Things To Do on an eBike in Roanoke County, VA
Roanoke County surrounds the cities of Roanoke and Salem, so many of the valley's best-known greenways are city trails. The county's own highlight is the newest stretch of the Roanoke River Greenway: 4 paved miles to Explore Park. County park rules let Class 1, 2 and 3 eBikes go wherever regular bikes are allowed.
This guide covers only routes in Roanoke County. Lick Run, Mill Mountain and Tinker Creek greenways are City of Roanoke trails and are not listed here.
Where to ride in Roanoke County
The county's best eBike rides are the Roanoke River Greenway at Explore Park, the short paved section in Green Hill Park, and two cinder trails: Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail near Salem and Wolf Creek Greenway near Vinton.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Roanoke River Greenway to Explore Park
Route: 4 miles of paved trail from west of the Blue Ridge Parkway off Highland Road to Explore Park. The section through Explore Park, finished in December 2025, runs from the closed Roanoke Regional Landfill off Rutrough Road to Rutrough Point at the end of Rutrough Road.
Park details: Explore Park is off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 115, at 56 Roanoke River Parkway. It is open daily with free admission, and Lot E at Rutrough Point is the handiest lot for bikes.
2. Roanoke River Greenway at Green Hill Park
Route: A paved path about 0.8 miles long that starts at the parking area near the park entrance off Diuguids Lane and follows the river to the back lot. It is short, flat and good for a first eBike ride.
3. Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail
Route: A 1.8-mile cinder rail-trail along Kessler Mill Road and Mason Creek, with Civil War markers. It crosses from Roanoke County into the City of Salem, so the rules change partway.
4. Wolf Creek Greenway
Route: A 2.2-mile cinder trail from Hardy Road to Mountain View Road in eastern Roanoke County and Vinton. Park behind 1390 Hardy Road. It passes under Route 24 in a box culvert and links Goode and Stonebridge parks.
5. Explore Park bike trails
Route: Explore Park has more than 14 miles of trails, including 9 miles of purpose-built bike trails rated easy to moderately difficult, plus the Blue Ridge Bike Center skills area that opened in June 2021.
Roanoke County and Virginia eBike rules
Roanoke County Code sections 15-2 and 15-6(10), adopted in 2021, let Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 eBikes ride in county parks wherever bicycles are allowed. Riders must yield to walkers and runners. County greenway hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Virginia Code 46.2-904.1 lets eBikes ride where bicycles are allowed, including streets, bike lanes and shared-use paths.
- A locality may ban Class 3 eBikes from a shared-use path, and may ban Class 1 or 2 only after notice and a public hearing.
- Every Class 3 rider and passenger must wear a bicycle helmet.
- Under 46.2-908.1, riders under 14 may operate a Class 3 eBike only with a supervisor at least 18 years old.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Park at Explore Park's Lot E and ride the paved greenway west toward Highland Road and back.
Full day: Ride the Explore Park greenway in the morning, try the beginner skills area at the Blue Ridge Bike Center, then ride Wolf Creek Greenway near Vinton.
What not to ride
Blue Ridge Parkway trails. Roanoke Valley Greenways says the Parkway's trails in the region are for hiking and horseback riding and are not open to bicycles.
The Voyager jump trail at Explore Park unless you are an expert. It is a 0.25-mile double black diamond line.
When to ride Roanoke County
County greenways are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Explore Park has no set hours, and the usual rule is dawn to dusk.
eBike shops and service
Trek Bicycle Roanoke, at 3224 Brambleton Ave SW, is a Trek store. Trek sells pedal-assist and throttle eBikes, and its stores service bikes of any brand. Long Run Mopeds in Vinton repairs and sells scooters, not bicycles.
Frequently asked questions
Are eBikes allowed on Roanoke County greenways?
Yes. County park rules allow Class 1, 2 and 3 eBikes wherever bicycles are allowed. Yield to walkers and runners.
How long is the Roanoke River Greenway at Explore Park?
4 paved miles, from west of the Blue Ridge Parkway off Highland Road to Explore Park.
Where do I park to ride the Explore Park greenway?
Explore Park is at 56 Roanoke River Parkway, off Parkway Milepost 115. Lot E at Rutrough Point is convenient for bikes.
What are Roanoke County greenway hours?
6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Do I need a helmet on a Class 3 eBike in Virginia?
Yes. Every Class 3 operator and passenger must wear a bicycle helmet, and riders under 14 need adult supervision.
Can I ride an eBike on Blue Ridge Parkway trails near Roanoke?
No. Those trails are for hiking and horseback riding and are not open to bicycles.
All eBike shops in Roanoke County
See the Roanoke County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Virginia eBike laws guide for state rules.