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Roanoke, Va., is the largest city adjacent to the Parkway, and one whose popularity and
growth has certainly paralleled that of the park. It grew rapidly from
its origins as Big Lick when, in 1882 the railroad industry became the
town's major industry. The huge neon star on top of nearby Mill Mountain
dates from the late 1940s, and was erected to celebrate the industrial
and civic progress of the city. The Roanoke River Overlook at milepost
114.9 allows a beautiful view of the Roanoke River and the Niagara hydroelectric
dam. The scenic road over Roanoke Mountain (milepost 120.3) is a 4-mile
one-way loop road that affords stunning views of Roanoke, Roanoke Valley,
and Mill Mountain (sorry, no trailers allowed). Scattered at the convenient
overlooks and parking areas are picnic tables and short, scenic leg-stretchers.
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