T-Rex Trail

T-Rex Trail at Explore Park

Travel back-in-time again this summer down our half-mile wooded path to take in the sights and sounds from dinosaurs of four time periods - Triassic, Jurassic, Early and Late Cretaceous! The trail features 19 animatronic dinosaurs, a dino dig-pit and photo ops! New in 2023 - New trail layout, storyline, photo ops and birthday party packages!

#TRexTrail #ExplorePark #CenterInTheSquare

T-Rex Trail Operating Hours:

Summer 2023 - May 27- August 6 and August 12 - 13

Tuesday - Friday - 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Trail Closes at 3:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Trail Closes at 5:00 PM
Monday - CLOSED
T-Rex Trail will be closed Monday, August 7 through Friday, August 11

All proceeds from T-Rex Trail go to support the valuable missions of Center in the Square and Explore Park!

Admission Rates

Ticket Type	Advanced Registration (Save $1)	Walk-Up at Visitor Center
Adult (ages 16+)	$14	$15
Child (ages 2-15)	$9	$10

How to Purchase Tickets

Option 1: Online Purchase - Save $1 on registration when you purchase your tickets in advance, online. Click on the "T-Rex Trail Tickets Here" button above, which will take you to our online ticketing portal.
Option 2: Walk-Up - Stop by the Explore Park Visitor Center for same-day walk-up registration, while space is available. Please call 540-427-1800 for more walk-up information or to check availability. PLEASE NOTE - WALK UP IS SUBJECT TO SPACE BEING AVAILABLE. THERE MAY BE WAIT TIMES FOR WALK UP. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
Option 3: In-Person Purchase Reserve your tickets in advance for a future operating day with cash or credit card at Center in the Square Box Office, 1 Market SQ 24011 (Tu-Sa, 9:45 AM - 4:45 PM, Su, 12:45 PM - 4:45 PM)

Getting Here

Travelers can access Explore Park (Milepost 115) from the Blue Ridge Parkway North from US 220 at Milepost 121, Blue Ridge Parkway South from VA 24 at Milepost 112, or by the Alternate Entrance at 3900 Rutrough Road. Click here for more information, maps and details on how to get to Explore Park! Our physical location is 56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd, and postal address/ alternate entrance is 3900 Rutrough Rd, 24014.

Know Before You Go

The Walk and Trail: T-Rex Trail is a little less than a half-mile long. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Strollers & wheelchairs are welcome. It is a 6-foot wide packed, stone dust surface trail with grades of 8% or less throughout. It should be able to accommodate wheelchairs or individuals with limited mobility.
Safety: Staying on the trail at all times is important. The dinosaur displays have support frames, so please do not touch them.
Be Prepared: Please keep in mind that T-Rex Trail is an outdoor activity. Dress appropriately for the weather and consider applying bug spray and/or sunscreen prior to check-in. During summer months the park is mostly shaded by the trees and stays several degrees cooler than direct sunlight.
Rain policy: The T-Rex Trail will remain open through rain, and thus, reservations will not be refunded. Please dress appropriately and prepare for a roaring adventure back-in-time… rain or shine!
Potentially dangerous conditions: In cases of high wind speeds or nearby thunder or lightning, the Trail will close until it is safe to resume the activity.
Online notification: Sign up to receive text or email alerts when T-Rex Trail is closed due to inclement weather. Visit our Notify Me Alert System, sign in with your email and select T-Rex Trail under "alerts".
Hydration: Please bring your own water bottle and remember to stay hydrated.