You can get the best views of Roanoke from Roanoke mountain! You can take pictures and walk around the huge Star and see why they call Roanoke "Star City". Apart from the huge star, there are excellent walking/running trails. I managed to do a good 7mile run on the different trails right there near the parkway. I would highly recommend visiting Roanoke Mountain if you are in Roanoke or near the area!