Beautiful Hiking Spots in Virginia: Breathtaking climbs and thundering falls

Location: Shenandoah National Park, near Stanardsville, VA

Recommended For: Beginner hikers, families (without pets), nature lovers, and anyone chasing epic mountain views on a short trail.

What we Love: "It’s short, it’s sweet, and it ends with a 360-degree view — Bearfence gives you major mountain magic for minimal effort. Just watch your footing on the rock scramble!"

• Hike a 1.2-mile loop with just 380 feet of elevation gain—perfect for beginner hikers looking for big rewards.
• Scramble over rocky sections near the summit—fun for adventure seekers, but note: dogs aren’t allowed here.
• Soak in panoramic 360° views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially colorful in spring and fall.

Cost: Entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park applies (per vehicle or with an annual pass).

Best time to visit: Spring for wildflowers, fall for foliage. The trail is open year-round and beautiful in any season.

Local tips: Start early to beat the crowds and bring shoes with good grip for the rocky summit section.

Distance: About 1 hour from Charlottesville, VA; 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C.

How to Get to Bearfence Mountain Trail: Enter Shenandoah National Park via Skyline Drive. The Bearfence parking area is at mile 56.4. Look for the trailhead sign just off the road.

Location: Shenandoah National Park, Appalachian Trail, VA

Recommended For: Sunrise/sunset chasers, beginner hikers, photographers, and nature lovers year-round.

What we Love: "Want sunrise views without a leg-busting climb? Blackrock Summit delivers sweeping, unobstructed beauty — golden light, rolling ridgelines, and skies that go on forever."

• Hike a short 1 to 1.6-mile round trip using either the Appalachian Trail alone or the AT plus Blackrock Spur Trail.
• Catch an unforgettable sunrise or sunset—the summit's rocky perch offers wide-open sky and panoramic mountain views.
• Explore Shenandoah year-round, but check conditions—Skyline Drive may close in winter due to snow and ice.

Cost: Shenandoah National Park entrance fee applies (per vehicle or annual pass).

Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset for magical light; spring and fall for color. Open all year, but winter access depends on weather.

Local tips: Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you’re catching sunrise or sunset, and check the Skyline Drive status before you go.

Distance: About 1.5 hours from Charlottesville, VA; 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C.

How to Get to Blackrock Summit Trail: From Skyline Drive, park at milepost 84.8. The trailhead begins at the Blackrock parking area and quickly connects to the Appalachian Trail.

Location: Appalachian Trail, Front Royal to Harpers Ferry, VA/WV

Recommended For: Long-distance hikers, section hikers, wildlife lovers, and Blue Ridge Mountain fans.

What we Love: "This stretch of the Appalachian Trail is pure Appalachian magic — ridge walks, valley views, and quiet forested moments where the only sound might be birdsong or a breeze through the trees."

• Hike over 54 miles of Blue Ridge beauty from Chester Gap to Harpers Ferry—or choose a shorter segment like the peaceful 8-mile Chester Gap to Linden route.
• Experience the best of the AT without needing backpacking gear—day hikes along this section are serene and rewarding.
• Watch for deer, birds, and wildflowers as you follow ridgelines with views of Shenandoah Valley below.

Cost: No fees to hike the trail; standard parking or park entry fees may apply at certain access points.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall for the most comfortable hiking weather and beautiful foliage or blooms. Summer is lush but warmer.

Local tips: Start early for day hikes, especially in warmer months. Bring plenty of water and know your entry and exit trailheads—cell service is limited in places.

Distance: Chester Gap is about 1.5 hours from Washington, D.C.; Harpers Ferry is around 90 minutes from both D.C. and Baltimore.

How to Get to Chester Gap: From Front Royal, take US-522 south to Chester Gap. Trail access and parking are available near the AT crossing.

Location: George Washington National Forest, near Vesuvius, VA

Recommended For: Intermediate hikers, meadow lovers, day trippers, and fans of open-summit views.

What we Love: "Cole Mountain’s bald summit is pure Blue Ridge bliss — wide open, picnic-ready, and surrounded by endless green ridges. The combo of forested trail and meadow-top reward makes this one feel like a mini-mountain getaway."

