Big Island
Top Spots
Terrapin Mountain Trail
Big Island, Virginia
9.34 mi
/ 2844 ft gain
Terrapin Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Big Island, Virginia.
Little Rocky Row Loop via Appalachian Trail
Big Island, Virginia
10.94 mi
/ 2388 ft gain
Little Rocky Row Loop via Appalachian Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Monroe, Virginia.
Hike to Little and Big Rocky Row
Big Island, Virginia
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 Road 812. There is an intersection with the spur trail to John's Hollow Shelter 1.8 miles into the h...
Swim at Arnold Valley Pool
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia
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 swimming hole is spring fed so the water is always cold! There are three massive boulders that encompas...
Hike Devil's Marbleyard
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia
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 may ask? A strenuous 4 hours. Keep in mind there are no bathroom facilities provided.
This trail is...
Hike Apple Orchard Mountain
Buchanan, Virginia
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 Appalachian Trail. Turn right on the AT, and cross over the forest road. From here it is only a few switchback...
Hike to Apple Orchard Falls
Buchanan, Virginia
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 is to start at the Sunset Field Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway and hike down to the falls, which...
Bluff Mountain
Monroe, Virginia
3.69 mi
/ 1345 ft gain
Bluff Mountain is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Monroe, Virginia.
Lace Falls via Cedar Creek Trail
6477 South Lee Highway, Virginia
1.98 mi
/ 472 ft gain
Lace Falls via Cedar Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Natural Bridge, Virginia.
Places to stay
Monroe, Virginia
Otter Creek Campground
Overview
As Otter Creek descends to the James River, the Blue Ridge Parkway dips to its lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. ...
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia
Hopper Creek Group Camp
Overview
Hopper Creek Group Camp offers a rustic atmosphere under the trees for group camping. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the a...
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia
Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp
Overview
Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and welcomes visitors to enjoy the rustic and...
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia
Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter
Overview
Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and welcomes visitors to enjoy the r...
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp
Overview
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and welcomes visitors to enjoy the rustic beau...
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- The best hiking trails in Big Island
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