{"id":4544,"date":"2023-08-11T17:15:11","date_gmt":"2023-08-11T17:15:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/?p=4544"},"modified":"2023-08-17T22:22:31","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T22:22:31","slug":"the-17-best-trails-trails-for-hiking-in-virginia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/2023\/08\/11\/the-17-best-trails-trails-for-hiking-in-virginia\/","title":{"rendered":"The 17 Best Trails Trails for Hiking in Virginia"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019re just getting started hiking in Virginia, you may not know where to start. That\u2019s understandable since there are over 1,000 trails to choose from! There are more than 500 miles of the Appalachian Trail alone to explore.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve compiled a list of some of the best hiking trails and broken it down by difficulty.<\/p>\n

Read on to learn more about hiking in Virginia to pick a trail and explore the beautiful state!<\/p>\n

\"View\"View<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/span>Best Easy Hiking Trails in Virginia<\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Stony Man Trail<\/h3>\n

Shenandoah National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Stony Mail Trail<\/a> is excellent for families hiking in Virginia with children. The 1.6-mile roundtrip hike should take about an hour.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a steep, rocky part at the end, but the effort is well worth it. Your reward is panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley.<\/p>\n

The trail is open year-round, but it\u2019s best to visit April-September. The earlier you go, the fewer fellow hiker you\u2019ll encounter. And make sure to leave your animals at home because no pets are allowed on this trail.<\/p>\n

\"The\"The<\/a>
View from Little Stony Man Cliffs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. High Bridge Trail<\/h3>\n

High Bridge Trail State Park<\/strong><\/p>\n

High Bridge Trail<\/a> is so remarkable that an entire state park centers around it! The 31-mile trail is wide and flat, with many sections to enjoy.<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s your first visit, you\u2019ll want your hike to include the High Bridge. It stands 125 feet high over the Appomattox River and is full of history. During the Civil War, the Confederate and Union troops aimed to take the bridge down to hinder the other side\u2019s movements. If you want even more history, travel 12 miles down the road to the trail\u2019s western end, and you\u2019ll see Appomattox Courthouse, where General Lee surrendered to end the war.<\/p>\n

3. Roaring Run Falls<\/h3>\n

Roaring Run Recreation Area<\/strong><\/p>\n

Almost any hiker can enjoy the unique beauty of a waterfall on Roaring Run Falls Trail<\/a>. You could quickly finish this 1.5-mile trail in about an hour or make a family day of it!<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll hike along Roaring Run Creek on the way to the falls. There are fun bridges to cross, perfect spots for a picnic lunch, and even places to hop in the stream to cool off or ride a natural waterslide!<\/p>\n

On the way back to your car, you\u2019ll pass an old iron furnace built and used to melt iron down to make tools, weapons, and railroad tracks.<\/p>\n

4. Bear Den Park Trail<\/h3>\n

Bluemont, Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you want to introduce your family to the Appalachian Trail, take them on the Bear Den Park Trail<\/a> an hour outside of D.C.<\/p>\n

This trail is about 1.5 miles. At Bear Den Overlook, you\u2019ll get a west-facing view of the Shenandoah Valley, which makes this a prime location for breathtaking sunset views.<\/p>\n

Take a short detour by the Bear Den Trail Center to look at life for overnight and thru campers on the Appalachian Trail!<\/p>\n

5. Scott\u2019s Run River Loop<\/h3>\n

McLean, Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hiking in Virginia doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ve got to go in the middle of nowhere. If you live in or visit the metro D.C. area, you can still explore nature on Scott\u2019s Run River Loop<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"The\"The<\/a><\/figure>\n

Several trails make up this loop, but you can experience all of them in a couple of hours, walking a little over three miles.<\/p>\n

This is a very popular spot because of its proximity to a metro area, especially on the weekends. For less crowds, visit early on a weekday.<\/p>\n

Also, while getting in the water and enjoying playing by the waterfall may be tempting, don\u2019t do it. The water is dirty and polluted. Instead, enjoy a picnic on the ground nearby.<\/p>\n

6. Burke Lake Trail<\/h3>\n

Burke Lake Park<\/strong><\/p>\n

Burke Lake Trail<\/a> is a scenic 4.8-mile loop around beautiful Burke Lake. It\u2019s a well-maintained trail that hikers of all ages and abilities will enjoy.<\/p>\n