• Hike a 5.8-mile loop via the Hotel Trail and Appalachian Trail, gaining about 1,500 feet of elevation through serene national forest.
• Relax at the bald summit with 360° views and grassy meadows that are perfect for a picnic or quick nap under the sky.
• Extend your adventure by linking it with nearby Mount Pleasant for a scenic and satisfying full-day hike.

Cost: No entrance fee required for the George Washington National Forest. Parking is free.

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for clear trails, mild weather, and wildflower-dotted meadows.

Local tips: Bring layers—temps can be cooler at the summit—and keep an eye out for the trail blazes (blue for Hotel Trail, white for the AT).

Distance: About 1.5 hours from Charlottesville, VA; 3 hours from Washington, D.C.

How to Get to Cole Mountain Trailhead: From Vesuvius, follow Wiggins Spring Road (FR 48) to the Cole Mountain parking area. The loop begins across the road near the trail sign.

Location: Nelson County, VA

Recommended For: Waterfall chasers, moderate to experienced hikers, photographers, and Blue Ridge explorers.

What we Love: "Crabtree Falls isn’t just a single showstopper — it’s a staircase of cascades tumbling alongside your trail the entire way. The payoff? The highest waterfall in Virginia’s Blue Ridge and views worth every step."

• Hike 2 to 6 miles round-trip along Crabtree Creek, passing five scenic waterfalls — including the tallest in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Climb over 1,800 feet in elevation alongside wooden stairs, steep switchbacks, and rockier, more technical terrain.
• Pause at multiple overlooks to take in the crashing water and distant mountain views, especially stunning after spring rains or in fall color season.

Cost: $3 per vehicle for day use (cash only); no reservations required.

Best time to visit: Spring and early summer for full waterfall flow; fall for foliage. Avoid rainy days as the trail gets slick.

Local tips: Wear sturdy shoes with good grip — the trail can be slick even on dry days. Arrive early on weekends as this hike is popular and parking fills up fast.

Distance: About 1.5 hours from Charlottesville, VA; 3 hours from Washington, D.C.

How to Get to Crabtree Falls Trailhead: From VA-56 near Montebello, follow signs for Crabtree Falls Highway. The parking area is well-marked and includes trail maps and restrooms.

Romantic Hiking Spots in Virginia:

Location: Washington County, VA

Recommended For: Long-distance hikers, experienced backpackers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone dreaming of thru-hiking a rugged AT stretch.

What we Love: "This section of the Appalachian Trail is wild, scenic, and full of surprises — from rocky ridgelines and quiet forests to the magical moment you cross paths with a group of wild horses."

• Hike 63.8 miles of dramatic Appalachian terrain from Damascus to Marion — typically tackled in 5 to 7 days for experienced backpackers.
• Encounter wild ponies in the Grayson Highlands and enjoy some of the most remote, scenic stretches in the state.
• Challenge yourself with steep climbs, variable terrain, and rugged ridgelines — then relax with valley views and forested campsites.

Cost: Free to hike; some trailheads or overnight sites may require permits or small fees.

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for moderate weather and trail accessibility. Summer brings green beauty and fall bursts with color.

Local tips: Damascus is a great resupply and trail town to begin or end your hike. Check shuttle services and weather before starting—cell coverage is sparse on-trail.

Distance: About 5 hours from Richmond, VA; 2 hours from Roanoke, VA.

How to Get to the Damascus Trailhead: Drive to Damascus, VA via US-58. Parking and trail access are available near downtown, where the AT intersects with the Virginia Creeper Trail.

Location: Shenandoah National Park, VA

Recommended For: Waterfall lovers, moderate hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

What we Love: "Two waterfalls in one hike? Yes, please. With misty cascades, historic touches, and a babbling brook soundtrack, this loop trail is a Shenandoah favorite for a reason."

• Hike a 4-mile loop that includes both Dark Hollow Falls and Rose River Falls—two of the park’s most scenic and accessible waterfalls.
• Follow a picturesque stream past a series of cascades, forest glades, and the remnants of an old mine along the Rose River Loop Trail.
• Climb the steeper Dark Hollow Falls Trail section first if you want the challenge up front and a gentler walk out.

Cost: Entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park applies (per vehicle or annual pass).

