Hiking in Virginia is no small task. First, there’s the selection process to determine which terrain you’re looking for: mountains, streams, beachfront, swamplands, or craggy cliffs, or something else altogether. Next, you must decide how long you’re willing to commit to your adventure: 1 mile or 10? Finally, it’s considering your hiking companions, whether they be pals, family, or four-legged friends, and their skill levels as well as your own. And while it’s certainly a process the perfect hike in Virginia, we’ve outlined a guide for some must-take trails and everything you need to know about them. Consider this your shortlist of Virginia hiking trails for the next time you’re planning your outing.
- Old Rag Mountain Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Madison
Patrick / flickr With 8+ miles up steep trails and more than one rock scramble, Old Rag is not for the faint of heart – or the weak of knees. And it’s one of the most dangerous Virginia hiking trails. So why do it? Because it also happens to be one of the most best hiking trails in Virginia! Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
Alex Guerrero / flickr And like most things in life, the effort is well worth it once you’re sitting on top of the world. To get to the Old Rag trailhead, follow Route 231 to the large parking area at the Old Rag Fee Station. The trailhead lies just beyond at another small parking area reserved for park staff. Once you admire the view from the top, you’ll understand why Old Rag is often at the top of the list of the best hiking trails in Virginia.
- Crabtree Falls Loop, Montebello
Watson Media / flickr Crabtree Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls totaling nearly 1,200 feet (with the highest dropping 400 feet), making them the highest vertical drop waterfalls east of the Mississippi – and one of the most popular in Virginia. Called one of Virginia’s “Must-Do Waterfall Hikes,” the trail to Crabtree Falls Trail Loop is located 6 miles off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 27 in Nelson County. We love this waterfall trail, and think it’s one of the best hikes in Virginia! Crabtree Falls Highway, Crabtree Falls Hwy, Virginia, USA
The Last Cookie / flickr To see the falls, an easy, paved path leads to an overlook near the parking lot, or you can take the 2.5-mile trail alongside the falls themselves, ending at an overlook of the Tye River Valley. Just be sure to enjoy the caves, scenic bridges, and incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the way. Looking to extend your adventure? You can rent a cabin just a half a mile from the waterfall!
- White Oak Canyon Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Skyland
Vanessa Crockett Reed / AllTrails Considered one of the best waterfall hiking trails in the Shenandoah National Park, this relatively easy trail features a series of 6 waterfalls, the highest reaching 86 feet. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
kirybabe / flickr The trailhead for this hike is conveniently located just off Skyline Drive at mile marker 42.6. This trail is particularly nice for families because although it is steep in a few places, footbridges carry you over creeks and the falls themselves are perfect for a picnic—a great hiking trail in Virginia for those that love a beautiful waterfall.
- Scott’s Run Nature Reserve, McLean
Fairfax County Virginia As one of the only nature reserves in the Fairfax County Park System, Scott’s Run is a treasure trove of natural beauty during any season and a favorite for walkers, hikers, and trail runners. Scott’s Run, McLean, VA 22102, USA
Fairfax County Virginia The reserve’s two trailheads are located off of Georgetown Parkway just upstream from the American Legion Memorial Bridge. One runs alongside a stream and the other leads to bluffs along the Potomac River. What’s nice about these trails are the options. From gentle forest walks to steep hill and cliff hikes, Scott’s Run suits any skill level, and is one of our favorite Virginia hiking trails.
