Residents of Virginia are well aware that our hiking trails are exquisite. To much of the world, though, these treks through ancient forests, picturesque shorelines, and mountain peaks are something of a hidden gem. So we’re hear to announce that 10 of the greatest hiking trails on earth can be found right here in Virginia. If you’re in need of further convincing, simply scroll through the following photographs:
- Mary’s Rock
rjcox/flickr The view from Mary’s Rock offers a classic yet breathtaking Blue Ridge overlook. Located just south of the Thornton Gap entrance, there are many ways to tackle this climb. The trail lengths range from 9 miles to 2.5 total, and so there are options for hikers of various skill levels.
- Old Rag
Karen Blaha/flickr Also located in Shenandoah National Park, Old Rag is one of the most popular hikes in the state. It comes with a warning, though, as the climb is one of the toughest in Virginia. While the 360-degree view from the top is certainly worthwhile, hikers should be prepared for an 8-mile round trip and 1 mile of rock scrambling. For more information about this hike, click here.
- Stony Man
Navin75/flickr For those not interested so much in the hiking but the views, Stony Man is the perfect option. Just .8 miles from the parking area along Skyline Drive, you can expect such views as the one above.
- Humpback Rocks
Patrick Mueller/flickr Humpback Rocks is accessible by means of the Blue Ridge Parkway. While this hike only takes about a mile to reach extraordinary views, the climb is pretty demanding. Fortunately, there will be plenty of time to rest as you marvel at the views from the top.
- Sharp Top
Jim Lukach/flickr Sharp Top is one of the three peaks commonly referred to as the Peaks of Otter. At the summit, hikers can enjoy a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape. Clocking in at 1.5 miles each way, the hike gains an impressive 1,500 feet in elevation.
- McAfee Knob
Frank Kehren/flickr As one of the most recognizable overlooks in Virginia, McAfee Knob is an extraordinary hike that follows along the iconic Appalachian Trail. The hike is just under 9 miles, so hikers will want to be sure to allocate plenty of time for this trek. And don’t forget your camera for the views at the top!
- Mount Rogers
Daniel Feivor/flickr The tallest peak in all of Virginia, Mount Rogers has sweeping views reminiscent of a fairy tale. Especially considering that along the way, you’re likely to spot pastures of grazing wild ponies. Can you imagine a more stunning outdoor experience? For more information, click here.
- Tinker Cliffs
Bill Geneczko/flickr Just outside Roanoke awaits a hiker’s paradise known as Tinker Cliffs. This formation is made from 250-million-year-old limestone. While the trek is a bit strenuous, rest assured that the views are well worth the challenge. For more information on this spot, click here.
- High Bridge Trail
Virginia State Parks/flickr Not all hikes require a strenuous incline, as shown by the gorgeous High Bridge Trail. Just outside of Farmville, outdoor enthusiasts can walk 160 miles above the Appomattox River on this historic trek. For more on High Bridge Trail, click here.
- Crabtree Falls
Charles Payne/flickr Hiking alongside the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi is not only a unique experience, it’s also a deeply rewarding one once you see the view from the top. Be sure to stay on the trail, though, as conditions become extremely slippery and dangerous closer to the falls. For more information, click here.
Of course, even these 10 just barely scratch the surface of all of Virginia’s gorgeous trails. Did any of your favorites miss the list? If so, be sure to share them with us!
rjcox/flickr
The view from Mary’s Rock offers a classic yet breathtaking Blue Ridge overlook. Located just south of the Thornton Gap entrance, there are many ways to tackle this climb. The trail lengths range from 9 miles to 2.5 total, and so there are options for hikers of various skill levels.
Karen Blaha/flickr
Also located in Shenandoah National Park, Old Rag is one of the most popular hikes in the state. It comes with a warning, though, as the climb is one of the toughest in Virginia. While the 360-degree view from the top is certainly worthwhile, hikers should be prepared for an 8-mile round trip and 1 mile of rock scrambling. For more information about this hike, click here.
Navin75/flickr
For those not interested so much in the hiking but the views, Stony Man is the perfect option. Just .8 miles from the parking area along Skyline Drive, you can expect such views as the one above.
Patrick Mueller/flickr
Humpback Rocks is accessible by means of the Blue Ridge Parkway. While this hike only takes about a mile to reach extraordinary views, the climb is pretty demanding. Fortunately, there will be plenty of time to rest as you marvel at the views from the top.
Jim Lukach/flickr
Sharp Top is one of the three peaks commonly referred to as the Peaks of Otter. At the summit, hikers can enjoy a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape. Clocking in at 1.5 miles each way, the hike gains an impressive 1,500 feet in elevation.
Frank Kehren/flickr
As one of the most recognizable overlooks in Virginia, McAfee Knob is an extraordinary hike that follows along the iconic Appalachian Trail. The hike is just under 9 miles, so hikers will want to be sure to allocate plenty of time for this trek. And don’t forget your camera for the views at the top!
Daniel Feivor/flickr
The tallest peak in all of Virginia, Mount Rogers has sweeping views reminiscent of a fairy tale. Especially considering that along the way, you’re likely to spot pastures of grazing wild ponies. Can you imagine a more stunning outdoor experience? For more information, click here.
Bill Geneczko/flickr
Just outside Roanoke awaits a hiker’s paradise known as Tinker Cliffs. This formation is made from 250-million-year-old limestone. While the trek is a bit strenuous, rest assured that the views are well worth the challenge. For more information on this spot, click here.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Not all hikes require a strenuous incline, as shown by the gorgeous High Bridge Trail. Just outside of Farmville, outdoor enthusiasts can walk 160 miles above the Appomattox River on this historic trek. For more on High Bridge Trail, click here.
Charles Payne/flickr
Hiking alongside the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi is not only a unique experience, it’s also a deeply rewarding one once you see the view from the top. Be sure to stay on the trail, though, as conditions become extremely slippery and dangerous closer to the falls. For more information, click here.
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