A friend recently turned me on to disc golf and I want to share this unique way to spend an afternoon outside. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, however, players use a flying disc, or Frisbee. The sport was formalized in the 1970's, and shares with "ball golf" the object of completing each hole in the fewest number of strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest number of throws).

A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target which is the "hole". The hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most common is called a Pole Hole® an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw has landed. The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer. Finally, the "putt" lands in the basket and the hole is completed.

The Roanoke Region has several disc golf courses for you to choose from. Swing by Dick's Sporting Goods to pick up a golf disc, and then hit the links.

As its name implies, bouldering is basically the type of rock climbing where one has to work his or her way through a boulder route, which is usually called a problem. As simple as it may sound, some problems require specific moves for one to get through them. These moves require practice to successfully pull them off, and therein lies the fun - trying over and over until you solve the problem. With bouldering you actually don't climb very high, usually no more than 12 feet off the ground.

Bouldering doesn't actually need most pieces of climbing equipment such as ropes, carabiners, and a harnesses. Climbing shoes for better scaling and chalk for better grip help, but aren't a necessity to get started.  Crash pad to cushion a fall are helpful, but sometimes instead of using crash pads climbers assign a spotter, or someone who will stand below the climber and cushion their fall.

The Roanoke, VA region is home to a little known bouldering secret called McAfee Knob.

The hike to McAfee Knob is one of the more popular hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail, and the 3.5 mile hike (one way) is well worth it. The 270° panoramic view available at the knob is astounding...and the fact that there are more than 75 climbable boulders at the summit is the icing on the cake.

The long hike and vast expanse of boulders has kept the area fairly underdeveloped, which means you usually have the place all to yourself. Most boulders are vertical (between 10 and 20 feet tall) with slopers, pockets, edges, tiny crimps, and glorious jugs that will keep you entertained all day long. Download McAfee Knob Bouldering Guide and get outside!

Rock Castle Gorge is an incredible 11-mile hike just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are several variations you can do for shorter mileage but it is highly recommended that you complete the entire loop.

• Classic hike
• Moderate to difficult hike
• 11 miles with shorter variations
• Located at milepost 167.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
• View hand drawn Rock Castle Gorge map 
• Click here for details, map, & directions

When you're finished hiking continue south on the parkway to milepost 171.5 where you will find Chateau Morrisett - a winery and restaurant. Or shoot into Floyd some Dogtown Pizza followed by music at the famous Friday Night Jamboree.