- The Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon to Whitetop
Ben Collins / flickr For 34 miles, the Virginia Creeper Trail takes you through some of the most beautiful landscape Virginia has to offer. This multi-use trail is considered Virginia’s premier mountain biking trail with sections to fit any skill level. Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, Damascus, VA, USA
Meagan White / AllTrails And while you may not be up for walking the 34-miles in one day, the trail is also perfect for walking, running, and horseback riding and can be accessed at many points along the way. With forests, open fields, streams, and scenic bridges, the Virginia Creeper Trail is a must-do for anyone. To find the best access point for you, read more about this 6. Cape Henry Trail, First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach
Daniel Cook / AllTrails This beautiful trail runs for 7.5 miles through heavily wooded forests, paved urban segments, and peaceful, quiet beaches. Located within First Landing State Park, the trail end points are at Jade Street (south of Shore Drive) and US 60 at 64th Street. Featuring asphalt, gravel, and sand, the trail is ideally suited to biking, hiking, walking, and running. Along the way, be sure to look for local wildlife, including ospreys, herons, foxes, and deer. First Landing Beach, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
- James River Park Trails, Richmond
Chistopher L. / AllTrails The James River Park system has some of the highest-rated trails for trail running in the country. In fact, in 2009, Trailrunner Magazine named Richmond one of the best trail-running towns. First Landing Beach, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
JBlueKayak / flickr For hard-core mountain bikers, Belle Isle, the Buttermilk Trail, and the North Bank Trail are ideal – and the Belle Isle 1-mile loop and Pony Pasture are perfect for beginners or families. Running for miles along the banks of the James River, these trails have easy, intermediate, and advanced levels to suit walkers, hikers, bikers, and runners. Find the perfect trail for you at James River Park’s website.
- Belfast Trail to the Devil’s Marbleyard, Natural Bridge Station
Michael Grogan / flickr Located in Jefferson National Forest off of Petites Gap Road, Devil’s Marbleyard is the site of an old rock slide that is now a series of massive boulders, some the size of trucks. The 1.5-mile hike follows Belfast Trail over creeks, past the ruins of an old Boy Scout Camp, and through the James River Face Wilderness before reaching the rocks. Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579, USA
Haisom Ido / AllTrails From here, you can keep going until the trail intersects with Gunter Ridge Trail, turn left and loop back to the trailhead – or if you’re more adventurous, keep going another few miles along the Appalachian Trail for a 3.0 mile out and back hike that leads you to some of the most amazing 360-degree views anywhere in Virginia. Definitely one of our favorite Virginia hiking trails!
- Blue Suck Falls Trail and Tuscarora Overlook, Douthat State Park, Millboro
Lesley Newton / AllTrails Douthat Park has been called one of the nation’s top 10 parks – and with trails like this, its no wonder. The Blue Suck Trail, beginning near the Douthat Park Discovery/Visitor Center, leads up a moderate incline to the falls. Douthat State Park Road, Douthat State Park Rd, Virginia, USA
Carleen Lawson / AllTrails Named from the Appalachian word for “whirlpool”, the “suck” at the base of the falls is small but beautiful. To reach Tuscarora Overlook, continue on another 1.5 miles or so to Lookout Rock and the Tuscarora Overlook Trail for breathtaking views of the mountains and Lake Douthat.
- Birch Knob Observation Tower and Trail, Dickenson County (near Clintwood)
Brad Deele / Google Maps Located on the border of Virginia and Kentucky, the Birch Knob Observation Tower stands at 3,144 feet above sea level at the highest summit of Pine Mountain. From the top, visitors have incredible views of Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee – and on a clear day, it’s even possible to see Ohio according to the Dickenson County website.
Dickenson County The 183-stair climb to the top begins at a point just below Birch Knob (accessed by a paved road), which also features a trailhead for the 2-mile hike down the mountain to Jenny Falls.
- Brumley Mountain Trail to The Channels, Hayter’s Gap (near Abingdon)
Tammy Baergen-White / AllTrails The Channels (also known as the Great Channels of Virginia) are located in the Channels Natural Area Preserve at the summit of Middle Knob on Clinch Mountain. These stunning sandstone structures create craggy mazes from deep crevices worn into the stone walls of the mountain.
Keith Fleming / AllTrails The Channels can be reached from Brumley Mountain Trail, a relatively moderate trail that ascends about 3 miles (one-way) to the summit. After exploring the maze-like rocks, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from an elevation of more than 4,200 feet.