Best time to visit: Spring and early summer for strong waterfall flow; fall for foliage. Avoid after heavy rains—trails can be slick.

Local tips: Start early to avoid crowds on this popular trail. Bring waterproof hiking shoes—sections of the loop can get muddy and slippery.

Distance: About 1.5 hours from Charlottesville, VA; 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C.

How to Get to the Trailhead: Park at Fishers Gap Overlook at mile 49.4 on Skyline Drive. The loop trail begins across the road from the overlook.

Location: Dragon’s Tooth Trailhead, Catawba, VA

Recommended For: Adventurous hikers, Appalachian Trail section-hikers, photographers, and experienced day trippers.

What we Love: "Dragon’s Tooth isn’t just a name — it’s a jagged, fang-like monolith that rewards your scramble with serious Appalachian views. It’s equal parts hike and adventure, and 100% worth the climb."

• Hike a 4.6-mile out-and-back trail featuring creek crossings, shaded forest paths, and a rugged rock scramble near the top.
• Climb the exposed Appalachian Trail section with the help of metal footholds for a safe but thrilling approach to the summit.
• Rest at the dramatic Tooth formation with panoramic views and plenty of space for a summit snack or photo session.

Cost: Free parking and trail access. No entrance fee required.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall for cooler temperatures and clearer views. Avoid peak midday to dodge crowds and heat.

Local tips: Arrive early — the small parking lot fills quickly, especially on weekends. Bring water, sunscreen, and shoes with excellent traction for the rocky scramble.

Distance: About 35 minutes from Roanoke, VA; 3.5 hours from Washington, D.C.

How to Get to Dragon’s Tooth Trailhead: From Catawba, VA, take VA-311 and follow signs for Dragon’s Tooth. Parking is at the end of the gravel road, where the trail begins.

Family Hiking Spots in Virginia:

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Recommended For: Wildlife watchers, beach hikers, history buffs, and off-the-grid nature explorers.

What we Love: "False Cape is where beach meets backcountry. Marshes, forests, and ghost-town vibes come together with wild pigs and shipwrecks to keep every step of the hike full of surprises."

• Hike through barrier island terrain featuring dunes, marshes, and maritime forest—one of the most undeveloped stretches on the East Coast.
• Discover remnants of the past like an old cemetery, early 1900s abandoned cars, and a shipwreck visible at low tide.
• Spot wildlife including bobcats, foxes, wild pigs, and dozens of bird species in this biodiverse coastal habitat.

Cost: $10 parking fee at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (required to access False Cape); no fee for park entry itself.

Best time to visit: Fall and spring for cooler hiking temps and migratory bird activity. Summer offers beach access but can be hot and buggy.

Local tips: There’s no public road access—visitors must hike, bike, or boat in. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Check tide charts if you're hoping to spot the shipwreck.

Distance: About 45 minutes from downtown Virginia Beach; 2 hours from Richmond, VA.

How to Get to False Cape State Park: Park at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, then hike or bike the interior trails south through the refuge into False Cape. Shuttles may operate seasonally—check ahead.

Location: McLean, VA

Recommended For: History lovers, river hikers, rock climbers, families, and day trippers from D.C. or Richmond.

What we Love: "Just outside the city, Great Falls is a breath of fresh air — roaring rapids, forested trails, and a glimpse into America's earliest canal engineering. It's scenic, powerful, and surprisingly close to home."

• Visit the dramatic Great Falls of the Potomac River — easily accessible from several overlooks near the Visitor Center.
• Walk through history at the Patowmack Canal, one of the first U.S. canals with lift locks, now preserved in scenic ruins.
• Hike the 15-mile Difficult Run Trail or try rock climbing on the dramatic cliffs above the river — a local favorite for outdoor adventure.

Cost: $20 per vehicle entrance fee (valid for 7 consecutive days). Annual and interagency passes accepted.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer weekends can be crowded — come early.

Local tips: Parking fills up fast on weekends — arrive early or try visiting on a weekday. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven, rocky paths near the falls.

Distance: About 30 minutes from Washington, D.C.; 2 hours from Richmond, VA.

How to Get to Great Falls Park: Take the George Washington Memorial Parkway to the park entrance in McLean. The Visitor Center, overlooks, and trailheads are all clearly marked once inside.