Ride, Hike & Explore: Top Trails, Greenways & Scenic Routes around Moneta and Beyond

If you’re visiting Smith Mountain Lake or staying in Moneta and want to add active adventures to your stay, here’s a guide to some of the best biking, gravel, and hiking routes around. Whether you prefer mellow scenic rides, rugged mountain bike loops, or woodland hiking paths, there’s something here for you. (Google Maps links and trail websites included where possible.)

Local Trails (Moneta / Smith Mountain Lake Area)

Moneta Cross Country Trail (Moneta Recreation Park)

• Distance & Difficulty: ~ 2.9 mi loop, rated Moderate

• Description: This mixed-use trail weaves through woods, meadows, and along a small stream. It passes near a disc golf course and includes gentle elevation changes (≈331 ft gain). Great option for hiking or mountain/dual-sport biking.

• Link: AllTrails — Moneta Cross Country Trail >

Smith Mountain Lake State Park Trails

• Distance & Difficulty: 7 trails, ranging from ~0.5 mi to ~3 mi, mostly Easy to Moderate

• Highlights:  • Osprey Point Trail (0.40 mi, moderate) — A short but scenic loop along the lakeshore and interesting rock outcrops (Moneta Gneiss)

• Buck Run Trail — Among the more challenging in the park, with the highest elevation gain (~351 ft)

• Others: Chestnut Ridge, Interpretive Loop, Walton Creek, Striper Cove, Turtle Island, etc.

• Trail map: You can download the park’s trail guide PDF (with blazes and layout) from the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation site SML Lake State Park Trailmap >

• SML State Park Website >

Smith Mountain Lake Community Park Trails

• Distance & Difficulty: ~ 2.0 mi of nature trails (easy) Go Hike Virginia Website >

• Description: The park offers three nature paths: North Shore Trail, South Shore Trail, and the Picnic Point Trail. You’ll enjoy lake vistas, gentle walking terrain, occasional beach frontage, and forested sections.

• Note: The walking/jogging trails are listed as about 1.7 mi in some materials. SML Community Park Website >

Waid Recreation / Pigg River Ramble

• Distance & Difficulty: ~ 7 mi (multi-use) Roanoke Outside Foundation

• Description: This more rural trail network near Rocky Mount follows portions of old roadbeds, riverside stretches, and farmland terrain. Good for hiking, gravel bikes, or exploring less-traveled local landscapes. Roanoke Outside Foundation

Regional & Roanoke-Area Trails & Routes

Roanoke Valley Greenways / Roanoke River Greenway

• Distance & Difficulty: Over 30 mi of paved greenways; Roanoke River Greenway ~ 13.5 mi (east-west stretch)

• Description: These are flat, paved trails ideal for road bikes, hybrids, or casual rides. They meander by parks, follow the Roanoke River, and connect neighborhoods. Excellent for a relaxed ride while taking in river views and urban green spaces.

• Visit Roanoke Website >

Mountain Biking in Roanoke Region

• Distance & Difficulty: Over 400 miles of trails, from beginner to advanced

• Description: The area around Roanoke is often dubbed the “East Coast’s mountain biking capital.” Expect classic singletrack, technical rock gardens, flow sections, and more. Visit Roanoke VA Website >

• Trail Center / Local options: Roanoke County features ~ 14 mi of dual-use / purpose-built bike trails, with ~ 9 mi specially designed features (berms, rollers, rock gardens) for beginner to intermediate riders. Roanoke County Parks Website >

  
  

Scenic Road Cycling & Gravel Routes

• Blue Ridge Parkway & Scenic Byways: A classic route for road and gravel riders. Climb, vistas, quiet roads. Roanoke Outside Foundation Website >

• Salem Bike Route, Scenic Route 39: Strong options for long-distance road cyclists wanting elevation change and scenic terrain. Roanoke Outside Foundation Website >

• Roanoke’s popular road- and gravel-bike loops: Check the VisitRoanoke cycling routes page for curated road rides of varying lengths. Visit Roanoke VA Website >

McAfee Knob / Appalachian Trail

• Distance & Difficulty: ~ 4.4 mi one-way (≈ 8.8 mi round-trip) for the hike, moderately strenuous with ~ 1,700 ft gain

• Description: Though primarily a hiking trail, many advanced mountain bikers sometimes approach sections nearby (with caution). The summit offers one of the most iconic panoramic views in the Appalachians — the “ledge” (rock outcrop) overlooks Catawba Valley, Tinker Cliffs, and the Roanoke Valley.

Suggested Day Ride / Hike Loops

Here’s a sample “active history + scenery” itinerary combining several of these trails:

1. Morning hike / ride: Start with the Moneta Cross Country Trail for a mellow warm-up.

2. Mid-morning burst: Take a loop inside Smith Mountain Lake State Park — Osprey Point + Buck Run if you’re feeling bold.

3. Lunch break: Head toward the park or bring a picnic to Community Park, enjoy lake views.

4. Afternoon push (if heading toward Roanoke): Drive into Roanoke and ride a section of the Roanoke River Greenway, or take a road ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches.

5. Optional summit hike: If you have the energy and travel time, drive to the McAfee Knob trailhead and tackle that iconic hike for sunset views.