AT hikes in Virginia all hikes

Appalachain Trail: VA 43 to VA 614

This 6.1-miler runs from Bearwallow Gap, traces the horseshoe-shaped ridge of Cove Mountain, and descends to a great swimming hole in Jennings Creek.

Appalachian Trail: Ashby Gap to VA 605

Go up, down, and around several geological obstacles and into shady stream hollows on this 6.8-mile dayhike.

Appalachian Trail: Beagle Gap to Blackrock

Find your rhythm as you ascend, descend—again and again—between rocky overlooks and deeply cut gaps on this 15-mile trek in Shenandoah National Park.

Appalachian Trail: Blackrock to Doyles River Overlook

This quick 3.2-mile hike in Shenandoah National Park traverses the Blue Ridge to Doyles River Overlook, where views extend south across wooded slopes.

Appalachian Trail: Blue Ridge Parkway to US 501

Travel under The Guillotine--a large boulder hanging precariously over the trail--and test your mettle with a ridge climb to Highcock Knob on this 13.7-miler. Watch for seasonal blueberries and box turtles along the trail.

Appalachian Trail: Bootens Gap to Fishers Gap

Link the wooded summit of Hazeltop Mountain, the rugged cliffs of Blackrock, and Big Meadows (home to deer and black bear) on this 6.9-mile route in Shenandoah National Park.

Appalachian Trail: Damascus, VA to Summit Cut, VA

Tackle a rigorous 1,000-foot climb, traverse fields, and cross an impressive gorge on this 15.8-mile section.

Appalachian Trail: Dickey Gap to Mount Rogers Headquarters

This 13.1-miler twists around several 3,400-foot peaks then dips into wooded valleys and traces an old narrow-gauge railroad route.

Appalachian Trail: Doyles River Overlook to Pinefield Gap

On this 8.8-mile hike, you’ll wind around Big Flat Mountain and gaze at Shenandoah peaks from Ivy Creek Overlook. Kodak moment: Take the side trip down Doyles River Trail to photograph several waterfalls.

Appalachian Trail: FS 191 to VA 43

There's no shortage of scenic overlooks on this 14.8-mile section that crisscrosses the Blue Ridge Parkway four times.

Appalachian Trail: Fishers Gap to Stony Man Overlook

This 8.5-mile hike passes vertical cliffs, weaves through spruce and fir stands, and traverses the northern slopes of Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak in Shenandoah.

Appalachian Trail: Gravel Springs Gap to US 522

Travel through white ash and yellow poplar, skid down steep ridges, and sing Hallelujah at the scenic outposts on this 12.3-mile leg in Shenandoah National Park.

Appalachian Trail: Harpers Ferry to Gathland State Park

This 10.4-miler passes Jefferson Rock, climbs Weverton Cliff for jaw-dropping views, then continues on temperate terrain to Gathland State Park.

Appalachian Trail: I-77 to VA 608

Numerous campsites, two shelters, and a viewpoint dot this 12.7-mile section hike. Note: Native wintergreen grows along the trail.

Appalachian Trail: Mount Rogers Headquarters to VA 86

This succinct 3.8-mile dayhike winds across Brushy Mountain’s ridgetop, traverses a small saddle, then crests Locust Mountain before a final descent.

Appalachian Trail: Pinefield Gap to Swift Run Gap

Savor postcard-worthy views of the Blue Ridge from Hightop Mountain on this 10.9-mile hike in Shenandoah National Park.

Appalachian Trail: Rockfish Gap to Beagle Gap

This rolling Blue Ridge hike travels 5.2 miles and features bird's-eye views from Bear Den Mountain before its descent to Beagle Gap.

Appalachian Trail: Stony Man Overlook to Thornton Gap

Treat yourself to far-reaching panoramas from Marys Rock—arguably some of the best views in Shenandoah National Park—before a steady descent to Thornton Gap on this 6.9 miler.

Appalachian Trail: Summit Cut, VA to Dickey Gap

This weeklong hike tours photogenic balds, rhododendron-choked valleys, and grassy hillsides with wild ponies in Grayson Highlands State Park.

Appalachian Trail: Swift Run Gap to Bootens Gap

Countless views, fragrant pines, and a worthy side trip to South River Falls highlight this 11.6-mile hike in Shenandoah National Park.

Appalachian Trail: TN 91 to Damascus, VA

Get lost in a mixed forest of evergreens and hardwoods on this fairly flat 20.3-mile hike with multiple camping spots and a steep final descent into Damascus.

Appalachian Trail: Thornton Gap to Gravel Springs Gap

Frequent overlooks, lush landscapes, and three Blue Ridge summits highlight this 14.3-mile section in Shenandoah National Park.

Appalachian Trail: Three Ridges Overlook to Dripping Rock

This 4.3-mile hike starts at Three Ridges Overlook, then contours wooded Blue Ridge slopes to Dripping Rock—a prime spot to watch the sun drop over pastoral landscapes.

Appalachian Trail: US 11 to VA 42

On this 11.8-mile stretch, you’ll climb a seven-foot stile (arguably the AT’s tallest), cruise cow-filled fields, pass a centuries-old cemetery, and briefly trace the North Fork Holston River.

