Backpack around Lake Moomaw
On your way to the trailhead don't forget to pull off the road at the scenic outlook to take in the vast expanse of Lake Moomaw (you won't miss it!).Start off your adventure by parking at the end of Twin Ridge Drive (37.976545, -79.985582). From t...
6.6 miles
1200 ft gain
Hike to Saint Mary's Falls
Saint Mary's Wilderness is one of Virginia's largest designated wilderness areas and is an old iron ore mining area. There are two ways to get to Saint Mary's Falls and this adventure will start you off at the parking area off Saint Mary's Road.
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4.4 miles
300 ft gain
Fly Fish on the Rapidan River
Park at the Graves Mill Parking Area. From here you can easily follow the Rapidan River up the mountain. Fishing reports inform that the lowest concentration of brookies are at the lower boundaries of the park so take some time to enjoy the trail ...
5 miles
Swim in Elk River Falls
The coordinates for the parking area are 36.198288, -81.970137. You'll see a parking area that's dirt/gravel on the right side of the road. At the far end of the parking lot is a sign that says Elk River Falls with an arrow pointing up the hill. F...
0.2 miles
120 ft gain
Hike The Priest
Starting at the Upper Crabtree Falls Parking area, continue up the "road" for half a mile until you come to the intersection of the Appalachian Trail. That will be the steepest part of the hike. Look for two rocks on either side of the trail with ...
4.2 miles
1200 ft gain
Hike to Annapolis Rock and Black Rock Cliff
Hike along the Appalachian Trail as it passes through South Mountain State Park, taking you to a number of very scenic lookout spots.From the parking area, take the connector trail a short distance until you see blue blazes on the left – these wil...
8 miles
840 ft gain
Hike the Timberline Loop Trail via the Top Spur Trail
Starting at the parking area, cross the dirt road to start hiking up from the Top Spur Trailhead. In 0.4 miles you will reach the Pacific Crest Trail intersection, take a right onto the Pacific Crest Trail. In a couple hundred feet you will reach ...
2 miles
700 ft gain
Camp at Rock Island State Park
This little campground is nestled in Rock Island State Park. There are two campgrounds, this one is specifically tents only. Each campsite is pull in and provides you with enough room to set up two tents. In addition each campsite has a four sided...
Hike the Appalachian Trail from Elk Garden to Buzzard Rock
Starting at the Elk Garden Parking Area hike the Appalachian Trail south (do not cross the road, follow the trail from the parking area). Hike along the trail following the white blazes and at 2.4 miles you'll reach a campsite on your left. This i...
6.6 miles
1000 ft gain
Hike Rhododendron Trail
In order to go when the Rhododendron are blooming you'll need to aim for the first three weeks of June. Starting from the Massies Gap parking area in the Grayson Highlands State Park, follow the trail through the field and towards the base of a la...
2.5 miles
1020 ft gain
Hike to Twin Pinnacles
Park at the Visitor Center; don't stress when you get to the parking lot and can't see it, it's up the hill. From the parking lot hike across the road and find the staircase. Follow this up to the Visitor Center. If you're standing in front of the...
1.6 miles
250 ft gain
Hike to Shamokin Falls
Starting from the Dripping Rock Parking area at MP 10 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, head north on the white blazed Appalachian Trail (trail leading into woods from parking lot- don't cross the road). In about 20 steps the trail splits- go right. In a...
2.2 miles
950 ft gain
Hike to Skinny Dip Falls
Park at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook. After enjoying the view of Looking Glass Rock, gear up and head to the right side of the parking area (right side if your back is to the overlook). On the opposite side of the road you'll see a mile marker ...
2 miles
400 ft gain
Hiking from Carver's Gap to Hwy. 19 on the AT
The AT from Carver's Gap to HWY 19 is about 14.5 miles, but with side adventures, it could be roughly 20 miles. The trail crosses the road and continues up about a 400 ft. elevation gain to the first of the balds. This section of the AT is beautif...
20.7 miles
Photograph Blackwater Falls
Blackwater Falls State Park is a lesser known state park in northern West Virginia. The waterfall is easily accessible. From the parking area go to the back of the horseshoe (the parking area is shaped like a horseshoe) and follow the path and ste...
Hike Tatoosh Ridge from Tatoosh Trail #161
At the trailhead kiosk be sure to get one of the provided (and required) self-serve Wilderness Permit. Starting at the trailhead begin your initial accent following the marked trail on the side of the road. In the first two 2.5 miles you will clim...
12 miles
4100 ft gain
Hike to Rockhouse and Cane Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to multiple waterfalls. The main attraction and biggest waterfall, Fall Creek Falls, is often tourists' main destination, but I encourage you to visit the base of Rockhouse Falls and Cane Creek Falls to enjoy so...
1 miles
500 ft gain
Hike to Jones Run Waterfall
This little known waterfall is located close to the more popular waterfall, Doyles River Falls. Staring at the Jones Run parking area turn left downhill following the blue blazed Jones Run trail. After 1.7 miles you will reach the main waterfall. ...
