A good way to see and learn about railroad system and history of it through the walk (especially if you love history and train system). The walk is still a work in progress. At least you can see the old buildings and warehouses of the great railroad system running through Roanoke, plus standing close to the live trains go by. I walked from the Amtrak passenger platform to the area behind the Museum but preferred to be on the nice cover bridge to watch the trains from atop.

The railwalk (walking tour suitable for most ages/abilities) that runs along Norfolk Ave from Near the Transportation museum to the backside of the Taubman Museum is a nice free feature of downtown Roanoke Virginia. ***IMPORTANT NOTE FOR 2019-2020*** >>>It has been partially moved and replaced and is still being replaced - first when the Amtrak station went in and now with walkway construction around Norfolk Ave in various places. But the last I've seen (early 2020) most of the exhibits have been repositioned or put back in place. If you are at either museum, or are staying at the Hotel Roanoke (it's accessible from the downtown walkway that goes over the tracks) it's a nice place to take a stroll (not great for runners/cyclers) and stop at each station for some rail history. One thing I liked was seeing the names of foundries, cities, and other places on the train parts that are along the walk. It would be a good scavenger hunt for kids to see how many cities or states they can find in the info in each station. It lines up exactly with the tracks so there will be trains going by about 20 feet from the walkway, FYI.

This is an excellent spot for rail fans however there are no benches for sitting to watch the trains even in the pedestrian bridge. Also a fence all the way down so you cant get any good camera shots cause the fence is in the way Add some benches along the trail and in the bridge! And cut some holes in the fence for better viewing b Also maybe open up the amtrak platform for railfanning. All the no trespassing signs all over the place are kind of ridiculous. either add benches or open up the platform for railfans to sit up there.

On a beautiful afternoon, I thoroughly enjoyed walking 12 miles through a field of tall grass, over bridges, through several lovely parks, by an ale house, a chicken coop, a variety of interesting style of homes, a hospital, a healing garden, and so much more. I saw people of all ages wading in the river as they fished, children thowing stones, and shirtless kayakers. The water was chrystal clear, cold and rushing. I am looking forward to returning to this trail some day soon!

This is outside so weather is a factor. But the walk is flat (paved but more or less parallel with the railroad tracks) and full of things to read, touch, ring, etc. It's a great also for the Transportation Museum or a Market Tour or pre- or post-dinner with the kids -- or as a single if you are short on time. Kids can be as loud as they like.