Top 10 Hiking Trails in Virginia, United States

April 16, 2022 Frederic Celentano

Virginia can make American history come alive. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, tour Civil War battlefields, explore the living history museum at Williamsburg… the possibilities are endless (if the kids object, break up the historical sightseeing with a visit to Busch Gardens). Arlington, site of Arlington National Cemetery, is just across the Potomac River from all the major sites in D.C. In addition to beaches and historical attractions, Virginia has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Active families will love the Blue Ridge Highlands, where hiking, canoeing and tubing are just a few of the activities offered. Couples might enjoy a romantic mountain cabin in Virginia after a day of hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
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1. Virginia Creeper Trail

Abingdon, VA +1 276-676-2282 http://www.vacreepertrail.org/
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,086 reviews

Virginia Creeper Trail

A bike trail challenging to both beginners and experts.

Reviewed By knightma - Lancaster, United States

Some friends had told us about the trail a couple of years ago. We had a great time, rented a bike and shuttle service to the top of the trail. The part from White Top down to Damascus is pretty much all down hill and is pretty easy, even if you haven’t ridden in a while. There are several places to stop along the way and the scenery is great.

2. Marys Rock

Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Marys Rock

Hiking along the Appalachian Trail to outcrops and great views.

3. Hazeltop / Camp Hoover Loop

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

A 7.2 mile hike passing by Big Rock Falls and a chance to visit Camp Hoover (President Hoover's retreat).

4. Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail

VA 20175 +1 866-822-4737 http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail

This coastal trail covers 210 individual sites connected over 18 different loops for nature lovers to hike, bike, climb or even drive.

5. Appalachian Trail

VA
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 32 reviews

Appalachian Trail

6. Old Rag Mountain Hike

Shenandoah National Park, VA (540) 999-3500 https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/old-rag-hike-prep.htm
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 366 reviews

Old Rag Mountain Hike

Reviewed By 352remil - Virginia, United States

Just got back from hiking this bad boy and would recommend it. I always wondered if it would be as hard as people say. While I wouldn't say only certain people should do it...you gotta be prepared for what you are getting into. Today being election Tuesday I figured there wouldn't be too many issues with overcrowding. I arrived at 10:30 am and the two main lots were full. I was one of the first cars in the 3rd overflow but while I was gathering my gear at least 10 more cars full of people arrived. There are portopotty's in the lower overflow lot but actual restrooms in the main parking area. While the ranger station at the lower overflow lot is closed be prepared to bring your wallet/pass with you because the ranger station is open in the main lot at the head of the trail. I did not read the signs that warn of this in the lower overflow lot so unfortunately had to return to my car adding another mile to the overall hike. People say plan the day to do the hike and they are right. I set out from the ranger station at 11 am and was done by 4:30 pm but the sun was disappearing rapidly and I speed walked the last several miles once getting to the Weakley Hollow Fire Road. I also didn't spend a ton of time at the overlooks nor the summit. So what is there to be cautious about? The rocks...oohh the rocks. Slippery when wet is not just a Bon Jovi album. If you've done any research you know about the rock scramble but the rocks along the way are not to be taken lightly either. I was behind a family and watched the father slip on a small rock. He went down hard about 2 miles into the trail hitting his head on some other larger rocks. The family decided to turn back at that time. The boulders are what everyone comes for though. When I bought my trail ticket ($15) the ranger warned of the mile long rock scramble at the top but I truly didn't appreciate what she meant until I got there. Once off the beaten path, it took a minute to orient on how to navigate the trail but once I figured out to look for the blue blazes, it made it slightly easier. I was able to traverse most of the scramble alone but did have to bite the bullet and ask for a hand in a some places mainly because the scramble forced an awkward body position making leverage impossible. Even though it was 61 degrees and a sunny day there was ice in several spots once leaving the tree line and there was some strong winds. Once slipping into an icy puddle, getting a grip on the boulders with the wet shoe was nigh impossible. That's why people recommend good hiking shoes with grip. Going down from the summit using the Saddle Trail to the Fire Road was a nice respite after all the bouldering. Be prepared for 5 more hiking miles after you summit if you do this route. Weakely Hollow Fire Road was well marked after getting off the saddle trail. There's now a new Ridge access trail back to the parking area but the sucker is mostly uphill and feels like torture at the end of a long day of traversing Old Rag.

7. Stony Man Mountain Hike

At Mile Marker 41.7 Turn off Skyline Drive To Skyland Upper Loop Inside Shenandoah National Park Stony Man Parking, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, VA +1 877-313-2586 http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/StonyMan/
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 448 reviews

Stony Man Mountain Hike

Reviewed By MarkUSNA1998 - Odessa, United States

After a much longer hike the day before, we wanted a shorter, easier one for our last day. Since this one is right next to Skyland where we we're staying, it was perfect. In short, it is easy to find the trail head, there was ample parking (at 10am), and it was a pretty easy hike up to the best view I have seen yet in the park. All in all I think it took is about an hour round trip, with about 15 minutes standing at the top. Highly recommended!

8. The Noland Trail

100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606-3757 +1 757-686-3995 http://www.marinersmuseum.org/park-and-trail
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 308 reviews

The Noland Trail

Reviewed By 559albertd

The locals know how awesome the Noland trail is so if you are in town and want an awesome trail to walk or jog, this is your place. Well marked and maintained, shaded and plenty of parking.

9. Virginia Creeper Trail Club

Abingdon, VA 24210 +1 276-676-2282 [email protected] http://www.vacreepertrail.org
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 132 reviews

Virginia Creeper Trail Club

Reviewed By Valleytraveller11 - Shenandoah Valley, United States

This scenic rail to trail park extends for about 34 miles from Damascus, Va to Abingdon. I walked for about an hour and a half and really liked it. There seemed to be a lot of trees along the trail. I'm guessing this would be a great place for a summer hike or bike ride if you like well shaded trails.

10. Beaver Dam Creek Walking Trail

Beaver Dam Road, Hillsville, VA 24343
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Beaver Dam Creek Walking Trail

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