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Appalachian Trail, Virginia

Looking for the best hiking in Appalachian Trail? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Appalachian Trail. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Appalachian Trail

  • Troutdale, Virginia

    Hike the Appalachian Trail from Elk Garden to Buzzard Rock

    5.0
    6.6 mi / 1000 ft gain
    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 is a great place to camp overnight if you decide to...
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Mount Rogers Loop

    5.0
    15.6 mi / 1079 ft gain
    For an awesome 2-3 day trip, start hiking at the Massie Gap trailhead, which can be reached from Grayson Highlands State Park. Take the Rhododendron Trail up the ridge to connect with the AT, keeping an eye out for wild ponies in the Massie Gap area as they like to hang out here. Some of these po...
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Twin Pinnacles via Big Pinnacles Trail

    5.0
    2 mi / 525 ft gain
    To reach the Big Pinnacle Trail Head, park at the Massie Gap Day Parking area, and then follow the road west (away from Massie Gap) until you reach the trail head located on the left side of the road.  Follow the Big Pinnacles Trail for 0.4 miles until it intersects with the Twin Pinnacles Trail....
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Wilburn Ridge and Massie Gap Loop

    5.0
    2.32 mi / 318 ft gain
    To reach the trail head, park in the Massie Gap Parking Lot.  This is the parking lot for most of the trails in the park, so it can fill up very quickly, but you are able to park along the side of the road.  Massie Gap as two parking areas: one intended for overnight hikers and one for day hikers...
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Rhododendron Trail to Rock Croppings

    5.0
    1.77 mi / 289 ft gain
    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 large hill. You will see a fence that runs along t...
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Hike and Fish Cabin Creek Trail

    5.0
    1.8 mi / 400 ft gain
    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 with "Cabin Creek Trail" written on it. Follow th...
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Photograph Wild Horses at Grayson Highlands State Park

    4.6
    1.8 mi / 306 ft gain
    The wild horses gather on top of the bald at the end of Horse Trail North located in Grayson Highlands State Park. Because they are wild, it is important to remember not to touch or feed the horses. The horses are accustomed to hikers and will allow you in their near proximity, but bring a zoom l...
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Backpack the Grayson Highlands

    4.8
    9.1 mi / 1549 ft gain
    Spanning roughly 4500 acres, located in a portion of Jefferson National Forest, looming under the highest peak in Virginia lies the Grayson Highlands. A part of Virginia’s State Parks system and a United States National Landmark, located in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, the Highlands are home to wil...
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Mount Rogers via Appalachian Trail

    5.0
    9.1 mi / 1549 ft gain
    First of all, who doesn't love wild ponies!  There are tons of ponies here, and although they are wild, they are not afraid of people and you can get pretty close (just don't feed them!).   Once you enter Grayson Highlands State Park, you will see a parking lot for Massie Gap a few miles in, par...
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Twin Pinnacles Loop

    5.0
    1.35 mi / 157 ft gain
    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 Visitor Center, the trailhead will be to the left...
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Stamper's Branch Trail

    3.37 mi / 781 ft gain
    Stamper's Branch Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.
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  • Creston, North Carolina

    Three Top Mountain

    4.2 mi / 1260 ft gain
    Three Top Mountain sits within the same vicinity of Elk Knob. The mountain gets its name from its three prominent rock projections at its peak. The highest point, unofficially named “Big Rock”, is at an elevation of 5020 feet. Prior to the originally named rock peak, you will arrive at Huckleb...
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  • Marion, Virginia

    Hike Molly's Knob

    5.0
    3.4 mi / 1100 ft gain
    The parking lot is located on the east side of the lake, just before the group lodge on Lake Drive. The Molly’s Knob trail begins just uphill on the right and is marked by white blazes. You can also take an alternate route and follow the Lake Loop Trail (located to the left of the parking area)...
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  • Marion, Virginia

    Hike the Lake Trail Loop at Hungry Mother SP

    6 mi / 800 ft gain
    Hungry Mother State Park is located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains in Southern Virginia. Located inside the state park is the Lake Trail Loop that winds itself around the man-made reservoir and the park. Hikers can access the trail in numerous locations throughout the park but the easies...
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  • Todd, North Carolina

    Hike the Elk Knob Summit Trail

    5.0
    3.8 mi / 1000 ft gain
    There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, so if needed, drive a little past it to the park bathrooms on the left. Park at the summit trailhead and start your hike on the new gravel path. The trail gains 1000 ft in elevation in just under 2 miles so take your time if need be - and bring plenty of w...
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  • Saltville, Virginia

    Hike the Great Channels

    4.8
    6 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Park at the parking lot at the crest of Clinch Mountain at Hayters Gap on Rt. 80, and walk along the road (Raven Ridge Road) behind the gate. The trail is fairly easy with minimum elevation gain and follows an old road bed almost the whole way. Be sure to keep to the left when the road splits and...
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