Beautiful Hiking Spots in Virginia: Breathtaking climbs and thundering falls

Located in Shenandoah National Park, hiking to the summit of Bearfence Mountain is a short loop trail that will lead to some amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At about 1.2 miles round trip with only 380 feet elevation gain, Bearfence Mountain is suitable for beginner hikers and is open year round. The trail and the surrounding views are especially beautiful during the spring and fall because of the wildflowers and colors, but it’s a pretty hike no matter the season. The trickiest part of this hike is the scramble near the top, and because of this section dogs are not allowed on the trail, but once hikers get past this obstacle, they’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view from the summit.

Bearfence Mountain Trailhead, Stanardsville, Virginia

Heading up to Blackrock Summit for sunrise or sunset will provide hikers with unobstructed views of the colors in the sky as well as the lovely light as it spreads over the surrounding landscape, but this hike is also quite pretty at any other time of day as well. There are several route options for reaching the top, and both are under 2 miles in length. One goes out and back via the Appalachian Trail right to the summit for about a mile, and the other takes that way up but then meanders down the Blackrock Spur Trail for a slightly longer 1.6-mile trip. Blackrock Summit is located in Shenandoah National Park, which is open year round, but the road to the trailhead – Skyline Drive – is sometimes closed during inclement winter weather.

Blackrock Summit Trailhead, Appalachian Trail, Virginia

The Chester Gap to Harpers Ferry segment of the Appalachian Trail is a long one, measuring over 54 miles in length, but it’s a beautiful one that follows the ridges and spines of the Blue Ridge Mountains with great views of the valleys below. Many shorter hikes can be done from this longer stretch, like Chester Gap to Linden, which is about 8 miles and allows hikers to see all the beauty of the AT without a multi-day excursion or a need for backpacking gear. The mountains here along this stretch of the trail are quiet and peaceful, with abundant wildlife and some diverse nature.

Front Royal, Virginia

A round trip hike to the summit of Cole Mountain requires 5.8 miles of hiking and about 1,500 feet in elevation gain. It’s an intermediate level loop trail that winds through the George Washington National Forest and follows the Hotel Trail (blue blazes) to the Appalachian Trail (white blazes), which leads to the top. The summit of Cole Mountain is bald, meaning there’s plenty of meadowy space for a picnic while hikers rest and prepare for the journey back down. A hike on Cole Mountain can easily be combined with Mount Pleasant, which has equally beautiful views from its summit.

Cole Mountain Parking Area, Vesuvius, Virginia

As Crabtree Creek makes its way to the Tye River, it descends over 1,800 feet in elevation. Hiking Crabtree Falls follows this creek, and along the way hikers will find five beautiful and picturesque cascades. The tallest of them, Crabtree Falls, is the highest waterfall in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, and it’s very beautiful. The trail can be anywhere from 2 miles to 6 miles long, and is rated as moderate or difficult due to the fact that many of the rocks on the trail can become quite slippery when they are wet, and also because of the steep incline for some of the trail. But although Crabtree Falls is a challenging hike, it is a popular one in Virginia, and once hikers see the views from the waterfall, it’s easy to understand why.

Nelson County, Virginia

Virginia is home to almost a quarter of the entire Appalachian Trail, which can take a hiker about 12 weeks to traverse from north to south. But for those who aren’t ready to take on that kind of commitment, there are plenty of shorter day hikes or backpacking trips along the AT. The Damascus to Marion segment of the Appalachian Trail is 63.8 miles of beautiful wilderness, steep climbs, and abundant wildlife, including wild horses. The entire segment can be done in a recommended 7 days, though fast hikers can achieve it in 5. The terrain is diverse and the scenery is breathtaking, and while this is a difficult hike to be sure, it’s definitely a rewarding one.

Washington County, Virginia

This 4-mile loop hike features two beautiful waterfalls, Dark Hollow Falls and Rose River Falls. Starting at Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, hikers can take the Rose River Fire Road to the Dark Hollow Falls Trail, where they will hike a steep ascent to the falls. From there, they will take the Rose River Loop Trail, which follows a gorgeous stream full of scenic cascades and leads past an old mine. Rose River Falls will be just beyond, and it’s a great spot to stop and enjoy the scenery before continuing along the loop back to the trailhead. The loop is not particularly difficult, though it could be treacherous in inclement weather.

The Dragon's Tooth is a unique rock formation that can be reached via a 4.6-mile out and back trail. The parking lot for the trailhead generally gets full around midday, so hikers looking for solitude should plan on an early start. The Dragon’s Tooth Trail leads hikers across a creek and through the woods to the Appalachian Trail, where they will follow an exposed section (so wear sunscreen and bring lots of water!) up a steep incline to the Tooth. Some of this section of the trail may involve climbing, but there are metal footholds in the more tricky parts. There’s a beautiful view from the top of the Tooth, and it’s a great spot for a picnic or at least a few photos.

Dragon's Tooth Trailhead, Catawba, Virginia

False Cape State Park is located on one of the barrier islands on the coast of Virginia. This unique ecosystem means there is an abundance of nature and wildlife, and by hiking through the area, visitors may catch a glimpse of birds, wild pigs, foxes, and even bobcats. The park is a neat mix of beach, marsh, and other landscapes, and visitors will even find the remnants of civilization in the form of an old cemetery, abandoned cars from the early 1900s, and even a shipwreck that can be spotted in the water at low tide.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Great Falls Park is a small but pretty national park area located on a stretch of land along the Potomac River. Located only 15 miles from Richmond, Great Falls Park is easily accessible for a day trip and features many lovely trails where hikers can enjoy the beauty of the river. Visitors can hike to the Great Falls of the Potomac River at the park’s northern edge or visit the historic Patowmack Canal, which is the oldest canals and first ever built in the United States with locks for raising and lowering boats that passed through. Many of these sights are accessible by car, but there is also a 15-mile hiking trail called Difficult Run, which follows a stream, and also many opportunities for rock climbing within the park.

Great Falls Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA 22101