- Ewing Trail to White Rocks and Sand Cave, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Ewing
DM / flickr Located at the eastern end of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, White Rocks and Sand Cave are truly some of the state’s greatest treasures. Ewing Trail (located at the end of Route 724 in Ewing) leads up the mountain about 3.5 miles to White Rocks where you’ll have stunning views of Virginia’s Powell River Valley, Powell Mountain, and Clinch Mountain. Parking lot, United States
DM / flickr Another mile past lies the Sand Cave, a massive rock shelter formed by wind, water, and ice. Technically, the cave is in Kentucky. But we are including it because the trail starts in Virginia and, frankly, it’s beautiful. A waterfall at the cave opening adds to its beauty, but the real treat is inside. The cave’s ceiling features multi-colored striations with up to 21 colors. Before the park was created, it was said that church congregations would come to the cave to sing because of its phenomenal acoustics. This is easily one of the best hiking trails in Virginia!
To learn more about the best hiking trails in Virginia or consult maps and specific locations, you can visit the National Park Services website, the Virginia State Park website, or a hiking site like Hiking Upward. With so many beautiful Virginia hiking trails to choose from, these are only the tip of the iceberg. What are your favorite trails for hiking, walking, running, biking, or simply enjoying nature? Did any of your favorite hiking trails in Virginia miss the list? We would love to hear about them in the comments below! Looking for some family-friendly hikes in Virginia? We love these 11 easy hikes to add to your outdoor bucket list! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Address: Virginia, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Virginia Hiking Trails December 30, 2022 Megan McDonald What are the best outdoor activities in Virginia? When considering fun things to do in Virginia, an outdoor adventure is always at the top of the list. Fortunately, there are countless outdoor activities to enjoy in the Old Dominion. In fact, the potential for exciting activities is virtually endless, depending on your interests. Some of the best outdoor activities in Virginia include hiking, biking, fishing, camping, swimming, canoeing, rock climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, and more. Virginia is perhaps most famous for its hiking opportunities, as you may have gathered from the above article. Most people who visit Virginia for the first time are eager to hike the Appalachian Trail, of which Virginia has 544 miles — more than any other state. We love some of these fun outdoor activities in Virginia:
Virginia Beach Maymont, Richmond Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Colonial Williamsburg And more!
What are the best easy hikes in Virginia? While Virginia boasts trails that could challenge the most avid hikers, there are plenty that don’t require so much strenuous activity. Whether you’re hiking with small children or prefer a less-intense trek, you’ll find that there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of these include the Boardwalk Loop at Dodd Park, the trails at Leesylvania State Park, Pocosin Mission, the Fenwick Mines Walk, Fallingwater Cascades, Beartree Lake Trail, Liberty Hill History and Nature Trail, the trails at Mason Neck State Park, and Brownsville Preserve. Some of our favorite hikes in Virginia are:
Blackrock Summit Trail Red Rock Wilderness Regional Park Stonyman Trail High Bridge Trail And more!
What are the best waterfall hikes in Virginia? If you’re wondering where to hike in Virginia, considering Virginia’s waterfall hikes is an excellent place to start. Aside from Crabtree Falls, mentioned in the article above, some of the best waterfall hikes in Virginia include Dark Hollow Falls, White Rock Falls Trail, Apple Orchard Falls, Cascades National Recreation Trail, the trails at Great Falls National Park, South River Falls, and more. If you plan on hiking a waterfall trail, be sure to wear sturdy shoes as these hikes usually require a stream crossing or two. Looking for more waterfall inspiration? Check out this waterfall loop in Virginia. Looking for more great waterfall hikes in Virginia? These make the top of our bucket list:
Dark Follow Falls Scott’s Run Nature Hike Crabtree Falls White Rock Falls And dozens more all across the state
Virginia In Your Inbox
spinner
Thank you! You’ll receive your first newsletter soon!
Love Virginia? Get more stories delivered right to your email. An error occured.
Your e-mail:
Sign Up
0 shares Share on Facebook Pin it on Pinterest
Anna Strock
Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
Patrick / flickr
With 8+ miles up steep trails and more than one rock scramble, Old Rag is not for the faint of heart – or the weak of knees. And it’s one of the most dangerous Virginia hiking trails. So why do it? Because it also happens to be one of the most best hiking trails in Virginia!