For a bit of an extra challenge, use the fitness centers along the trail!<\/p>\n

While visiting this trail, check out Burke Lake Park\u2019s other offerings, like a snack shack, mini golf, and seasonal train.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>Best Moderate Hiking Trails in Virginia<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"The\"The<\/a>
The view from Sharp Top Mountain in Virginia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. The Channels Trail<\/h3>\n

Channels State Forest<\/strong><\/p>\n

A lot of hiking in Virginia will take you to historic sites. The Channels Trail may take the cake.<\/p>\n

The Channels Trail<\/a> dates back to the Ice Age. Ten million years ago, ice wedged down into the earth and split the soft rock underneath, creating otherworldly channels ready for exploration!<\/p>\n

You can take two different trails to get to the channels\u2013 one is 3.5 miles and moderately difficult, while the other is 5.5 miles and takes a steeper approach. Either way, you\u2019ll end up at the Channels and can spend as much time as you want to explore the 20 acres of natural wonder.<\/p>\n

8. Cascade Falls National Recreation Trail<\/h3>\n

Jefferson National Forest<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cascade Falls National Recreation Trail<\/a> is a 4-mile loop trail that will take you by Cascade Falls, which is over 60 feet high.<\/p>\n

There is a lower trail and an upper trail. The lower trail is rocky, which makes for some adventure, especially if wet from rain. The upper trail is wider and smoother but has a steeper incline.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a small fee associated with parking, so have cash on hand when visiting.<\/p>\n

9. Compton Peak Trail<\/h3>\n

Shenandoah National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re hiking in Virginia and looking to see some natural wonders, take the Compton Peak Trail<\/a>. The view on top of Compton Peak is awe-inspiring, and something else nearby makes it even better.<\/p>\n

This 2.4-mile in-and-out trail is home to a geological feature called columnar jointing. While the earth was forming, lava flows cooled quickly and turned the rock around them into a geometric pattern. It sounds complicated, but you\u2019re left with a massive group of stones that looks like you\u2019re looking at a group of cut-off number two pencils made out of rock.<\/p>\n

While you can find columnar jointing worldwide, this is one of only three places you can see it on the east coast of America.<\/p>\n

10. Rose River Trail<\/h3>\n

Shenandoah National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n

The sound of running water in the cool shade of trees on a hot summer day makes Rose River Trail <\/a>one of the best hiking trails in Virginia.<\/p>\n

This trail follows over two miles of Rose River as it winds and cascades through the forest. You\u2019ll walk past 67-foot Rose River Falls and then have the option to take a quarter-mile detour to visit Dark Hollow Falls, too.<\/p>\n

Wear shoes that can get wet on this hike because you may have to cross some creeks, depending on the water levels.<\/p>\n

11. Hawksbill Loop Trail<\/h3>\n

Shenandoah National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Hawksbill Loop Trail<\/a> will take you to the highest mountain in Shenandoah National Park and give you a 360\u00b0 view of the valley and nearby Blueridge Mountains.<\/p>\n

\"The\"The<\/a><\/figure>\n

This nearly 3-mile hike is a nice mix of inclines and flat spaces to catch your breath. When you reach the top, a pretty view will be to your left, and a shelter nearby. Take the path past the shelter to get to the top to experience the summit fully.<\/p>\n

Because of the 360\u00b0 views, this trail is excellent for sunrise or sunset hikes!<\/p>\n

12. Sharp Top Mountain Trail<\/h3>\n

Jefferson National Forest<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sharp Top Mountain Trail<\/a> is one of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia.<\/p>\n

The hike to the peak is only 1.5 miles, but you\u2019re quickly gaining 1,300 feet in elevation. It\u2019s a steep hike!<\/p>\n

At the top of the mountain, you\u2019ll find more than just some rocks to scramble up to see the views. Because this was once thought to be the tallest mountain in Virginia, extra infrastructure was added at the peak.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s an old stone building that was a restaurant in the 1950s and 1960s and other stone walkways and terraces.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>Best Challenging Hiking Trails in Virginia<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Hikers\"Hikers<\/a><\/figure>\n

