Best Trails for Hiking in Virginia

Virginia, known for its beautiful landscapes and abundant hiking opportunities, offers some of the country’s most joyful and awe-inspiring trails. Outdoor recreation is essential for our well-being, and hiking in Virginia is an exciting and healthy way to explore the great outdoors.

In this helpful and engaging guide, we will discuss hiking trails in Virginia, which is the best activity if you live in Virginia. We will cover popular destinations such as Shenandoah National Park, the Appalachian Trail, and George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. We will also provide some useful tips for hiking in Virginia and additional resources to plan your perfect adventure.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is Virginia’s proud jewel and an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise! With over 500 miles of hiking trails, Shenandoah offers something for everyone, from serene forest walks to challenging mountain climbs.

As a team of active hikers, we can confidently tell you that Shenandoah is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

But don’t just take our word for it – the park’s enthusiastic visitors and rangers alike rave about its stunning natural beauty and diverse array of activities. Whether you’re camping, fishing, or wildlife viewing, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in Shenandoah. And speaking of fun, with so many trails to explore, you’re sure to have a blast discovering all that the park has to offer.

But let’s not forget the helpful resources available to visitors, including maps, trail guides, and ranger-led programs. These resources make planning your trip a breeze, ensuring that you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the park’s incredible offerings.

Old rag

Old Rag is a popular and iconic hike in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. This challenging 9.4-mile loop trail is known for its breathtaking views, rock scrambles, and rugged terrain. It attracts hikers from all over the country who seek a thrilling adventure and the opportunity to take in the stunning natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The trail is rated as difficult due to its length and the strenuous nature of the ascent, which includes steep switchbacks and challenging rock scrambles. Hikers should be prepared for a long and arduous trek, with an elevation gain of over 2,400 feet.

The hike’s highlight is undoubtedly the rock scramble section, where hikers navigate through a series of boulders, crevices, and narrow passageways. This section requires careful attention, good physical fitness, and the use of hands and feet to climb up and down the rocky terrain.

As challenging as it is, completing the Old Rag hike is an enriching experience. Once hikers reach the summit, they are treated to stunning 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Piedmont region. The views are breathtaking during the fall season when the foliage changes color and the landscape is painted with red, orange, and gold hues.

Stony Man

Stony Man is a 1.6-mile roundtrip hike much more moderate than Old Rag, making it an excellent option for families with children or those looking for a shorter, easier hike. The trail features a well-maintained pathway that leads to the summit of Stony Man Mountain, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

From the top, hikers can take in sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys and ridges, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a moment of quiet contemplation. The hike is particularly beautiful during the fall season, when the foliage changes color, creating a breathtaking display of autumn hues.

White Oak Canyon

For those looking for a longer and more challenging hike, White Oak Canyon is a 9.2-mile loop trail that takes hikers through a series of stunning waterfalls and cascades. The trail is rated as moderate to difficult, with varying levels of difficulty depending on which section of the trail is taken.

The lower section of the trail features a series of cascades and waterfalls that are easily accessible. In contrast, the upper section requires hikers to navigate through rocky terrain and steep switchbacks.

One of the highlights of the White Oak Canyon trail is the series of waterfalls that hikers encounter along the way, including the Lower White Oak Falls, Upper White Oak Falls, and Cedar Run Falls.

These stunning cascades provide the perfect backdrop for photos and offer a refreshing break from the hike. In addition to the waterfalls, the trail also takes hikers through beautiful forests and meadows, providing ample opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the park’s natural beauty.

Appalachian Trail in Virginia

The Appalachian Trail, a legendary 2,190-mile footpath stretching from Georgia to Maine, holds a special place in the hearts of hikers worldwide. Virginia is home to over 550 miles of the trail, showcasing some of its most iconic landmarks and breathtaking scenery. Popular sections in Virginia include Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs.

Dragon’s Tooth

Dragon’s Tooth, a challenging 4.6-mile hike, rewards adventurers with incredible views and unique rock formations. The trail leads to a striking quartzite rock spire, providing a thrilling experience for ambitious hikers. Additionally, the most popular and challenging section of the Appalachian Trail is considered to be in Virginia is Dragon’s Tooth. 

