Free Union, Virginia
Looking for the best hiking in Free Union? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Free Union. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Free Union
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Lovingston, Virginia
Fortune's Cove Via Yellow Trail
3.05.02 mi / 1486 ft gainFortune's Cove via Yellow Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Lovingston, Virginia.Read more -
Etlan, Virginia
Old Rag Mountain Loop
4.78.95 mi / 2467 ft gainBe prepared to deal with crowds, especially on the rock scrambles, which tend to cause a bottle neck on this trail in Shenandoah National Park. I would recommend starting out early on this loop hike, around 6 or 7 am to avoid the crowds. Definitely arrive no later than 9:30am, as the parking lot ...Read more -
Etlan, Virginia
Hike to the Summit of Mt. Robertson in Shenandoah NP
9 mi / 2500 ft gainThis hike is one of the lesser known hikes in Shenandoah. While everyone else is headed to Old Rag, hikers will find themselves on a peaceful hike to the summit of Mt. Robertson. Hikers should park in the Old Rag Parking lot and make sure to pay the daily fee ($25). If you have a yearly pass, be ...Read more -
Luray, Virginia
Little Stony Man, Shenandoah National Park
4.71.23 mi / 433 ft gainThe parking lot for the trail is right before mile 40 on Skyline drive in Shenandoah National Park. The entire out and back is only .9 miles, so it's the perfect hike to take in a sunset after a long day, take a break from driving, or just pick a hike that is family and dog friendly as Stoney Ma...Read more -
Stanley, Virginia
Hike the Bird Knob Trail
8.5 mi / 1300 ft gainBird Knob trail and aptly-named Emerald Pond are a not-so-well-kept secret worth sharing. Located just two hours away from Washington DC, this hike has everything: bouldering, views, and the perfect swimming hole. Even the drive to reach the hike is scenic and enjoyable with mountain views and f...Read more -
Luray, Virginia
Hike to The Pinnacle in Shenandoah NP
4.52.2 mi / 400 ft gainThe Pinnacle is a little-known outcrop on the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. You will not find it marked on the park map, but that doesn’t make it any less-worthy of your time. The Pinnacle can be reached by a quick, easy hike with the family (and dog!), or you can combine it wit...Read more -
Luray, Virginia
Hike Around Lake Arrowhead Recreation Park
5.01 mi / 10 ft gainA few miles east of the town of Luray and just a couple miles outside of the Thorton Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park sits Lake Arrowhead Recreation Park. This small lake and park features fishing, swimming, picnic areas, and other recreational park type of activities. Use of the faciliti...Read more -
Raphine, Virginia
Saint Mary's Wilderness
4.56.03 mi / 538 ft gainSaint Mary's Wilderness is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Vesuvius, Virginia.Read more -
Raphine, Virginia
Hike to Saint Mary's Falls
4.84.28 mi / 443 ft gainSaint Mary's Wilderness is one of Virginia's largest designated wilderness areas and is an old iron ore mining area. There are two ways to get to Saint Mary's Falls and this Blue Ridge adventure will start you off at the parking area off Saint Mary's Road. Once on Saint Mary's Road, you will dr...Read more -
Tyro, Virginia
Crabtree Falls
4.53.05 mi / 1161 ft gainThis is an approximately 3 mile roundtrip hike. It will usually take anywhere from 1-2 hours to get up, depending on your experience and who you have with you, and about an hour down. As you come off of route 56, you will come up to the trailhead where there is a large parking area with restroom...Read more -
Dayton, Virginia
Climb Hidden Rocks
5.0Amazing rock climbing can be found just outside Harrisonburg, VA at a series of crags hiding in the beautiful landscape of GW National Forest. Hidden Rocks offers amazing climbing and bouldering for intermediate level or well-guided beginners.Near the end of Hone Quarry Road is a small, self-pay ...Read more -
Luray, Virginia
Mary's Rock via Meadow Spring Parking Area
4.62.75 mi / 640 ft gainMary’s Rock is just south of the Thornton Gap Entrance in Shenandoah National Park’s Central District. This write-up details the hike from the Meadow Spring Parking area, but there are alternate routes starting from the Panorama parking area (3.7 miles round trip), Jewell Hollow Overlook (6 mile...Read more -
Luray, Virginia
Hike to Hazel Falls in Shenandoah National Park
5.05.2 mi / 100 ft gainThe trail to Hazel Falls may not be the most "wow" trail in Shenandoah but it is well worth it to reach the beautiful gorge where Hazel River falls over big boulders. You should park at the Meadow Spring parking lot at mile 33 on Skyline Drive. You will see the trail post to the right of the par...Read more -
Tyro, Virginia
The Priest via Shoe Creek Trail
4.43.01 mi / 843 ft gainStarting at the Upper Crabtree Falls Parking area, continue up the "road" on Shoe Creek Trail for half a mile until you come to the intersection of the Appalachian Trail. That will be the steepest part of the hike. Look for two rocks on either side of the trail with white blazes on them. Take a l...Read more -
Meadows Lane, Virginia
Camp near Crabtree Meadows in GWNF
5.0As stated, the campsites are free. They do not require reservations or permits and are on a first come, first served basis. Regardless of which direction you're coming from, you will be traveling on Crabtree Falls Highway until reaching Meadows Lane. This is a gravel access road that requires 4WD...Read more -
Tyro, Virginia
Spy Rock via Cash Hollow
4.95.71 mi / 1191 ft gainThe hike is part of the George Washington National Forest, and can easily be combined with nearby Crabtree Falls (300ft cascading waterfall with a hike to the top). The entire trip is 5.7 miles, and there are nice campsites at the base of the summit (no water source) if you want to add on this pr...Read more