Fishburn Park
Rate this placeNearby: Shrine Hill Park Raleigh Court Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Fishburn Park is a beautiful park located in Roanoke, Virginia.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
There are a number of reasons to visit the park, including its stunning natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking in the park's 250 acres of green space.
One of the main points of interest in Fishburn Park is its historic Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. This 12,700-acre reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, and brook trout. It is also a popular spot for hiking and camping, with several trails and campsites available for visitors.
In addition to the natural beauty of the park, visitors can also explore its rich history. The park was once home to the Fishburn Mansion, a grand estate built in the early 20th century. Although the mansion is no longer standing, visitors can still see the site of the former estate and learn about its history.
Interesting facts about Fishburn Park include its role as a filming location for the movie "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" in the 1970s. The park was also home to a Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the Great Depression, which helped to build the park's infrastructure.
The best time of year to visit Fishburn Park depends on the visitor's interests. Spring and summer offer the best weather for outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking, while fall offers stunning views of the changing leaves. Winter can be a great time for those interested in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Overall, Fishburn Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Roanoke, Virginia. Its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance make it a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Roanoke Mountain - Blue Ridge Parkway
|
||
Roanoke Mtn
|
||
Pig Farm Campsite
|
Shrine Hill Park
Raleigh Court Park
Ghent Hill Park
Valley Avenue Park
Harkrader Park