This 4.6-mile hike takes hikers through dense forests and up steep switchbacks before reaching the summit of Cove Mountain. A highlight from this hike is the striking quartzite rock spire known as Dragon’s Tooth, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike is rated as difficult, with some sections requiring the use of hands and feet to navigate the rocky terrain.

McAfee Knob

McAfee Knob is another iconic section of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, often referred to as the most photographed spot on the entire trail. The 8.8-mile roundtrip hike takes hikers through lush forests and up steep switchbacks before reaching the summit of McAfee Knob, a rocky outcropping that juts out over the valley below.

The 270-degree panorama from the knob is simply stunning, providing hikers with a bird’s eye view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike is rated as moderate to difficult, with some steep sections and rocky terrain.

Tinker Cliffs

Tinker Cliffs offers a more secluded and challenging hiking experience than McAfee Knob, with dramatic cliffs and sweeping views of the Catawba Valley. The 7.7-mile roundtrip hike takes hikers through dense forests and up steep switchbacks before reaching the summit of Tinker Cliffs. 

The views from the top are simply breathtaking, providing hikers with a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike is rated as moderate to difficult, with some steep sections and rocky terrain.

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are a vast expanse of protected land that covers over 1.8 million acres in Virginia. With over 2,000 miles of hiking trails, the forests offer hikers of all skill levels the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country.

Cascades

One of the most popular hiking trails in the forests is the Cascades. This moderate 4-mile round-trip hike takes hikers through a shaded forest and along a mountain stream before culminating in a stunning 66-foot waterfall known as the Cascades. The hike is perfect for families and casual hikers who are looking for a scenic and relatively easy hike.

Crabtree Falls

Another must-see trail in the forests is Crabtree Falls, one of the tallest waterfall systems in the eastern United States. The 4-mile trail showcases a series of cascades and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is rated as moderate to difficult, with some steep sections and rocky terrain, but the views of the falls are well worth the effort.

Mount Rogers High Country

For more experienced hikers, the Mount Rogers High Country offers a challenging 13-mile loop that takes hikers through a diverse landscape of forests, meadows, and rugged terrain. The trail is part of the Appalachian Trail and culminates in the summit of Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest peak. Along the way, hikers will encounter stunning vistas, mountain streams, and wildlife, providing a truly immersive experience in the heart of the forest.

Other Great Hiking Trails in Virginia

Virginia’s vast landscape offers countless other incredible hiking trails. Some notable examples include Humpback Rocks, Devil’s Marbleyard, and Great Falls Park.

Humpback Rocks

Humpback Rocks, an exhilarating 2-mile hike, features a massive rock formation with a steep ascent, offering spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail is considered moderately difficult but is well worth the effort for the rewarding vistas at the summit.

Devil’s Marbleyard

Devil’s Marbleyard, a unique 4.5-mile hike, is known for its large boulder field, creating a natural playground for adventurous hikers. Climbing the challenging rock scramble is a thrilling experience, and the panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking.

Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park, a scenic 800-acre park along the Potomac River, offers a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. The park’s most famous attraction, the Great Falls, showcases dramatic cascades and rapids. With 15 miles of trails ranging from easy riverside walks to more challenging treks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Tips for Hiking in Virginia

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while hiking in Virginia, it is essential to take proper precautions. Always wear appropriate footwear and bring adequate supplies, including water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Check the weather forecast before setting out, and be prepared for unexpected changes in weather conditions.

Trail etiquette is an important aspect of responsible hiking. Stay on designated trails to minimize your impact on the environment, and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve Virginia’s natural beauty for future generations. Respect other hikers by yielding the trail when necessary and maintaining a reasonable volume when conversing with your companions.

For more information and resources to plan your hiking trip in Virginia, visit the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation website or consult guidebooks and online hiking forums for recommendations and advice.

Conclusion

Virginia’s vast and diverse landscape offers a wealth of incredible hiking trails to explore. There are endless opportunities for adventure and discovery, from the iconic Appalachian Trail and the beautiful Shenandoah National Park to the picturesque George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

By taking proper safety precautions and practicing responsible hiking, you can fully experience the natural beauty and wonder of hiking in Virginia. So lace up your hiking boots, gather your friends and family, and embark on an unforgettable journey through Virginia’s great outdoors. Happy trails!