10 Of The Best Places To Hike In Virginia
When it comes to hiking in the tri-state area, Virginia has spots that are difficult to top. Hiking in Virginia is particularly rewarding due to factors like the weather, the amazing trails and the proximity to Maryland and Washington, DC; places that already offer a great variety for those who love the outdoors and exploring. Today in Sudir Raju’s Blog we want to tell you about some of the best spots to go hiking in Virginia, and show why you simply cannot afford to miss out some of this beautiful trails. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner, an expert, a photographer or simply someone curious about seeing the great outdoors and spending some time with the family, Virginia has something for everyone.
McAfee Knob
McAfee Knob is without a doubt a challenging hike, however, it is well worth it in the end, as it is also considered one of the best spots to photograph on the Appalachian Trail. The summit provides a spectacular view and its popular ledge can provide you with an amazing opportunity to take a picture of yourself with the beautiful surrounding mountains. At 3,200 of elevation, reaching the peak and coming back down takes about 4 hours at a leisure pace. There are a couple of options to hike it to the top, so you can choose whatever fits you better.
Mary’s Rock
As is it the case with many of Virginia’s best locations for hiking, Mary’s Rock is a portion of the greater Appalachian Trail. This particular location is found south of the entrance to the Shenandoah National Park at Thornton Gap. The options are varied and the offer an easy hike just short of 3 miles and also something a little more challenging that can clock 9 miles there and back again.
Sharp Top Mountain
Sharp Top Mountain is one of the many trail choices at the Peaks of Otter, but this particular spot is known for offering an amazing 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park offers great spots for fishing enthusiasts as well as the trails for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Swimming and boating are not permitted in the lake, however.
Old Rag
Known for being the most challenging as well as one of the most popular hikes in the Shenandoah National Park. This 8-mile hike requires you to negotiate rock obstacles and climb boulders for over 1 mile of its total trail. It is important to go early since it gets a bit crowded, however, your time and effort will be rewarded for an absolutely spectacular view at the top.
Roaring Run Trail
This is a great trail you can enjoy with your whole family. The path follows along the Roaring Run stream and offers great views of the water, bridges and even a visit to a century old furnace that was used during the Civil War. Trout fishing and picnicking are available and we encourage you to give it a try since this is a great park to enjoy with hiking for everyone.
Stony Man
Stony Man provides both an easy hike and also a great view of the Shenandoah National Park. The trip is less than a mile from the parking area, but it offers you the sights of one of the most iconic images of the park you will ever see. There is another option if you want more of a challenge, but regardless of the increased elevation and length, it is also an easy hike you can enjoy without really breaking a sweat.
Dragon’s Tooth
Now we are talking about a trail that offers a real challenge but that will reward you with a view that you will not easily find anywhere else. Cove Mountain is one of the great features you can appreciate here and obviously the famous Dragon’s Tooth, a 35-foot rock spire that provides a unique view of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Bearfence Mountain
This is a short hike, but that offers a challenge by having quite a few of the trail covered by rock formations and having you navigate around them. One of the great things about Bearfence Mountain is that it offers an east and west view of the Shenandoah National Park, something that makes it a great spot for enjoying the sunset and sunrise if you want to.
Tinker Cliffs
A 7.5-mile there and back type of trail along the Andy Lane with a summit that stands at 3,000 feet. The view from here is amazing and apparently, not many people know about since it is considered one of the most underrated trails of Virginia. Along with Dragon’s Tooth and McAfee Knob, this is one of the locations that make up the triple crown of the Roanoke Valley.
Blackrock Summit
This is one of the best hikes if you want to put a small effort and be rewarded with an amazing view. Only half a mile to the summit will show you a great view of the southern portion of the Shenandoah National Park.
