25 Best Day Hikes in Virginia

Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park is one of Virginia’s most iconic and challenging hikes, featuring stunning panoramic views and a rugged rock scramble that draws adventure-seekers from across the mid-Atlantic. This popular 10-mile circuit hike offers a thrilling climb, best experienced on weekdays to avoid heavy crowds. Don’t forget—an advance Old Rag day-use ticket and park entrance pass are required before hitting the trail.

Tucked away in Shenandoah National Park, the Bear Church Rock hike is a hidden gem offering serene forest trails, cascading streams, and a rewarding overlook with sweeping mountain views. Starting along the scenic Rapidan and Staunton Rivers, this moderately strenuous hike includes a peaceful detour to the historic Jones Mountain Cabin. With far fewer crowds than more popular hikes, Bear Church Rock is perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty in Virginia’s backcountry.

The Three Falls hike in Shenandoah National Park showcases three of the park’s most stunning waterfalls—Rose River Falls, Dark Hollow Falls, and Lewis Spring Falls—along a scenic, waterfall-filled loop. This moderate circuit offers lush forest trails, cascading streams, and an option to shorten the route for a more accessible adventure. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike, it’s one of the best hikes in Virginia for chasing waterfalls.

The Jeremy’s Run loop is one of Shenandoah National Park's longest and most adventurous hikes, featuring 14 stream crossings, mountain views, and remote waterfalls over 14 miles. This challenging backcountry route offers stunning vistas from Neighbor Mountain and a rugged, scenic trek along Jeremy’s Run, especially beautiful (and tricky) during spring high water. Ideal for experienced hikers and backpackers, it’s a top pick for those seeking solitude and serious trail time in Virginia’s wilderness.

The Hazel River hike is a hidden gem in Shenandoah National Park, offering old growth forests, ridge views, and a refreshing waterfall-fed swimming hole—all with far fewer crowds than nearby trails. This 8.7-mile circuit starts on Skyline Drive and descends through quiet woodlands to the scenic Hazel River, featuring lush laurel, stream crossings, and a rewarding climb to panoramic vistas on White Rocks Trail. Perfect for solitude-seekers and adventurous hikers, the Hazel River hike combines serene forest beauty with a splash of mountain adventure.

The White Oak Canyon hike is one of Shenandoah National Park's most iconic waterfall trails—perfect for families, casual hikers, and anyone seeking stunning views with moderate effort. This out-and-back route winds through a well-maintained forest path to one of the park’s most impressive falls, complete with footbridges, scenic overlooks, and picnic-perfect spots along the way. Ideal for spring and fall, this 4.6-mile round trip is a crowd favorite thanks to its accessibility, natural beauty, and rewarding views without a strenuous climb.

The Overall Run and Beecher Ridge loop is a scenic gem in the northern section of Shenandoah National Park, featuring the park’s highest waterfall, peaceful valley streams, lush meadows, and a chance to spot black bears in the wild. This 7.9-mile circuit rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Massanutten Range and the dramatic Overall Run Falls, one of the tallest continuous waterfalls in Virginia. Wildflower lovers will enjoy the spring bloom of native Rue-anemone, while conservationists should keep an eye out for the invasive garlic mustard along the trail. Less crowded than many nearby hikes, this route blends beauty, solitude, and a touch of wildlife adventure.

Little Devils Stairs is one of Shenandoah National Park's most adventurous short hikes, featuring a steep, rugged climb through a narrow gorge carved by Keyser Run. Best hiked in early spring when water levels are high, this 5.3-mile loop offers cascading waterfalls, hand-over-hand scrambles, and dramatic views as you ascend the gorge. The descent follows the peaceful Keyser Run Fire Road through quiet forest and past historic Bolen Cemetery. For those wanting more mileage, consider linking with the Piney Branch Trail to create a 9-mile circuit. This trail is perfect for hikers seeking a bit of challenge, solitude, and classic Shenandoah beauty.

Stony Man Mountain Loop is a short but scenic circuit in Shenandoah National Park's with sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge. This 3.4-mile hike features multiple overlooks, rock outcrops, and a chance to explore both Stony Man and Little Stony Man peaks. Ideal for a quick adventure with big rewards.

Strickler Knob offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in the mid-Atlantic, with a 360° summit panorama over New Market Gap, the Luray Valley, and the Shenandoah River. This 5.4-mile out-and-back adventure (or 8.6 miles if starting from Massanutten) is not for the faint of heart—it features a rugged rock scramble, ridge-top navigation, and multiple steep climbs. The pink-blazed Strickler Knob Trail rewards persistent hikers with thrilling scrambles and epic ridge camping spots perfect for sunrise and sunset. Just be sure to bring plenty of water—there are no natural sources on the ridge. It’s the perfect hike for experienced adventurers craving a mix of challenge and unforgettable scenery.

Elliott Knob is a hidden gem tucked just west of Staunton in the quiet seclusion of Buffalo Gap. As one of the highest peaks in Virginia, this 8.1-mile out-and-back hike rewards adventurers with two waterfalls, sweeping views to both the east and west, and a grassy summit crowned by a historic (though unused) fire tower. The trail begins on an old logging road, winding through dense forest and clearings before climbing past waterfalls and hitting a steep dirt access road. The summit—often cloaked in solitude—features a pair of quiet campsites under spruce trees and wide-open views that make every uphill step worth it. This is the perfect adventure for hikers seeking serenity, a touch of challenge, and a taste of Virginia’s high country.