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
Alex Guerrero / flickr
And like most things in life, the effort is well worth it once you’re sitting on top of the world. To get to the Old Rag trailhead, follow Route 231 to the large parking area at the Old Rag Fee Station. The trailhead lies just beyond at another small parking area reserved for park staff. Once you admire the view from the top, you’ll understand why Old Rag is often at the top of the list of the best hiking trails in Virginia.
Watson Media / flickr
Crabtree Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls totaling nearly 1,200 feet (with the highest dropping 400 feet), making them the highest vertical drop waterfalls east of the Mississippi – and one of the most popular in Virginia. Called one of Virginia’s “Must-Do Waterfall Hikes,” the trail to Crabtree Falls Trail Loop is located 6 miles off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 27 in Nelson County. We love this waterfall trail, and think it’s one of the best hikes in Virginia!
Crabtree Falls Highway, Crabtree Falls Hwy, Virginia, USA
The Last Cookie / flickr
To see the falls, an easy, paved path leads to an overlook near the parking lot, or you can take the 2.5-mile trail alongside the falls themselves, ending at an overlook of the Tye River Valley. Just be sure to enjoy the caves, scenic bridges, and incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the way. Looking to extend your adventure? You can rent a cabin just a half a mile from the waterfall!
Vanessa Crockett Reed / AllTrails
Considered one of the best waterfall hiking trails in the Shenandoah National Park, this relatively easy trail features a series of 6 waterfalls, the highest reaching 86 feet.
kirybabe / flickr
The trailhead for this hike is conveniently located just off Skyline Drive at mile marker 42.6. This trail is particularly nice for families because although it is steep in a few places, footbridges carry you over creeks and the falls themselves are perfect for a picnic—a great hiking trail in Virginia for those that love a beautiful waterfall.
Fairfax County Virginia
As one of the only nature reserves in the Fairfax County Park System, Scott’s Run is a treasure trove of natural beauty during any season and a favorite for walkers, hikers, and trail runners.
Scott’s Run, McLean, VA 22102, USA
The reserve’s two trailheads are located off of Georgetown Parkway just upstream from the American Legion Memorial Bridge. One runs alongside a stream and the other leads to bluffs along the Potomac River. What’s nice about these trails are the options. From gentle forest walks to steep hill and cliff hikes, Scott’s Run suits any skill level, and is one of our favorite Virginia hiking trails.
Ben Collins / flickr
For 34 miles, the Virginia Creeper Trail takes you through some of the most beautiful landscape Virginia has to offer. This multi-use trail is considered Virginia’s premier mountain biking trail with sections to fit any skill level.
Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, Damascus, VA, USA
Meagan White / AllTrails
And while you may not be up for walking the 34-miles in one day, the trail is also perfect for walking, running, and horseback riding and can be accessed at many points along the way. With forests, open fields, streams, and scenic bridges, the Virginia Creeper Trail is a must-do for anyone. To find the best access point for you, read more about this 6. Cape Henry Trail, First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach
Daniel Cook / AllTrails This beautiful trail runs for 7.5 miles through heavily wooded forests, paved urban segments, and peaceful, quiet beaches. Located within First Landing State Park, the trail end points are at Jade Street (south of Shore Drive) and US 60 at 64th Street. Featuring asphalt, gravel, and sand, the trail is ideally suited to biking, hiking, walking, and running. Along the way, be sure to look for local wildlife, including ospreys, herons, foxes, and deer. First Landing Beach, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
- James River Park Trails, Richmond
Chistopher L. / AllTrails The James River Park system has some of the highest-rated trails for trail running in the country. In fact, in 2009, Trailrunner Magazine named Richmond one of the best trail-running towns. First Landing Beach, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
JBlueKayak / flickr For hard-core mountain bikers, Belle Isle, the Buttermilk Trail, and the North Bank Trail are ideal – and the Belle Isle 1-mile loop and Pony Pasture are perfect for beginners or families. Running for miles along the banks of the James River, these trails have easy, intermediate, and advanced levels to suit walkers, hikers, bikers, and runners. Find the perfect trail for you at James River Park’s website.
