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

  • 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

    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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  • 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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  • Troutville, Virginia

    Tinker Cliffs via Andy Lane Trail

    4.8
    7.15 mi / 1844 ft gain
    Looking 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....
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  • Amherst, Virginia

    Swim at Panther Falls

    5.0
    0.7 mi / -100 ft gain
    From 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 ...
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  • Salem, Virginia

    McAfee Knob

    4.7
    7.79 mi / 1296 ft gain
    Intro 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...
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  • Eagle Rock, Virginia

    Hike Roaring Run Falls

    4.7
    2.4 mi
    From 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...
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