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.
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Virginia
Hiking and Backpacking Trips
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Appalachian Trail: Harpers Ferry to Gathland State ParkThis 10.4-miler passes Jefferson Rock, climbs Weverton Cliff for jaw-dropping views, then continues on temperate terrain to Gathland State Park. Appalachian Trail: Blackrock to Doyles River OverlookThis 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: US 460 to VA 635Thump. 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.
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Mill Mountain Star TrailA wonderful hike for families, strolling couples, or for some quiet, personal time. Hiking only trail. This trail is a good starting point for families. Excellent for birding and bug hunts. Approx. 35 minutes at a sprint, 1 hour 15 minutes if you bring along the young ones. Potomac Heritage Trail - 7.5 mileHike the Potomac Heritage Trail. Shenandoah National Park: Matthews Arm LoopThis rugged, 16.7-mile, 2-day backpacking trip reveals classic Appalachian wonders: idyllic waterfall-laden hollows, reborn woodlands, and scenic backcountry campsites.
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Readers' Choice 2012: Your Neck of the Woods - Southeast HikesSee Shenandoah's tallest waterfall, traverse secluded ridgelines, score cliff-top panoramas, swim beneath falls, and walk through wildflowers and oak stands on the Florida Trail. 
Rip & Go: Iron Mountains - Little Dry Run Wilderness, VAScore quiet views of the southern Virginia highlands on this lush loop. |
Perfect 10: North America's 10 Most Memorable HikesTen trails. Ten unmatched miles each. Get maximum bang for each boot step on hikes that our most-traveled contributors call their all-time favorites. 
Rip & Go: Rockytop Loop - Shenandoah National Park, VAEscape Skyline Drive to discover secret summits and hidden valleys. 
The High Life: Hiking Utah's Highline TrailWatch your step on Utah' Highline Trail. The nonstop views and rampant wildlife are distractingly spectacular. Plus: Gaze away on 9 more elevated hikes. |
Appalachian Trail Nature Photo GalleryWildflowers, bugs, and other nature photographs shot by our map correspondent on the AT © Jeff Chow 
AT Shelter Photo GalleryA few of the shelters and lean-tos found along the length of the Appalachian Trail © Jeff Chow 
Panoramas of the Appalachian TrailA collection of five-star overlooks along the Appalachian Trail © Jeff Chow |
AT Interview: Correspondent Jeff ChowJeff Chow spent 10 months mapping every mile of the AT for BACKPACKER. Learn about his favorite spots and hard-earned tips here. |
Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more.
Photos + Videos
Packing for a Backcountry Ski DayKristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing. |
Adjust Your Pack Straps on the TrailMaximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments. |
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Life's Short, Hike More!
What makes a backpacker a backpacker? It's not the garage full of gear or piles of guidebooks--it's the experiences, from thru-hiking a long trail to pushing your personal envelope to inspiring a child's love of wilderness. Here we present BACKPACKER's new Life List: 10 experiences to add to your tick-listnow--and the key skills you need to nail them.
Secret Hikes: Appalachian Trail
The last lonely stretch of the AT beckons from the mountains of western Maine.
Secret Hikes: Glacier National Park
Score wildlife sightings daily, choice views hourly--and at least one juicy burger--on this weeklong circuit.
Secret Hikes: Grand Canyon National Park
Surprise: This park's busy corridor trails offer a fast track to a private slice of heaven.
Secret Hikes: Grand Teton National Park
Rise above the crowds and earn solo views of elk, wildflowers, and summit sunsets.
Virginia
Courtesy of Virginia Travel Corporation
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Shenandoah National Park: Matthews Arm Loop Charlottesville: Three Ridges Loop Shenandoah National Park: Big Devils Stairs |
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