Appalachian Trail: US 220 to FS 191

Wind through mid-Atlantic woodlands and farmland to Fullhardt Knob on this 5.3-mile dayhike. Along the way, pass a collier’s pit where charcoal was made for nearby iron furnaces during the 19th century.

Appalachian Trail: US 460 to VA 635

Thump. Thump. Thump. Raise your heart rate while climbing to the postcard-worthy balds on Peters Mountain. This 19.6-mile ridgewalk traces the Virginia-West Virginia border.

Appalachian Trail: US 501 to VA 607

Take a Blue Ridge summit tour to the tops of Big Rocky Row, Little Rocky Row, Bluff Mountain, and Punchbowl Mountain on this 10.7-mile hike where views extend south to the James River.

Appalachian Trail: US 522 to Ashby Gap

This 18.8-miler traverses High Knob’s southern slopes, passes three shelters and ends with an optional side trip into Sky Meadows State Park.

Appalachian Trail: US 60 to VA 56

Wander hills painted in wildflowers and crest several crags before charging down 3,000 feet to the Tye River on this 24-mile trek.

Appalachian Trail: VA 311 to US 220

Highlights of this 19.8-miler include an overhanging rock ledge at McAfee Knob, spectacular views along Tinker Cliffs, and a ridgewalk above Carvin Cove Reservoir.

Appalachian Trail: VA 42 to VA 623

Go from flat lowlands to high ridgetops--you'll gain more than 2,000 feet--on this 17.1-miler that traverses wildflower-laced Chestnut Ridge and the rocky backbone of Garden Mountain.

Appalachian Trail: VA 42 to VA 624

Go from the watery flats of Sinking Creek to the knifelike ridges of Cove Mountain on this 26.5-mile leg. Other highlights: A 300-year-old Keffer Oak and the Medieval-named rock called Dragons Tooth.

Appalachian Trail: VA 56 to Three Ridges Overlook

You'll travel past Harpers Creek Shelter and continue on a steady ascent over the summits of the Three Ridges in George Washington National Forest on this 10.2-mile trek.

Appalachian Trail: VA 601 to VA 42

Follow an old gravel road on this 5.7-mile dayhike from Rocky Gap to Kelly Knob where mountain skylines turn fiery pink at sunset.

Appalachian Trail: VA 605 to Snickers Gap

The AT continues its rollercoaster ride across the Blue Ridge on this 7-mile ridge-to-hollow route that passes Bears Den Rocks overlook where classic views of Shenandoah Valley are revealed.

Appalachian Trail: VA 606 to VA 663

This 15-miler starts out gently along Dismal Creek then cranks up 1,300 feet to Sugar Run Mountain. Take the side trip to Falls of Dismal—a multi-tiered cascade and local swimming hole.

Appalachian Trail: VA 607 to US 60

This 10.2-miler crosses a new suspension bridge over the Pedlar River and curves around the southern tip of Lynchburg Reservoir. Bonus: Cool off and snap photos at the waterfall next to Brown Mountain Creek.

Appalachian Trail: VA 608 to VA 606

This 4.6-mile dayhike leaves Lickskillet Hollow and follows Brushy Mountain’s ridgetop before dropping down to cross Kimberling Creek on a suspension bridge.

Appalachian Trail: VA 613 to VA 601

Overnight at War Spur Shelter on this 7.7-mile ridgeline tour linking Potts Mountain and Lone Pine Peak then drop into Rocky Gap (one of many Rocky Gaps along the AT spine).

Appalachian Trail: VA 614 to Blue Ridge Parkway

You'll gain 3,000 feet by the end of this 12.9-miler that runs from Jennings Creek to the top of Apple Orchard Mountain.

Appalachian Trail: VA 623 to I-77

This relocated section avoids frequent stream crossings along Little Wolf Creek. Instead, you’ll cruise an old road and railroad grade, then contour the slopes of Brushy Mountain (covered in seasonal mountain laurel blooms).

Appalachian Trail: VA 624 to VA 311

This popular 5.9-mile stretch crosses rolling farmlands before climbing Catawba Mountain at Beckner Gap. Bring your camera: Major viewpoints showcase magnificent views of valley.

Appalachian Trail: VA 635 to VA 613

Wind Rock. The first explorers nailed the name of this breezy point perched above a sea of wooded wilderness in two states.

Appalachian Trail: VA 663 to US 460

Before you lose 2,500 feet in the final two miles on this 11.2-miler, enjoy the fern-draped ridges and sweeping valley views on Angels Rest.

Appalachian Trail: VA 86 to US 11

Highlights along this 6.7-mile section hike include: long-stretched views from Glade Mountain, colorful wildflowers, and Settlers Museum (fresh water, seasonal fruits and veggies available to hikers).

Shenandoah National Park: Skyland to Big Meadows via AT

Save this 13.6-miler for a weekday in the spring when crowds are thin and hazefree views stretch for miles (patches of flowers and wildlife, too).

Washington, DC: G.R. Thompson Loop

Pick a sport: fish, bird watch, or hike. Next: tour parts or all of this 5.8-mile loop for a quick getaway from the noisy Capitol City.

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