- Belfast Trail to the Devil’s Marbleyard, Natural Bridge Station
Michael Grogan / flickr Located in Jefferson National Forest off of Petites Gap Road, Devil’s Marbleyard is the site of an old rock slide that is now a series of massive boulders, some the size of trucks. The 1.5-mile hike follows Belfast Trail over creeks, past the ruins of an old Boy Scout Camp, and through the James River Face Wilderness before reaching the rocks. Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579, USA
Haisom Ido / AllTrails From here, you can keep going until the trail intersects with Gunter Ridge Trail, turn left and loop back to the trailhead – or if you’re more adventurous, keep going another few miles along the Appalachian Trail for a 3.0 mile out and back hike that leads you to some of the most amazing 360-degree views anywhere in Virginia. Definitely one of our favorite Virginia hiking trails!
- Blue Suck Falls Trail and Tuscarora Overlook, Douthat State Park, Millboro
Lesley Newton / AllTrails Douthat Park has been called one of the nation’s top 10 parks – and with trails like this, its no wonder. The Blue Suck Trail, beginning near the Douthat Park Discovery/Visitor Center, leads up a moderate incline to the falls. Douthat State Park Road, Douthat State Park Rd, Virginia, USA
Carleen Lawson / AllTrails Named from the Appalachian word for “whirlpool”, the “suck” at the base of the falls is small but beautiful. To reach Tuscarora Overlook, continue on another 1.5 miles or so to Lookout Rock and the Tuscarora Overlook Trail for breathtaking views of the mountains and Lake Douthat.
- Birch Knob Observation Tower and Trail, Dickenson County (near Clintwood)
Brad Deele / Google Maps Located on the border of Virginia and Kentucky, the Birch Knob Observation Tower stands at 3,144 feet above sea level at the highest summit of Pine Mountain. From the top, visitors have incredible views of Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee – and on a clear day, it’s even possible to see Ohio according to the Dickenson County website.
Dickenson County The 183-stair climb to the top begins at a point just below Birch Knob (accessed by a paved road), which also features a trailhead for the 2-mile hike down the mountain to Jenny Falls.
- Brumley Mountain Trail to The Channels, Hayter’s Gap (near Abingdon)
Tammy Baergen-White / AllTrails The Channels (also known as the Great Channels of Virginia) are located in the Channels Natural Area Preserve at the summit of Middle Knob on Clinch Mountain. These stunning sandstone structures create craggy mazes from deep crevices worn into the stone walls of the mountain.
Keith Fleming / AllTrails The Channels can be reached from Brumley Mountain Trail, a relatively moderate trail that ascends about 3 miles (one-way) to the summit. After exploring the maze-like rocks, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from an elevation of more than 4,200 feet.
- Ewing Trail to White Rocks and Sand Cave, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Ewing
DM / flickr Located at the eastern end of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, White Rocks and Sand Cave are truly some of the state’s greatest treasures. Ewing Trail (located at the end of Route 724 in Ewing) leads up the mountain about 3.5 miles to White Rocks where you’ll have stunning views of Virginia’s Powell River Valley, Powell Mountain, and Clinch Mountain. Parking lot, United States
DM / flickr Another mile past lies the Sand Cave, a massive rock shelter formed by wind, water, and ice. Technically, the cave is in Kentucky. But we are including it because the trail starts in Virginia and, frankly, it’s beautiful. A waterfall at the cave opening adds to its beauty, but the real treat is inside. The cave’s ceiling features multi-colored striations with up to 21 colors. Before the park was created, it was said that church congregations would come to the cave to sing because of its phenomenal acoustics. This is easily one of the best hiking trails in Virginia!
To learn more about the best hiking trails in Virginia or consult maps and specific locations, you can visit the National Park Services website, the Virginia State Park website, or a hiking site like Hiking Upward.
Daniel Cook / AllTrails
This beautiful trail runs for 7.5 miles through heavily wooded forests, paved urban segments, and peaceful, quiet beaches. Located within First Landing State Park, the trail end points are at Jade Street (south of Shore Drive) and US 60 at 64th Street. Featuring asphalt, gravel, and sand, the trail is ideally suited to biking, hiking, walking, and running. Along the way, be sure to look for local wildlife, including ospreys, herons, foxes, and deer.
