Virginia knows how to make hiking interesting, with trails that take you through thick mountain forests, across giant boulders, and past roaring waterfalls.
The state has everything from short, steep climbs with huge summit views to longer adventures through quiet forests, rocky river cliffs, and sandy coastal landscapes.
You can even hike to Virginia’s highest point, tackle trails with thousands of feet of elevation gain, and explore routes where wildlife might steal the show.
So lace up your hiking shoes and pack extra water because these eight hiking trails deserve a spot on your adventure list.
1. Old Rag Circuit
Old Rag Circuit is a 9.4-mile hike in Shenandoah National Park, known for its huge granite boulders, steep grades, and thrilling rock scrambles near the summit.
You’ll gain more than 2,300 feet of elevation as you climb Old Rag Mountain, squeezing through narrow gaps and using your hands to navigate tricky sections.
At the 3,284-foot summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially in fall when the surrounding forests turn shades of red, orange, and gold.
Allow 7.5 to 8 hours for the entire hike, bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and secure a day-use ticket if you’re visiting from March through November.
2. River Trail – Great Falls Park
For something shorter but packed with Potomac River scenery, tackle the River Trail at Great Falls Park in McLean, just a 30-minute drive from Washington, D.C.
This 3-mile round-trip hike follows rugged cliffs above the Potomac, offering scenic views of Mather Gorge and its towering rock walls rising 75 feet above the water.
You might also spot great blue herons hunting along the river’s edge and vultures circling overhead as rushing water crashes against the massive boulders below.
Just remember to prepare for some scrambling, watch your footing on slippery sections, especially in wet weather, and stay out of the dangerous currents.
3. Humpback Rock
If you’re up for another short climb with an incredible payoff, Humpback Rock along the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a rocky summit rising 3,080 feet above sea level.
The 2-mile out-and-back route may sound easy, but its 720-foot climb through wooded slopes, stone steps, and uneven paths will definitely get your legs working.
Once you reach the summit, scramble onto the outcrop for jaw-dropping views of the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, and patchwork farmland below.
Afterward, stop at the nearby Humpback Rocks Visitor Center, where historic buildings show how Appalachian families lived and worked during the 1890s.
4. Crabtree Falls
While Humpback Rock impresses with its mountain views, Crabtree Falls draws hikers with its rushing waters deep in George Washington National Forest.
Dropping 1,200 feet in total, it features five major cascades and several smaller ones, making it one of the tallest waterfall systems east of the Mississippi River.
You can follow the 3.4-mile trail through the forest, climbing over 1,000 feet to reach overlooks where you can admire them and the surrounding Tye River Valley.
The first overlook is just a short walk from the parking area, making it perfect for a quick visit, but exploring farther along the trail is well worth the extra effort.
5. Devil’s Marbleyard via Belfast Trail
Waterfalls and mountain views are great, but Devil’s Marbleyard near Natural Bridge brings a whole new kind of fun in the James River Face Wilderness.
To get in on the action, take the Belfast Trail for roughly 4 miles round trip, with about 1,345 feet of elevation gain if you continue climbing toward the upper sections.
The main attraction is a massive field of boulders, some as large as cars, where you can carefully scramble for wide views across the surrounding Arnold Valley.
When you’re ready to head back, take the easier route down the nearby ravine instead of climbing back over the rocks, or continue along the main trail for an extra challenge.
6. McAfee Knob
Another must-try hike is McAfee Knob on Catawba Mountain, where a scenic stretch of the Appalachian Trail leads to one of Virginia’s most iconic viewpoints.
You’ll hike about 7.5 miles round trip, climbing through peaceful forests and gaining over 1,700 feet in elevation before reaching the 3,197-foot summit.
Up top, the Knob’s flat rock ledge curves dramatically over the valley, giving you huge views of Catawba Valley, North Mountain, and the distant Blue Ridge peaks.
Sunrise is especially impressive here, so arrive early and use the designated McAfee Knob Trailhead parking area before it gets too crowded.
7. Mount Rogers
Standing at 5,729 feet along the border of Grayson and Smyth counties, Mount Rogers is Virginia’s highest peak and one of its most rewarding hikes.
Follow the popular 8-mile round-trip route from Massie Gap, which passes wide meadows, colorful rhododendron thickets, and spruce-fir forest along the way.
You may also spot the area’s famous wild ponies grazing or wandering along the trails, but remember to keep a safe distance and never feed or touch them.
Unlike many mountain hikes, the wooded summit here has no sweeping overlook, so the real fun comes from the changing scenery and cool high-elevation forest.
8. Sand Ridge Trail – False Cape State Park
Last but not least, Sand Ridge Trail at False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach takes you to sandy coastal landscapes near the North Carolina border.
This 6.2-mile trail follows a sandy service road through wooded coastal terrain, passing oak and pine forests, marshes, and junctions leading toward the Atlantic.
Watch for deer, otters, foxes, and migrating birds as you explore this park, which stretches across more than 4,500 acres between Back Bay and the ocean.
With its peaceful surroundings and remote location, it’s the kind of place where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a quieter side of Virginia.
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