Bedford, Virginia
Looking for the best hiking in Bedford? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Bedford. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Bedford
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Bedford, Virginia
Sharp Top Trail
4.72.91 mi / 1296 ft gainOnce 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...Read more -
Bedford, Virginia
Hike the Harkening Hill Loop
3.33.3 mi / 850 ft gainTo 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...Read more -
Buchanan, Virginia
Hike Flat Top Mountain
4.5From 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...Read more -
Buchanan, Virginia
Hike to Fallingwater Cascades
4.5The 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 ...Read more -
Buchanan, Virginia
Hike Apple Orchard Mountain
4.04 mi / 400 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Buchanan, Virginia
Hike to Apple Orchard Falls
4.05.6 mi / 1000 ft gainThere 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 ...Read more -
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia
Hike Devil's Marbleyard
5.03.24 mi / 1421 ft gainWant 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 ...Read more -
Blue Ridge, Virginia
Snowshoe the Blue Ridge Parkway
3.3We 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 ...Read more -
Roanoke, Virginia
Hike along the River Walk Trail in Roanoke's Explore Park
3.01.5 miStarting 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 ...Read more -
Big Island, Virginia
Hike to Little and Big Rocky Row
5.010.8 mi / 2700 ft gainStarting 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 ...Read more -
Rustburg, Virginia
Explore the Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center
4.3If 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...Read more -
Daleville, Virginia
Hay Rock
4.67.48 mi / 1276 ft gainIf 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...Read more -
Troutville, Virginia
Tinker Cliffs via Andy Lane Trail
4.87.15 mi / 1844 ft gainLooking for a day trip? Look no further than Tinker Cliffs, tucked away in Virginia. This trail provides a workout that is loaded with flowers, bridges, rocks, and views that will leave you inspired to explore more! The Trail There are no restrooms located at the parking lot or along the trail....Read more -
Amherst, Virginia
Swim at Panther Falls
5.00.7 mi / -100 ft gainFrom Lexington or Buena Vista, Virginia, take Rt. 60 east for several miles. As soon as you pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway, look for a gravel road on your right marked Panther Falls Road. This is a fairly bumpy gravel road, so take it easy. Follow Panther Falls Road down the mountain for just ...Read more -
Salem, Virginia
McAfee Knob
4.77.79 mi / 1296 ft gainIntro McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed and picturesque locations along the Appalachian Trail. Once you reach McAfee Knob, you'll have almost 270 degree views of the the Roanoke Valley to the East, Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, and Tinker Cliffs to the North. Due to t...Read more -
Eagle Rock, Virginia
Hike Roaring Run Falls
4.72.4 miFrom 615 (Craig Creek rd) you turn on to 621 (Roaring Run rd) and about mile down is a little gravel road on the left that you turn down. Go down this gravel road a little ways to reach the parking area, you'll know you're there when you see a big gate held up by two stone pillars. Once you are r...Read more