The Best Hiking Trails in Virginia

The Mount Vernon Trail is a lengthy paved greenway trail running through the Washington DC metro area. This trail is extremely popular with road cyclists (both recreationally and for commuting), but walkers/hikers, runners, skaters, and more all use this trail....

The High Bridge Trail is a long-distance rails-to-trails route located between Lynchburg and Richmond, Virginia—although it doesn't reach either city. (The trail does run through the smaller town of Farmville.) This trail is popular with cyclists, but walkers/hikers, runners, and equestrians all use this trail....

If you are looking for a short but memorable hike or ride near Afton, Virginia, you might want to check out the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail. This 4.6-mile out-and-back trail takes you through a 4,700-foot tunnel that was bored through the Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1850s....

This stretch of the white blazed AT between Watauga Lake and Damascus is a relatively mild finish to its traverse through Tennessee. The southern terminus of Watuaga Lake (US-321) is reported to by others to be a safe place to leave a vehicle if you are planning a point-to-point hike....

The southern terminus for this segment, Massey Gap, lies within Grayson Highlands State Park. Established in 1965, this region is home to countless outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding....

Heading north out of Atkins, VA, pass under Interstate 81 and look for the trail to the right after the service road. The trail winds through a few fields before entering back into the "green tunnel....

Cole Mountain is arguably one of the most underrated spots on the AT in Virginia. As the 2,200-mile long Appalachian Trail leaves the comfort of the Blue Ridge Parkway, it spirals around Lynchburg Reservoir, crosses the Lexington Turnpike, then begins a demanding climb into remote high country....

The Humpback Rocks Loop is an excellent family-friendly hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hikers have the option for a shorter 2-mile out-and-back hike to the overlook or this 4-mile loop paired with a small portion of the 2,200-mile long Appalachian Trail....

White Oak Canyon is one of the most talked-about hikes in all of Shenandoah National Park. This circuit includes six waterfalls "ranging from 35 to 86 feet and many smaller cascades along the Whiteoak Canyon Trail," according to the NPS....

Dark Hollow Falls is *the* must-do waterfall hike in Shenandoah National Park. It's less than 0.75 miles from the trailhead and is even accessible from Big Meadows Campground. Though challenging at times, your reward is a "beautiful series of waterfalls and cascades," on what the NPS highlights as "one of the most popular hikes in the park....

Towering in at 4,050', Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak anywhere in Shenandoah National Park. In addition to the stunning views, the summit is home to balsam fir, a tree typically only seen in the northern latitudes - especially in New England and Canada....

The Rose River Loop is a classic day hike near Big Meadows Campground with stunning waterfalls, an abandoned copper mine, and a historic cemetery. It can be hiked in either direction, and an optional detour leads to Dark Hollow Falls, just 0....

South River Falls is a stunning 83' waterfall, and the 3rd largest in Shenandoah National Park [[source](https://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/SouthRiverFalls/)]. The South River Falls Trail is the shortest route to view the stunning 80'+ waterfall, just 1....

If you find yourself at the northernmost end of Skyline Drive, be sure to add this ~5-mile loop to your to-do list. A moderate hike to most, it passes a historic cemetery and the remnants of Snead Farm, then offers sweeping views from Dickey Hill at its furthest point....

This is one of the best one-night circuits in the southern district of Shenandoah National Park. There are multiple stream crossings, a small waterfall, and stunning views along Riprap Trail. This hike is a perfect option for anyone new to backpacking, but looking for a challenge....

This is an excellent one-night circuit with a small cave and waterfall. It could also be hiked in a single day, with the waterfall as the perfect lunch destination. Several rock surfaces overlook the waterfall below, allowing you to relax with a view....

The Billy Goat Trail is a popular hike along the Potomac River and Mather Gorge. From this stretch of trail, you can view the Lower Mather Gorge, including Stubblefield Falls. At one point, the trail runs along the top of a cliff band that is popular with rock climbers....

If you are looking for a scenic hike along a beautiful river, the Bull Run Occoquan Trail is a great option. This lengthy trail follows the course of Bull Run from Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville to Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax Station....

Damascus, arguably one of the most iconic and recognized trail towns along the Appalachian Trail, serves as the southern terminus for this segment. Most thru-hikers will choose to spend a day or two exploring town and taking a break from the trail....

The southern terminus for this segment is located where the trail crosses Interstate 77. The famous Brushy Mountain Outpost lies adjacent to the highway and serves as a popular place among thru-hikers to refuel after a long stretch of trail....