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Bedford, Virginia

Top Spots in and near Bedford

  • Bedford, Virginia

    Sharp Top Trail

    4.7
    2.91 mi / 1296 ft gain
    Once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia, this 2.5 hour hike is one that will leave you speechless at the top. Park at the Peaks of Otter Nature Center (which is now closed). The trailhead is located to the right of the building. You will cross over a paved bus road soon after beginning th...
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  • Bedford, Virginia

    Hike the Harkening Hill Loop

    3.3
    3.3 mi / 850 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead, pull into the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and park there. Proceed to the outdoor amphitheater behind the center. At the rear of the amphitheater there is a large sign showing Harkening Hill and other nearby trails, here the trail begins. Th...
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  • Buchanan, Virginia

    Hike Flat Top Mountain

    4.5
    From the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, travel north up the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 3 miles, where you will come to small parking area for the Flat Top Trailhead. The parking area is quite tiny, and probably holds around 10 vehicles, but there was only one other car there when I went. It's p...
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  • Buchanan, Virginia

    Hike to Fallingwater Cascades

    4.5
    The trailhead for this hike is at the same parking area for the Flat Top Trail. From the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, travel north up the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 3 miles, where you will come to small parking area. It is quite tiny, and probably holds around 10 vehicles, but there was only ...
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  • Buchanan, Virginia

    Hike Apple Orchard Mountain

    4.0
    4 mi / 400 ft gain
    The top of Apple Orchard Mountain is easily accessible via the Appalachian Trail. Access the trail at the Sunset Field Overlook at MP 78.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The concrete path will end shortly and turn into a blue blazed trail. Follow this for 0.25 miles until it intersects the Appalachia...
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  • Buchanan, Virginia

    Hike to Apple Orchard Falls

    4.0
    5.6 mi / 1000 ft gain
    There are a few different ways that you can do this hike. One way is to start at the North Creek campground (37.54244, -79.58531) and do a loop hike that's about 6 miles, which will take you to the falls up along a stream with some swimming holes and nice campsites. I did it the other way, which ...
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  • Natural Bridge Station, Virginia

    Swim at Arnold Valley Pool

    4.6
    Arnold Valley Pool might be a couple hundred feet from the road but most people don’t even notice when they pass by. This swimming hole is located on the same road as Devil’s Marbleyard and is the perfect place to cool off after the intense hike at the Marbleyard or on any hot summer day. The swi...
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  • Natural Bridge Station, Virginia

    Hike Devil's Marbleyard

    5.0
    3.24 mi / 1421 ft gain
    Want to scale the side of a rock face? If you do, I highly suggest adding this adventure to your list. Hiking to the marbleyard and back to the parking lot will have you at a 3 mile journey. How many hours will it take to hike the trail and tackle Antietam Quartzite boulders larger than cars you ...
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  • Blue Ridge, Virginia

    Snowshoe the Blue Ridge Parkway

    3.3
    We don't get a ton of snow here in Virginia, but when we do, the Blue Ridge Parkway can be a great place to get out and enjoy a day of snowshoeing or cross country skiing. It's also a great opportunity to get your pup out and let him work out some energy as the chances of running into anyone are ...
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  • Roanoke, Virginia

    Hike along the River Walk Trail in Roanoke's Explore Park

    3.0
    1.5 mi
    Starting at a great spot to picnic, fish, or put in a kayak, this casual hike meanders along the Roanoke River. Along the trail you can enjoy views of some small river rapids and the beautiful trees surrounding along the river.The trail begins at a parking lot at the end of Rutrough Road.  There ...
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  • Big Island, Virginia

    Hike to Little and Big Rocky Row

    5.0
    10.8 mi / 2700 ft gain
    Starting at the James River Footbridge, which is the longest foot traffic only bridge on the entire Appalachian Trail. Head north on the Appalachian Trail.  You will quickly cross over Rt. 501. After a mile of hiking through the woods skirting the Rocky Row Run stream, you will cross over Forest ...
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  • Rustburg, Virginia

    Explore the Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center

    4.3
    If you love everything outdoors, the Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center is the place for you! You can do almost any activity you can think of here. If you aren't affiliated with Liberty University, you can't rent their equipment, but you can bring you own to use. The main attraction is the lake wh...
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  • Eagle Rock, Virginia

    Canoe or Kayak the Upper James River

    4.3
    Put in at the Horseshoe Bend Boat Ramp near Buchanan, VA. The pin on the map will take you right there. Takeout will be at the boat ramp in downtown Buchanan, approximately 9 miles down river. This ramp is located just above the Rt. 11 bridge.Twin River Outfitters uses this ramp also, so there's ...
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  • Daleville, Virginia

    Hay Rock

    4.6
    7.48 mi / 1276 ft gain
    If you're looking for a hike in the Roanoke area without the crowds that McAfee Knob draws, but still want a challenging hike with great views, try hiking to Hay Rock. This 7.5 mile round trip hike begins at the Park and Ride just off I-81 at the US-220 Troutville/Fincastle exit (150B). The gra...
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  • James River Heritage Trail, Virginia

    Run on the Seven Rails Trail

    3 mi / 117 ft gain
    Easily accessible from the Percival's Island Natural Area parking lot, the James River Heritage Trail and adjoining Seven Rails Trail are an easy escape from downtown Lynchburg.  From the parking lot, follow the trail signs toward Percival's Island, which will almost immediately take you across a...
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  • Roanoke, Virginia

    Canoe or Kayak at Carvins Cove

    5.0
    Part of the attraction to the Cove is that you can literally leave work at 5pm and be in the water paddling in plenty of time to catch the sunset. Catching a sunrise is slightly more difficult just because the boat landing doesn't open until 6:30am. However, it's still possible to paddle out and ...
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Camping and Lodging in Bedford

Peaks Of Otter Campground
Bedford, Virginia

Peaks Of Otter Campground

Hopper Creek Group Camp
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia

Hopper Creek Group Camp

Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia

Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

Otter Creek Campground
Monroe, Virginia

Otter Creek Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Bedford

Take this ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway road trip

Take this ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway road trip

The Outbound Collective