2 miles
800 ft gain
Backpack to Overmountain Shelter in the Roan Highlands
Starting from the Carver Gap Parking area (do not leave belongings visible in your vehicle) head North on the Appalachian Trail (cross the road and head up the hill past the kiosk). Stay on the Appalachian Trail for 5.5 miles climbing across open ...
5.5 miles
900 ft gain
Backpack to the Foot of Glenns Lake
Starting from the Chief Mountain Parking Area, take the trail to the left of the bathrooms at the end of the parking lot (left of the bathrooms if you are facing the bathrooms and the main road is to your right). You will quickly hike to a wooden ...
20.6 miles
950 ft gain
Hike Goshen Pass
The parking for the trailhead is down an unmarked gravel/dirt road about 1.5 miles upriver from the Virginia Wayside rest area on Route 39 West. You'll see the swing bridge out across the river and the road will be immediately after this on your r...
5.6 miles
1200 ft gain
Hike Bear Church Rock via the Graves Mill Trail
Starting at the Graves Mill Parking area, head up the yellow blazed trail that is marked by a big cement marker. The trail will follow closely beside the gorgeous Rapidan River. Hike for half a mile until you come to the intersection of the Staunt...
8.5 miles
2250 ft gain
Hike and Fish Cabin Creek Trail
Starting at the Massie Gap Parking Area follow the paved road down towards the woods. You will see a gravel dirt path off the side of the road to your right that heads back towards the woods. A couple steps down the trail you will see a metal pole...
1.8 miles
400 ft gain
Explore Skarðsvík Beach
From the parking area you are free to roam the area. We started by walking down the stairs from the left of the parking lot. We walked down to the beach and went to the right towards the cliffs, hiked up under the base of the cliffs and around to ...
0.3 miles
40 ft gain
Fly Fish on the Robinson River
There are two sections that you can fish on the Robinson River. The first section is about 15 minutes away from the trailhead of White Oak Canyon. The river is on the right side of the road and you can see where it has bee stocked from the white d...
6 miles
2000 ft gain
Explore Djúpalónssandur Beach
Djupalonssandur Beach is located within Snæfellsnes National Park. The beach is covered in black pebbles (lava) with enormous monoliths sticking out all over the beach. Behind the beach is Snæfellsjökull, a 700,000-year-old stratovolcano with a gl...
Photogarph the Iconic Sheep Barn in the Westfjords
Strangely enough I had seen this little barn in a ton of pictures before going to the Westfjords. I just thought it was a spot that all famous photographers knew about because I couldn't find anything on it when I tried to research it. Of course w...
Hike Laurel Run
There are two parking spots for this trail. Park at the lower lot if the gate is closed, if the gate is open, continue up the road for another mile until you reach another closed gate. Park here. If the gate is closed you will need to hike a mile ...
6.6 miles
2100 ft gain
Explore Skarðsvík Beach
Follow the directions to the parking area and from the parking area you are free to roam. There are little paths everywhere down to the beach where you can walk down the shoreline into the different coves. Please be careful during high tide and ma...
Camp at Kintla Lake
* The road to this trailhead/lake is closed during the winter.
Kintla Lake is one of the lesser explored lakes in Glacier National Park. Located on the west side of the park, it is accessible via a unpaved road from the Polebridge Ranger Station....
12.6 miles
1000 ft gain
Hike to Lost Pond
From the parking area, follow the trail from the back of the parking area. Very quickly you will hike up to a trail register. The trail is mostly flat with a few inclines and is very well beaten. There are also yellow plastic trail markers to keep...
3.9 miles
260 ft gain
Explore Glanni Waterfall
Glanni Waterfall is in the western region of Iceland right off the main Ring Road. It's the perfect place to get out and stretch your legs for a quick 15 minutes.Starting at the parking area, walk towards the signs with hiking trail directions (to...
0.3 miles
0 ft gain
Explore Sólheimajökull
Starting from the parking area, follow the wide and well beaten road/trail along the lake and to the base of the glacier. You can go down to the base of the lake and hike up to the base of the glacier. Exercise caution in the area- the glacier can...
Riprap Hollow
Starting at the Riprap parking lot on Skyline Drive, walk along the blue blazed trail (very short) to reach the intersection of the Appalachian Trail. Turn RIGHT on the Appalachian Trail (blazed white) and continue for a little less than half a mi...
Hiking Cole Mountain
Already written a description here:http://www.appalachianlove.com/2015/10/hiking-cole-mountain.html
3.5 miles
1365 ft gain
Hiking Jones Run/Doyles River
Already written a full review here:http://www.appalachianlove.com/2015/07/doyles-riverjones-run.html
6.6 miles
1455 ft gain
Hike To Virgin Falls
This area has sink holes, caves, waterfalls and disappearing rivers as a result of the karst topography found on the Cumberland Plateau. It is a very unique area so be sure you are practicing principles of Leave No Trace to ensure this Class II Na...
