yards of challenging course conditions. Rising peaks cast shadows across the course’s emerald fairways as undulating terrain places a high premium on club selection, confident swings, and nine irons impervious to motion sickness. The course’s signature hole, the par 4 fifth, showcases the inventive designs of architect Russell Breeden, as golfers can pen their own pin-hunting tale by playing to a two-tiered green stationed boldly uphill, a tricky layout that emphasizes accurate approach shots and putters that don’t sweat under pressure. To help prepare players for upcoming rounds, resident ace Chip Sullivan conducts private lessons and runs golf academies for birdie-seekers of all stripes.

Course at a Glance:

• Designed by Russell Breeden
• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Length of 6,602 yards from farthest tees
• Course rating of 72.0 from farthest tees
• Slope rating of 137 from farthest tees
• Four tee options
• See the scorecard