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This is my pick for the best hike in Virginia. The place remains crowded mostly during weekends, and the perfect time to go there is from spring to fall (March to October). Our goal, to share the world’s unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Of the several trails leading to this site, the Appalachian and Virginia Creeper are the most prominent ones. The place is secluded, and getting parking does not seem a problem most of the time. Make sure someone knows where you’re headed and when they can expect you back. On reaching the summit, the panoramic view of the surrounding Peaks of Otter region would leave tourists in awe. The perfect hiking time is from April to October, though a winter trip to the place would give one a stunning view of the frozen falls. The rock scramble close to the summit requires some amount of effort to get to. 9 Things To Do In Charming Narragansett, RI. Length: 2 miles (3.2 km) for Lower Falls; 4.6 miles (7.4 km) for Upper Falls; 7.3 miles (11.7 km) for full Whiteoak, Difficulty:  Easy for Lower Falls; Moderate for Upper Falls; Hard for full Whiteoak. They provide great ankle and arch support, keep the moisture out, and aren’t as heavy as other boots I’ve worn in the past. The trail, covered in 1.5 – 2.5 hours, is moderately difficult as one will have to cross a steep, rocky terrain. One needs to travel for just 45 minutes to climb to ascend and another 20 to 25 minutes to descend. You could either take to the mountains to get a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape or even visit some of the great waterfalls for a relaxed, refreshing break. I did need a break-in period and had to play with the lacing a bit to ensure a custom, comfortable fit. On the way back, keep your eye out for wild azaleas on the switchback that gives another glimpse of the falls. For a bit of Civil War history with your hike, take the 5.2-mile First Manassas Trail that circles the spot where the first major land battle of the Civil War took place. To get a complete view of all the waterfalls, one must cross a steeper path. The wet rocks surround the falls are slippery, and should be avoided. Located on the border of Maryland and Virginia, Great Falls Park is both a historic and natural gem that’s just a 30 minute drive from downtown Washington DC. The trail, best accessed between April and November, remains crowded during weekends. The out and back crowded hiking trail to Mount Rogers is a long and difficult one taking about 5 to 6 hours to complete the round trip. Looking for the best Hiking trails around Virginia? Like many rails-to-trails spots, it’s made of crushed limestone and is a snap to navigate. Once you reach this labyrinth, make sure to reserve a full day to hike through it and marvel. Most of the trails mentioned above allow dogs on leash, excepting the Old Rags, McAfee Knob, Bearfence Mountain, Dark Hollow Falls, and Dragon’s Tooth. The knob is the jutted end of a tilted mountain, sticking out nearly 3,200 feet over the valley like a natural diving board. Shenandoah National Park, extending across the Blue Ridge Mountains, is located northwest of Charlottesville and includes 200,000 acres divided by the Skyline Drive.. As you pass by, you would come across several streams and small falls, perfect for a refreshing break on a summer day. Virginia is home to Shenandoah National Park and contains almost 25% of the famous Appalachian Trail. This is one of Shenandoah National Park’s most popular waterfall-cascade series that many people prefer visiting due to the short hiking time. Once you reach the zenith, take pleasure in cherishing the Stony Man to the north, Massanutten Mountain to the west, and Old Rag to the east. You could view parts of the Shenandoah National Park to your north, stretches of farms in the east, and the George Washington National Forest’s woody, mountainous terrain in the southwest. The lovely wildflowers that you spot on your way are sure to give you utmost pleasure. The 2.5-mile Crabtree Falls Trail is a short but fairly strenuous loop just off the famed Blue Ridge Parkway, not too far from the North Carolina border. The Trailhead: From the intersection of US 211 and US 522 in Sperryville, take US 522 south for .8 mile to VA 231. First, pack plenty of water -- at least a quart per hour you’re on the trails. Best Waterfall Hikes: Crabtree Falls, Dark Hollow Falls, Cascades Falls, Hikes with Best Scenic Views: Mary’s Rock, Old Rag, Stony Man, Best Winter Hikes: Crabtree Falls, Bearfence Trail, Dark Hollow Falls, Your email address will not be published. The preferred time is between April and October. You’ll see the battlefield landscape and pass the Henry house, where an elderly widow was killed by cannon fire when she refused to leave her home during the fight. It is nearby the McAfee Knob, and some parts of the trail is rocky and steep. I LOVE connecting with fellow travelers. And with several trailheads and parking lots, this is also an easily customizable hike. I'm a full-time traveler and freelance writer. Located in the southeastern U.S., Virginia is mostly hilly and mountainous, home to ranges within the Appalachians like the Allegheny and Blue Ridge mountains. One could even camp and backpack in the Pig Farm Campsite and other adjacent areas. The hike starts at high elevation -- 3,600 feet -- leaving just 500 more to climb to reach the craggy nose of Hawksbill Mountain. