Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Virginia

Virginia Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Virginia.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 8+ hiking trails in Virginia — McAfee Knob via Appalachian Trail, Old Rag Mountain and Dragon's Back / Stony Man Summit top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Virginia is where American history begins—from the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown in 1607 to the birth of the Constitution and eight US presidents born within its borders. The Commonwealth stretches from Atlantic barrier islands and the Chesapeake Bay in the east to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Plateau in the west, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of Colonial history, Civil War battlefields, mountain wilderness, wine country, and vibrant coastal cities.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    McAfee Knob via Appalachian Trail

    8.8 miles round-trip4–6 hourshardGain: 1,791 ft (546 m); Summit: 3,197 ft (974 m)

  2. 2

    Old Rag Mountain

    9.2 miles loop5–7 hourshardGain: 2,415 ft (736 m); Summit: 3,268 ft (996 m)

  3. 3

    Dragon's Back / Stony Man Summit

    3.6 miles loop1.5–2.5 hourseasyGain: 340 ft (104 m); Summit: 4,011 ft (1,222 m) — 2nd highest in SNP

  4. 4

    Hawksbill Summit Trail

    2.8 miles round-trip2–3 hoursmoderateGain: 696 ft (212 m); Summit: 4,051 ft (1,235 m) — highest peak in SNP

  5. 5

    Dragon's Tooth

    4.6 miles round-trip3–5 hourshardGain: 1,454 ft (443 m); Summit: 3,020 ft (920 m)

  6. 6

    Overall Run Falls

    6.4 miles round-trip4–5 hoursmoderateGain: 1,200 ft (366 m)

  7. 7

    Humpback Rocks Hike

    2.0 miles round-trip1.5–2.5 hoursmoderateGain: 700 ft (213 m); Summit: 3,080 ft (939 m)

  8. 8

    Bearfence Mountain Rock Scramble

    1.2 miles loop1–2 hourshardGain: 285 ft (87 m)

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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