Hiking Clubs in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia

The Appalachian Trail is the longest marked footpath in the United States, extending more than 2,100 miles through 14 states. The trail, completed in 1937, is maintained by a group of trail clubs and partnerships. In the vicinity of Roanoke, Virginia, participants include members of a hiking club who volunteer to help preserve the trail. Other hiking clubs also experience the Roanoke Valley's rugged, natural beauty.

  1. Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club

    • The Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club (RATC) was founded in 1932. Club members have volunteered to help maintain the Appalachian Trail through a recreational hiking association. Memberships, including life memberships, are available for individuals and families. In 2011, a lifetime membership cost $250 for individuals and $350 for families. People also can volunteer time and donate money to support the club's efforts to preserve and improve the Appalachian Trail. The hiking schedule, listed on the club's website, features beginner hikes and working hikes.

    The Roanoke Outdoor and Social Club

    • The Roanoke Outdoor and Social Club offers a way for those in and around Roanoke to socialize while participating in fun outdoor activities. In addition to hiking, this group participates in other forms of recreation such as biking, climbing, kayaking and canoeing. The group maintains the Meetup website. You must be over 21 to apply for membership. Applicants are required to post their photos when sending their requests.

    Roanoke Sunday Hiking Group

    • For those unable to hike on Saturdays, a hiking club was developed through Facebook. The idea was to organize Sunday recreational activities shared among friends. Despite the name, the Roanoke Sunday Hiking Group isn't just for hikers. It was created to nurture friendships through group activities that include hiking in the natural beauty around Roanoke and cooking out with newfound friends. (Note: In order to access the Facebook group site linked in Resources 3, you must be a Facebook member and provide your log-in information.)

    Roanoke Trail Systems

    • Hiking club members can choose among many trails in the Roanoke area. The Blue Ridge Parkway was created to link the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in western North Carolina. The parkway extends through Virginia, passing just outside Roanoke. Trails along this essential mountain backbone range from easy to strenuous.