8.5 miles
1240 ft gain
Hiking Mary's Rock
Already written a description here:http://www.appalachianlove.com/2015/02/hiking-marys-rock.html
6 miles
800 ft gain
Go Fly Fishing on Buffalo Creek
Starting from the "starting point" highlighted on this adventure you can either drive up or down the road.Where you park to get into the river is entirely up to you. There are well beaten parking spots beside the road and you can decide for yourse...
Explore Ocracoke Island Beach in your Car
Before going on the beach you will need to purchase a permit through the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. There can be purchased online or at the Ocracoke Visitor Center. The access road can be found at these coordinates 35.106383, -75.969775. Mak...
3 miles
200 ft gain
Explore Four Different Swimming Holes at Moorman's River
Starting at the Moorman's River Trailhead there are four swimming holes you can hike to. The first option is from the parking lot you will see a little trail right behind where all the cars park. Follow this down to the river then take a right up ...
5 miles
460 ft gain
Catch a Sunrise on Skyline Drive at Moorman's River Overlook
Directions: Moorman River Overlook is located at mile post 92.0 on Skyline Drive (southern section). If entering from the southern entrance, drive north until you come to mile post 92. If coming from any other entrance, drive south until you come ...
Camp Near the Crest Trail in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
We started by parking in the overnight backpacking lot within Grayson Highlands State Park. From here you have two options to get to the Appalachian Trail. We personally followed the spur trail to the Rhododendron Trail from the parking lot. To do...
6 miles
1000 ft gain
Road Trip Through Eastern Tennessee to Visit 6 State Parks and See Over 10 Waterfalls
ItineraryThursday Night: Check into Rock Island State Park CampgroundWhen you get to the park check into your campground at the ranger station right before you get to the campground. Set up camp and enjoy the evening before you go to bed or if you...
20 miles
1200 ft gain
Watch the Sunset at Sawmill Run Overlook
The outlook is located at mile post 95.3 on Skyline DriveThis is an easy outlook to find. Just pull up, spread out a blanket, and enjoy the view!
Hiking McAfee Knob
Description already written here:http://www.appalachianlove.com/2014/07/mcafee-knob.html
8.3 miles
1740 ft gain
Hiking Seneca Rocks
Already written a description here:http://www.appalachianlove.com/2015/02/hiking-seneca-rocks.html
2.6 miles
931 ft gain
Swim in Spout Run Waterfall
Coordinates and directions for the upper falls: 39.067196, -78.003763 are the coordinates for the road. As you are driving you will see an area on the right of the road where cars have pulled off. On the left you will see a gap in the trees and No...
Fly Fishing Bear Church Rock
Already written a description here:http://www.appalachianlove.com/2014/10/fly-fishing-at-bear-church-rock.html
Hiking White Oak Canyon
Already written a description on:http://www.appalachianlove.com/2015/11/hiking-white-oak-canyon.html
8 miles
2450 ft gain
Hiking Spy Rock
Starting at the parking area follow the gravel road up the mountain. The road will "split" about half a mile up and you'll need to stay left to continue following the blue blazes. In another half a mile you will intersect with the white blazed App...
3.1 miles
1260 ft gain
Explore Blackwater Falls, Frozen.
Make sure to go in January of February a week or two after it has snowed and there have been low temperatures in the teens. Because of the speed at which the water flows over the falls it's crucial that the temperatures are low enough to freeze th...
1 miles
Catch the Sunset at Hawksbill Mountain Summit
Park at the Hawksbill Gap Park Area at MP 45.6. From the parking area there are two trails; one is the Appalachian Trail that heads north (trail to your right) the other is the Lower Hawksbill Trail that goes up to the summit (trail straight ahead...
1.2 miles
650 ft gain
Have a Picnic Under Rock Island State Park's Twin Falls
Starting at the parking lot at the end of Power House Road, take the path to the right (if you're looking into the parking lot from the road) and follow the short trail until you intersect with the main pathway. From this point go straight; there ...
1 miles
1 ft gain
Swim at the Base of Falling Spring Falls
Park on the side of the road in the designated parking area for Falling Spring Falls (37.867217, -79.947662). From here, go to the right of the parking lot where the black fence ends. Go behind this fence and follow the well beaten path back into ...
Hiking Crabtree Falls
Already written a description here:http://www.appalachianlove.com/2015/10/hiking-crabtree-falls.html
3.8 miles
1380 ft gain
Explore Cummins Falls State Park
Starting at the Cummins Falls State Park parking lot, take the Downstream Trail. The trail will lead you down a few switchbacks before spitting you out into the river gorge. Follow the well beaten path through the gorge but keep in mind when you l...
3 miles
200 ft gain
Explore Lindy Point
Lindy Point is located within Blackwater Falls State Park and is a short, easy hike out to an amazing view. The hike starts from the Lindy Point Parking Area and you just follow the well beaten path out to a wooden viewing platform at the edge of ...
0.5 miles
20 ft gain
Camping Switzer Lake
From Harrisonburg, Virginia take 33 west for 28 miles until you come to Skidmore Fork Road. Take a left onto this road and follow it down a steep hill. You can either park at the boat ramp or continue to drive around the lake until you find a suit...