13. Devils Fork Trail<\/h3>\n

Jefferson National Forest<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve quickly googled \u201chiking in Virginia,\u201d you\u2019ve probably heard of Devil\u2019s Bathtub. It\u2019s a natural, bright bluish-green swimming hole in the middle of a forest, perfect for cooling off.<\/p>\n

Devil\u2019s Fork Trail<\/a> will take you to the Devil\u2019s Bathtub and beyond, through thick forests, across many creeks, and up rocky scrambles.<\/p>\n

The initial 1.5-mile hike to the Bathtub is relatively easy. Still, the rest of the seven-mile loop is much more strenuous and complicated. Be prepared with plenty of water and sturdy hiking boots.<\/p>\n

14. Old Rag Mountain Loop<\/h3>\n

Shenandoah National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n

Old Rag Mountain Loop<\/a> isn\u2019t just some of the best hiking in Virginia. It\u2019s ranked as one of the 25 best hiking trails in the world on popular outdoor websites!<\/p>\n

This hike will require you to use your hands, feet, knees, and even elbows to scramble up nearly a mile of boulders. It\u2019s not for the faint of heart, but the end is worth it.<\/p>\n

Old Rag Mountain is named from the boulders made entirely of \u201cold rag\u201d granite at the top. Take time to sit and relax on them, enjoying the beautiful views surrounding you.<\/p>\n

Tickets are required for hiking to help with crowd control and can be purchased through the National Parks website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

15. Raven Rocks Hike<\/h3>\n

Bluemont, Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for hiking in Virginia to backcountry camp, look no further than Raven Rocks Hike<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The trail is 5.5 miles of steep inclines, flat stretches, and steep declines. It\u2019s very rocky, so walking poles are recommended.<\/p>\n

\"A\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n

At the top, you\u2019ll find several large rock outcroppings and even a campsite. If you stay the night, wake up before dawn to watch the beautiful sunrise on the east-facing mountain.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a popular hike since it\u2019s only an hour\u2019s drive from D.C. For less crowds, visit early on weekday mornings.<\/p>\n

16. Strickler Knob<\/h3>\n

George Washington National Forest<\/strong><\/p>\n

While most hiking trails in Virginia are up to a point, Strickler Knob<\/a> is a path along the point. You\u2019ll spend much of your time on this 5.5-mile hike adventuring along the ridge, scrambling up and down rocks, and climbing over a few large boulders.<\/p>\n

Several campsites along the ridge provide lovely sunrise and sunset views of the Shenandoah Valley, but bring water with you if you plan to stay, as there are no fresh springs up there.<\/p>\n

17. Dragon\u2019s Tooth<\/h3>\n

Catawba, Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dragon\u2019s Tooth Trail<\/a> gets its name from the 35-foot tall pieces of Tuscarora quartzite that burst out of the ground at the top of the trail.<\/p>\n

The first mile of the trail is pretty straightforward, but once it joins with the Appalachian Trail, there\u2019s over a mile of strenuous, technical trail that will require you to nearly climb up a rock wall.<\/p>\n

Once you reach the top, you can continue climbing to the tip-top of Dragon\u2019s Tooth if you\u2019re feeling adventurous!<\/p>\n

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<\/span>Wrapping Up the Best Hiking Trails in Virginia<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"A\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n

Virginians like to say, \u201cVirginia is for Lovers,\u201d and that\u2019s undoubtedly true for lovers of the great outdoors! Hiking in Virginia is so varied and beautiful that there\u2019s something for everyone.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re hoping for an afternoon outdoors with your whole family or looking to push yourself outside your comfort zone physically, there\u2019s a hiking trail in Virginia that you\u2019re sure to love.Want to learn more about hiking? Check out our page, All About Hiking<\/a>. There, you\u2019ll learn more about accessories to give you a better experience, reviews on some hiking products, and more incredible hiking trails across the country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re just getting started hiking in Virginia, you may not know where to start. That\u2019s understandable since there are over 1,000 trails to choose from! There are more than 500 miles of the Appalachian Trail alone to explore. We\u2019ve compiled a list of some of the best hiking trails and broken it down by […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4546,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4544"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4544"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4544\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4555,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4544\/revisions\/4555"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4546"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4544"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4544"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4544"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}