First Landing Beach, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Chistopher L. / AllTrails
The James River Park system has some of the highest-rated trails for trail running in the country. In fact, in 2009, Trailrunner Magazine named Richmond one of the best trail-running towns.
JBlueKayak / flickr
For hard-core mountain bikers, Belle Isle, the Buttermilk Trail, and the North Bank Trail are ideal – and the Belle Isle 1-mile loop and Pony Pasture are perfect for beginners or families. Running for miles along the banks of the James River, these trails have easy, intermediate, and advanced levels to suit walkers, hikers, bikers, and runners. Find the perfect trail for you at James River Park’s website.
Michael Grogan / flickr
Located in Jefferson National Forest off of Petites Gap Road, Devil’s Marbleyard is the site of an old rock slide that is now a series of massive boulders, some the size of trucks. The 1.5-mile hike follows Belfast Trail over creeks, past the ruins of an old Boy Scout Camp, and through the James River Face Wilderness before reaching the rocks.
Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579, USA
Haisom Ido / AllTrails
From here, you can keep going until the trail intersects with Gunter Ridge Trail, turn left and loop back to the trailhead – or if you’re more adventurous, keep going another few miles along the Appalachian Trail for a 3.0 mile out and back hike that leads you to some of the most amazing 360-degree views anywhere in Virginia. Definitely one of our favorite Virginia hiking trails!
Lesley Newton / AllTrails
Douthat Park has been called one of the nation’s top 10 parks – and with trails like this, its no wonder. The Blue Suck Trail, beginning near the Douthat Park Discovery/Visitor Center, leads up a moderate incline to the falls.
Douthat State Park Road, Douthat State Park Rd, Virginia, USA
Carleen Lawson / AllTrails
Named from the Appalachian word for “whirlpool”, the “suck” at the base of the falls is small but beautiful. To reach Tuscarora Overlook, continue on another 1.5 miles or so to Lookout Rock and the Tuscarora Overlook Trail for breathtaking views of the mountains and Lake Douthat.
Brad Deele / Google Maps
Located on the border of Virginia and Kentucky, the Birch Knob Observation Tower stands at 3,144 feet above sea level at the highest summit of Pine Mountain. From the top, visitors have incredible views of Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee – and on a clear day, it’s even possible to see Ohio according to the Dickenson County website.
Dickenson County
The 183-stair climb to the top begins at a point just below Birch Knob (accessed by a paved road), which also features a trailhead for the 2-mile hike down the mountain to Jenny Falls.
Tammy Baergen-White / AllTrails
The Channels (also known as the Great Channels of Virginia) are located in the Channels Natural Area Preserve at the summit of Middle Knob on Clinch Mountain. These stunning sandstone structures create craggy mazes from deep crevices worn into the stone walls of the mountain.
Keith Fleming / AllTrails
The Channels can be reached from Brumley Mountain Trail, a relatively moderate trail that ascends about 3 miles (one-way) to the summit. After exploring the maze-like rocks, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from an elevation of more than 4,200 feet.
DM / flickr
Located at the eastern end of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, White Rocks and Sand Cave are truly some of the state’s greatest treasures. Ewing Trail (located at the end of Route 724 in Ewing) leads up the mountain about 3.5 miles to White Rocks where you’ll have stunning views of Virginia’s Powell River Valley, Powell Mountain, and Clinch Mountain.
Parking lot, United States
Another mile past lies the Sand Cave, a massive rock shelter formed by wind, water, and ice. Technically, the cave is in Kentucky. But we are including it because the trail starts in Virginia and, frankly, it’s beautiful. A waterfall at the cave opening adds to its beauty, but the real treat is inside. The cave’s ceiling features multi-colored striations with up to 21 colors. Before the park was created, it was said that church congregations would come to the cave to sing because of its phenomenal acoustics. This is easily one of the best hiking trails in Virginia!
With so many beautiful Virginia hiking trails to choose from, these are only the tip of the iceberg. What are your favorite trails for hiking, walking, running, biking, or simply enjoying nature? Did any of your favorite hiking trails in Virginia miss the list? We would love to hear about them in the comments below!
