Virginia

Visiting Shenandoah National Park for the first time can be quite overwhelming. The 109 mile long Skyline Drive, combined with over 500 miles of hiking trails, makes camping is a necessity if you truly want to experience Shenandoah. From the Appalachian thru-hiker to the RV'er, Big Meadows is perfec...

Just nine miles north of I-64, this viewpoint is not one to be missed if you’re in the area. According to the information post at the overlook, “The site was once visited by [Thomas] Jefferson to survey the falls and he mentions it in his manuscripts ‘Notes on the State of Virginia’ written in 1781,...

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 where...

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 lens...

Starting at the Ewing Trailhead, in Ewing, VA, you will meander up the ridge for about 2.5 mi before meeting up with Ridge Trail. The ascent is approximately 1500 ft up the side of the majestic White Rock Ridge. Mud, loose rocks, and some very steep climbs are included. Once at the top, left takes y...

This cozy little overlook is very simple to get to. If you are coming from I 64, after taking exit 99 towards Shenandoah National Park, turn right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway when the exit comes to a "T-stop". From there, it's 10 miles down the Parkway on your right. You will see a clearly marked si...

Park at the Clover Hollow Covered Bridge, and walk or bike 1/3 mile along Clover Hollow Rd in the direction of Blue Grass Trail Rd or to the pin dropped in the location below. When you can see the waterfall, carefully walk down the bank where you'll have perfect angles of the waterfall and surroundi...

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 swimmi...

Pipeline is a metal catwalk located on top of a giant stormwater pipe in downtown Richmond. Above the pipe runs the CSX railway line; parallel are Class IV rapids of the James River, fittingly called "Pipeline Rapids". From the address provided, turn right on E Byrd St, which will take you down a so...

This little lake close to Charlottesville is my favorite place for an after work kayak, SUP, or just picnic by the water. It's a 20min drive from town, and the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge with water views. No gasoline powered motors allowed, but anything else you can get in...

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 ove...

There are several locations to begin your trek on the New River Trail, but our favorite is the Draper Valley area. The pin on the map will take you right to the parking lot. There is a $5 state park fee and a self-pay envelope station. From here we head south, and after about a mile you catch your f...

After a 2.5 mi hike up the Ewing Trail, you will reach the Ridge Trail. Go left for approximately 1 mi until you reach a landing for horses. Another 0.25 mi down the trail, you will encounter some steep wooden steps as well as several slippery boulders. Depending on recent weather and season, you wi...

Located at mile marker 19 along the Blue Ridge Parkway, 20 Minute Cliff Overlook is super easy to access and has an amazing 180 degree panoramic view. Looking West over the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 2,715 foot overlook has a great view of the Priest to the South, Maintop Mountain and Fork Mountain ...

The 66' Cascade Falls located in Giles Count is arguably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia. This classic hike is 4.0 miles and gains 800' in elevation. Located in Pembroke, Virginia, access the trail head by taking Cascade Drive (VA-623) off of US-460 and drive 3.3 miles to the parkin...

Claytor Lake is a very well maintained state park in Dublin, VA. There are four campgrounds available. Campgrounds A, B and C are mostly for tent camping with no electric or water hookups, while campground D accommodates RV units with water and electric hookups. Claytor Lake is idea for families loo...