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. It might seem like a lot, but the last thing you want is to get dehydrated in the middle of the woods. The route is mostly smooth, with some sections being steep and a little troublesome to cross. Located close to the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Channels trails wind through the rock channels, but it’s a fairly steep downhill hike to reach them; boots with ankle support will be necessary. Shop KEEN’s Terradoras and other hiking shoes here. The Compton Peak has two viewpoints, the Compton Peak East and the Compton Peak West, covered in a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) roundtrip when following the Appalachian Trail. The ideal time to visit the place is between April and October. Check out TravelAwaits’ picks for the best hikes in all 50 states here. The place is generally not crowded. Just take your time and enjoy this gorgeous natural rock formation. This is the cream of the crop for backpacking in Virginia, which includes three of the most iconic vistas along the Appalachian Trail — McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs, and Dragon’s Tooth, which easily makes it one of the best hikes in Virginia. Another terrific rails-to-trails project, the Virginia Creeper Trail spans 35 miles in southwestern Virginia. The path is a little steep and rocky, with the chief attraction being the hexagonal columnar basalt joint formed 700 million years ago. Get Directions. Each of the waterfalls has a swimming hole that mostly remains crowded. The summit of the tooth is difficult to climb, but if you manage to do so don’t miss out capturing photographs of the spectacular views around. The 60-foot waterfall cascades down the cliff amidst wildflowers and ferns. The following two tabs change content below. When she’s not training for her next race or packing for another trip, you’ll find Erika hanging out with her husband, son, and personal zoo, which includes a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, two cats, and a grumpy pygmy hedgehog. If you are an avid hiker, chances are that hiking some of the trails in Virginia ranks right up there in your bucket list. Like the High Bridge Trail, it is made of crushed limestone and is easy to walk and fairly flat. Your email address will not be published. My name is Jay and I run this website. Communication done well has always been Erika’s career focus. The presence of benches and viewing platforms midway allows one to relax and cherish the scenic beauty. The Whiteoak Canyon Trail is one of Shenadoah’s most popular routes, and for good reason. Allot at least 4 hours for the trip. You pack a PB&J in your backpack, lace up your hiking boots and fill up your water bottle, and you’re off. Another of the popular hiking spots in the Shenandoah National Park provides one a complete view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are six gorgeous waterfalls along this stretch. Though people come here throughout the year, visiting the place in winters would give an uninterrupted view of the gorgeous falls as summer here remains busy. On the other hand, the lower falls pose a picturesque view, ideal for photography, particularly in autumn with leaves scattered all around the rocks and water. The Virginia Creeper stretching for 35 miles (56.3 km) is a recreational rail-trail situated in southwest Virginia’s Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. The several boulders on top serve as a perfect picnic spot. The Dragon’s Tooth, a rock monolith of the Tuscarora quartzite is situated to the western part of Catawba in the Roanoke and Craig counties. © 2020 (Flavorverse).All rights reserved. While the entire circuit includes a 2,800-foot gain and 7 tough miles, you can easily break up the hike into less strenuous routes. Hikers from around the world come to this Blue Ridge Mountain spot for the incredible, panoramic views. High-elevation hardwood forests, dramatic rock outcrops, and boulder mazes etched from sandstone set the Channels Natural Area Preserve apart from other hikes on this list. This spot is well known as a hiker’s paradise, with more than 500 miles of trails. The Hogcamp Branch responsible for its creation is seen at the trails descending sections. But once that was done, it was off to the races -- and the trail! This backpacking trip begins near Roanoke, Virginia in the south of the state. The wooded dirt trail is well marked and takes you by one of the park’s famous waterfalls, as well as through the old, long-defunct town of Matildaville.

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