Riverfront Area

With several miles of river frontage in the beautiful Roanoke River Gorge, Explore Park is a great place for your next canoe, kayak, tubing, SUP or fishing excursion.

Tubing, Kayak and SUP Rental
Our vendor partners at Blue Mountain Adventures are offering tubing, kayaking and stand up paddleboard (SUP) rental and ground transportation within the park. Available on Fridays through Mondays during the summer, it's a great way to cool off, relax and enjoy the gentle rapids along the Roanoke River. Minimum age for this activity is 7.

  • Operating Hours - Friday through Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00pm (last shuttle out 3:30 PM)
  • Blue Mountain Rental Location - Find our store at the Journey's End parking area
  • Questions? Call (540) 520-4893
  • Register Online - Click here for advance booking and schedules
Mountain Bike Rental
Our vendor partners at Blue Mountain Adventures also offer mountain bike rentals for you to ride the trails within Explore Park. Available on Fridays through Mondays during the summer. 

  • Operating Hours - Friday through Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00pm
  • Rental Options - Half-Day (4 hours) and Full Day (8 hours)
  • Rental Bikes - 22.7" or 29" Kona Hardtail
  • All rentals include a helmet
  • Blue Mountain Rental Location - Find our store at the Journey's End parking area
  • Questions? Call (540) 520-4893

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Rutrough Point - Boat Launch

Located at the end of Rutrough Road, this parking area and boat launch is the furthest navigable point on the Roanoke River before you encounter rapids. Easily paddle from here to Hardy Bridge at Smith Mountain Lake, only seven miles downstream. Parking is $3 per person payable at the on-site fee drop post

Fishing Access

Several sites along the river within Explore Park offer access to catch stripes, catfish and bass. Virginia fishing licenses are required, but not available at the park. Please see the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.