The Veach Gap & South Fork Overlook hike offers a peaceful, out-and-back adventure in the George Washington National Forest, just outside Front Royal, VA. This secluded trail features a gradual ascent through Veach Gap, with a stunning series of overlooks at the high point, making it an ideal choice for those seeking tranquility and scenic beauty. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of Massanutten Valley, passing through lush forest with opportunities for birdwatching, including sightings of robins and wild turkeys. At the summit, you’ll find a great campsite and a breathtaking panoramic view of Shenandoah National Park—perfect for sunrise. This moderate hike, which includes a mix of gentle climbs and stunning vistas, is ideal for a peaceful day in nature.

The Emerald Pond hike leads to a crystal-clear mountain swimming hole tucked off the Bird Knob Trail, with a stunning vista along the way. This serene spot is perfect for a summer dip, a scenic day hike, or an overnight by the water.

The High Knob Fire Tower hike offers a short but rewarding trek to Virginia’s only stone fire tower, with panoramic views across Shenandoah Mountain. Just 1.7 miles roundtrip, this family-friendly hike mixes history, scenery, and a touch of adventure.

Cole Mountain offers stunning 360° meadow views from the saddle, one of the best on the East Coast. The hike starts from FS48, following the blue-blazed Hotel Trail, and ascends to a beautiful backcountry campsite. After crossing Little Cove Creek, continue on the blue trail to Cowcamp Gap, then follow the AT to the summit. The summit provides sweeping views, and the return follows the AT back through the meadows. For a longer hike, combine it with Mount Pleasant for a challenging 11.3-mile loop.

Kennedy Peak offers some of the best views in the region with a 360° panorama from the fire tower summit. The hike begins with a gradual incline, becoming steeper around the western flank. For a challenge, add the Stephens Trail to make it a 9.2-mile loop. Along the way, enjoy views of the Shenandoah River and Luray Valley. The summit features expansive views of the Luray Valley, South Fork of the Shenandoah River, and the Massanutten Range.

Duncan Knob is a rugged hike in Virginia’s Massanutten Range featuring a rock scramble, solitude, and sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley. This 3.5-mile out-and-back from Gap Creek climbs Catback Mountain through forest and switchbacks to a rocky summit overlook. A short, steep detour leads to panoramic views and several campsites—perfect for sunsets and overnights.

The Terrapin Mountain Trail offers winter views and easy access from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The short out-and-back leads to scenic overlooks with views of Apple Orchard Mountain and Thunder Ridge. The full loop, mostly along forest roads, features a surprise waterfall near the end.

The Apple Orchard Falls hike is a popular hike in Jefferson National Forest, with streams alongside almost the entire route. The highlight is the 200’ waterfall, with a viewing area built in 2000. The hike includes steep sections, wooden stairs, and a creek crossing on the Cornelius Creek Trail. There are great camping spots and scenic views, but be mindful of stinging nettles and ticks.

Located near Pembroke, VA, this hike offers scenic views of Little Stony Creek and a 69’ waterfall. You can take a 4-mile round trip to the lower falls or extend it to 7.7 miles to see Barney’s Wall, a 700’ cliff with stunning views of the New River Valley. The lower trail follows the creek, passing photo opportunities and remnants of a 1996 flood. For more solitude, head to Barney’s Wall after the falls, following the Conservancy Trail and a yellow-blazed spur trail. Be cautious near cliffs and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Located in Daleville, VA, this hike offers stunning views of Carvin Cove Reservoir and surrounding mountains. Starting from the commuter parking area, follow the A.T. for 2 miles of gradual ascent, with several scenic overlooks along the way. After crossing a power line and reaching the ridgeline, you'll encounter rocky terrain and more viewpoints, including 3 prime overlooks. Finally, reach Hay Rock for a challenging climb with breathtaking views. Not recommended for small children. Retrace your steps to return.

The Mt. Rogers & Grayson Highlands hike is one of Virginia’s premier backpacking routes, offering 39.6 miles of scenic terrain in 2.5 days. The trail features creeks, tough climbs, wild ponies, expansive vistas, and the state’s highest peak. The hike starts on the Virginia Creeper Trail, known for its picturesque views and creek crossings, before heading into the Appalachian Trail for more rugged terrain. Be mindful of the weather at high elevations. Camp sites are plentiful, and the trail offers numerous options for a memorable experience.

The Devil’s Marbleyard hike offers two options: a short loop and an extended loop with the Appalachian Trail. The shorter loop takes you through the boulder field of the Devil's Marbleyard, where you can rock-hop before reaching the Gunter Ridge Trail. The extended loop adds a 3-mile out-and-back to a stunning 360° panoramic view along the Appalachian Trail at the "Helicopter Pad." Both options feature diverse terrain, with scenic views, creek crossings, and a ridge offering expansive vistas. The hike concludes back at the parking area via the Belfast Trail and Gunter Ridge Trail.

McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail, offers a stunning 270-degree view of the Catawba Valley, Tinker Cliffs, and the Roanoke Valley. The hike is a 3.9-mile steady climb with 1700’ elevation gain from the VA311 parking area, leading to the iconic Knob. The out-and-back trail is popular, but the incredible views make it worth the crowds. The hike is 7.9 miles round trip, with a challenging climb and scenic overlooks along the way. For more solitude, consider the alternative Catawba Sustainability trailhead.

Dragon's Tooth is a challenging but rewarding hike with a tough 2.4-mile climb through rocky terrain, steep rock steps, and iron bar steps to reach the top of Cove Mountain. The hike offers breathtaking views, especially from the famous Dragon's Tooth monolith. After reaching the Tooth, hikers can enjoy scenic overlooks. The return route follows the Appalachian Trail and Boy Scout Connector Trail, passing additional overlooks and a campsite along the way. The total round-trip is about 4.7 miles.