T he growth of Roanoke's greenway system has encouraged people at all levels of fitness to get outside. The Roanoke River Greenway is working toward completion of a four-mile gap that will allow for a contiguous stretch all the way from southeast Roanoke City to Salem. Phase one of the Glade Creek greenway in Vinton came on line last year and two more legs are planned. See greenways.org for more details. Biking is also permitted on local greenways. If you want to walk in the woods there is no lack of options. Read Mountain in the Bonsack area of Western Roanoke County has a trail system leading to the summit. The Poor Mountain Natural Area Preserve on the way up to Bent Mountain is a 933-acre haven with 1- and 4-mile hikes. On the Floyd County line trails at the Nature Conservancy's Bottom Creek Gorge lead to a picturesque overlook and a waterfall that drops several hundred feet. 2018 VALLEY LIFE 2018 VALLEY LIFEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE| |59 59http://www.greenways.org