Looking for some family-friendly hikes in Virginia? We love these 11 easy hikes to add to your outdoor bucket list!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Virginia, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Virginia Hiking Trails December 30, 2022 Megan McDonald What are the best outdoor activities in Virginia? When considering fun things to do in Virginia, an outdoor adventure is always at the top of the list. Fortunately, there are countless outdoor activities to enjoy in the Old Dominion. In fact, the potential for exciting activities is virtually endless, depending on your interests. Some of the best outdoor activities in Virginia include hiking, biking, fishing, camping, swimming, canoeing, rock climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, and more. Virginia is perhaps most famous for its hiking opportunities, as you may have gathered from the above article. Most people who visit Virginia for the first time are eager to hike the Appalachian Trail, of which Virginia has 544 miles — more than any other state. We love some of these fun outdoor activities in Virginia:
Virginia Beach Maymont, Richmond Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Colonial Williamsburg And more!
What are the best easy hikes in Virginia? While Virginia boasts trails that could challenge the most avid hikers, there are plenty that don’t require so much strenuous activity. Whether you’re hiking with small children or prefer a less-intense trek, you’ll find that there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of these include the Boardwalk Loop at Dodd Park, the trails at Leesylvania State Park, Pocosin Mission, the Fenwick Mines Walk, Fallingwater Cascades, Beartree Lake Trail, Liberty Hill History and Nature Trail, the trails at Mason Neck State Park, and Brownsville Preserve. Some of our favorite hikes in Virginia are:
Blackrock Summit Trail Red Rock Wilderness Regional Park Stonyman Trail High Bridge Trail And more!
What are the best waterfall hikes in Virginia? If you’re wondering where to hike in Virginia, considering Virginia’s waterfall hikes is an excellent place to start. Aside from Crabtree Falls, mentioned in the article above, some of the best waterfall hikes in Virginia include Dark Hollow Falls, White Rock Falls Trail, Apple Orchard Falls, Cascades National Recreation Trail, the trails at Great Falls National Park, South River Falls, and more. If you plan on hiking a waterfall trail, be sure to wear sturdy shoes as these hikes usually require a stream crossing or two. Looking for more waterfall inspiration? Check out this waterfall loop in Virginia. Looking for more great waterfall hikes in Virginia? These make the top of our bucket list:
Dark Follow Falls Scott’s Run Nature Hike Crabtree Falls White Rock Falls And dozens more all across the state
Virginia In Your Inbox
spinner
Thank you! You’ll receive your first newsletter soon!
Love Virginia? Get more stories delivered right to your email. An error occured.
Your e-mail:
Sign Up
0 shares Share on Facebook Pin it on Pinterest
Anna Strock
Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Virginia Hiking Trails
December 30, 2022
Megan McDonald
What are the best outdoor activities in Virginia? When considering fun things to do in Virginia, an outdoor adventure is always at the top of the list. Fortunately, there are countless outdoor activities to enjoy in the Old Dominion. In fact, the potential for exciting activities is virtually endless, depending on your interests. Some of the best outdoor activities in Virginia include hiking, biking, fishing, camping, swimming, canoeing, rock climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, and more. Virginia is perhaps most famous for its hiking opportunities, as you may have gathered from the above article. Most people who visit Virginia for the first time are eager to hike the Appalachian Trail, of which Virginia has 544 miles — more than any other state. We love some of these fun outdoor activities in Virginia:
Virginia Beach Maymont, Richmond Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Colonial Williamsburg And more!
What are the best easy hikes in Virginia? While Virginia boasts trails that could challenge the most avid hikers, there are plenty that don’t require so much strenuous activity. Whether you’re hiking with small children or prefer a less-intense trek, you’ll find that there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of these include the Boardwalk Loop at Dodd Park, the trails at Leesylvania State Park, Pocosin Mission, the Fenwick Mines Walk, Fallingwater Cascades, Beartree Lake Trail, Liberty Hill History and Nature Trail, the trails at Mason Neck State Park, and Brownsville Preserve. Some of our favorite hikes in Virginia are:
Blackrock Summit Trail Red Rock Wilderness Regional Park Stonyman Trail High Bridge Trail And more!
