Virginia is one of the few places where you can hike scenic mountains, rolling hills, and sandy coastal beaches, while still having access to beautiful downtowns and sprawling urban centers. The 41 state parks make it easy for hikers to see as much of Virginia as possible, with endless miles of trails and shared public space to delight in.
Mountain Memories
The mountains are calling, and so is Hungry Mother State Park! Reaching 3,270 feet above sea level, this park contains an 108-acre lake encircled by 17 miles of trails, including the legendary Molly’s Knob Trail. Iconic among serious hikers, this two-mile trail takes travelers up steep and narrow terrain before reaching the summit.
Access the Appalachian Trail at 5,000 feet! Deep in the heart of Grayson Highlands State Park, Twin Pinnacles Trail is a moderate 1.33-mile hike that offers two stunning overlooks, Big Pinnacle and Little Pinnacle. On clear days, hikers get gorgeous views of the Highlands and can see into the neighboring states, North Carolina and Tennessee. Experienced hikers can use this park as an access point for the Appalachian Trail to unlock even more hiking bliss.
Get the kids moving at Shenandoah River State Park! The Redtail Ridge Trail is about a mile long and offers several overlooks of the river, perfect for the little ones. The Cottonwood Trail is about 1.3 miles of easy hiking, with wheelchair accessibility, and an elevated boardwalk finish. These two hikes make up just a small portion of the 24 miles of hiking trails in the park, but are plenty of fun.
A Central Focus
Sometimes the middle is the best part! Central Virginia is home to many great hikes like Rolling Meadows Trail in Sky Meadows State Park. This trail is a moderate, 2.5-mile trek on a grassy path, and for more of a challenge, detour onto the 2.2-mile Lost Mountain Trail. The park has 10 hiking trails covering 13 miles, and access to the Appalachian Trail.
Travel to the second largest freshwater lake in the state for a relaxing hiking retreat. Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers access to the lake and 17 easy to moderate trails, including Turtle Island Trail. This shaded, easy 1.5-mile trail leads to a beautiful view of Smith Mountain Lake, and continues to the 3.1-mile Striper Cove Trail, which is the park’s longest trail.
Coastal Adventures
The eastern seas are not just for swimming. Just a half an hour from Washington D.C., Mason Neck State Park offers more than nine miles of hiking and multiuse trails. Bay View Trail is an easy one-mile loop, where you can enjoy the natural sights of the bay. Kiptopeke State Park is another great coastal option, with more than 5 miles of hiking trails in hardwood forests and boardwalks.
Take a hike right in the heart of urban Virginia Beach at First Landing State Park, a 2,888-acre oasis of cyprus swamps, undisturbed natural areas and sandy beaches. Cape Henry Trail is a popular option out of all 10 trails, with 10.1 miles of flat and wide walkway.
Stay Safe and Stay the Night
Before embarking on any hiking adventure, be sure to wear proper apparel, bring food and water, and check the weather and Virginia State Parks website to ensure a pleasant and safe experience. Trail Quest is a self-paced program that rewards you for visiting a park, and worth looking into as well!
Plan ahead and stay the night! Many of Virginia’s parks have overnight accommodations with nearly 300 cabins, 47 yurts and more than 2,000 campsites. Fourteen parks also have lodges as an option to lay your head at night.
Hike Highlights
Baywoods Trail at Kiptopeke State Park connects to the southern beach where visitors can explore the park’s dune formation!