What are the best waterfall hikes in Virginia? If you’re wondering where to hike in Virginia, considering Virginia’s waterfall hikes is an excellent place to start. Aside from Crabtree Falls, mentioned in the article above, some of the best waterfall hikes in Virginia include Dark Hollow Falls, White Rock Falls Trail, Apple Orchard Falls, Cascades National Recreation Trail, the trails at Great Falls National Park, South River Falls, and more. If you plan on hiking a waterfall trail, be sure to wear sturdy shoes as these hikes usually require a stream crossing or two. Looking for more waterfall inspiration? Check out this waterfall loop in Virginia. Looking for more great waterfall hikes in Virginia? These make the top of our bucket list:
Dark Follow Falls Scott’s Run Nature Hike Crabtree Falls White Rock Falls And dozens more all across the state
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When considering fun things to do in Virginia, an outdoor adventure is always at the top of the list. Fortunately, there are countless outdoor activities to enjoy in the Old Dominion. In fact, the potential for exciting activities is virtually endless, depending on your interests. Some of the best outdoor activities in Virginia include hiking, biking, fishing, camping, swimming, canoeing, rock climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, and more. Virginia is perhaps most famous for its hiking opportunities, as you may have gathered from the above article. Most people who visit Virginia for the first time are eager to hike the Appalachian Trail, of which Virginia has 544 miles — more than any other state.
We love some of these fun outdoor activities in Virginia:
- Virginia Beach
- Maymont, Richmond
- Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
- Colonial Williamsburg
- And more!
What are the best easy hikes in Virginia?
While Virginia boasts trails that could challenge the most avid hikers, there are plenty that don’t require so much strenuous activity. Whether you’re hiking with small children or prefer a less-intense trek, you’ll find that there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of these include the Boardwalk Loop at Dodd Park, the trails at Leesylvania State Park, Pocosin Mission, the Fenwick Mines Walk, Fallingwater Cascades, Beartree Lake Trail, Liberty Hill History and Nature Trail, the trails at Mason Neck State Park, and Brownsville Preserve.
Some of our favorite hikes in Virginia are:
- Blackrock Summit Trail
- Red Rock Wilderness Regional Park
- Stonyman Trail
- High Bridge Trail
- And more!
What are the best waterfall hikes in Virginia?
If you’re wondering where to hike in Virginia, considering Virginia’s waterfall hikes is an excellent place to start. Aside from Crabtree Falls, mentioned in the article above, some of the best waterfall hikes in Virginia include Dark Hollow Falls, White Rock Falls Trail, Apple Orchard Falls, Cascades National Recreation Trail, the trails at Great Falls National Park, South River Falls, and more. If you plan on hiking a waterfall trail, be sure to wear sturdy shoes as these hikes usually require a stream crossing or two. Looking for more waterfall inspiration? Check out this waterfall loop in Virginia.
Looking for more great waterfall hikes in Virginia? These make the top of our bucket list:
- Dark Follow Falls
- Scott’s Run Nature Hike
- Crabtree Falls
- White Rock Falls
- And dozens more all across the state
Virginia In Your Inbox
spinner
Thank you! You’ll receive your first newsletter soon!
Love Virginia? Get more stories delivered right to your email. An error occured.
Your e-mail:
Sign Up
0 shares Share on Facebook Pin it on Pinterest
Virginia In Your Inbox
spinner
Thank you! You’ll receive your first newsletter soon!
Love Virginia? Get more stories delivered right to your email. An error occured.
Your e-mail:
Sign Up
Virginia In Your Inbox
spinner
Thank you! You’ll receive your first newsletter soon!
Love Virginia? Get more stories delivered right to your email. An error occured.
Your e-mail:
Sign Up
Virginia In Your Inbox
spinner
Thank you! You’ll receive your first newsletter soon!
Love Virginia? Get more stories delivered right to your email.
An error occured.
Your e-mail:
Sign Up
0 shares
Share on Facebook Pin it on Pinterest
0
shares
- Share on Facebook Pin it on Pinterest
Anna Strock
Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
Anna Strock
Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.