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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

  • Luray, Virginia

    Mary's Rock via Appalachian Trail

    3.36 mi / 1214 ft gain
    If you're driving south on Skyline Drive, park in the lot on the right side of Skyline Drive immediately after you cross Route 211/Thornton Gap entrance. If you're driving north on Skyline Drive, the lot will be on the left side immediately before the Thornton Gap entrance. The trailhead is at t...
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  • Montebello, Virginia

    Hike to Wigwam Falls

    2.7
    The Yankee Horse Ridge Parking Area is located at milepost 34.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the parking area, follow the rock steps to the railroad tracks and turn right. Follow the tracks the stream and turn left. Proceed on the path to the bridge in front of the 30 ft. waterfall.
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  • Hinton, Virginia

    Camp at Switzer Lake

    3.9
    2 mi
    Directly off of Interstate 81, headed toward West Virginia on Rt 33 is a beautiful lake only known by the locals. Switzer Lake, named because Switzer Dam was placed on the Dry River years ago to aid Harrisonburg and the surrounding area with its increased need for drinking water. The lake is seld...
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  • Rileyville, Virginia

    Backpack Jeremy's Run Trail, Shenandoah NP

    3.3
    10 mi
    This hike is best done as a two-day, one-night backpacking trip, however it can be done as a day hike if you don't wish to backpack.Jeremy’s Run is a beautifully forested 10 mile roundtrip hike with numerous stream-crossing. The trailhead starts at the Elkwallow Picnic area, at about mile 24 of S...
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  • Washington, Virginia

    Hike Little Devil Stairs

    4.7
    5.5 mi / 1480 ft gain
    This hike starts with an immediate stream crossing -- how wet your feet get depends on the water level but bring an extra pair of socks! The first mile consists of a typical Shenandoah hike -- uphill on a dirt path and along a stream. But soon you reach the base of Little Devil Stairs. This po...
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  • Brandywine, West Virginia

    High Knob Tower Trail

    4.5
    2.46 mi / 630 ft gain
    High Knob Tower Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Brandywine, West Virginia.
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  • Amherst, Virginia

    Mount Pleasant Loop

    4.6
    5.98 mi / 1427 ft gain
    From the Mount Pleasant Parking Area, take the blue blazed Pompey Mountain Trail that is just beyond the horse gate. As it's a loop, you can start at either entrance, but I prefer heading left to get the longer leg of the hike before the summit (always better to have an easy journey down in the a...
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  • Vesuvius, Virginia

    Cole Mountain Loop

    4.8
    5.89 mi / 1280 ft gain
    The large open meadow at the summit of Cole Mountain is a unique and breathtaking experience that is worth the 5.8 mile hike. Cole Mountain is frequently referred to as Cold Mountain, but the official name listed by the United States Geological Survey is the former. This hike is in the George W...
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  • Rileyville, Virginia

    Hike to Overall Run Falls

    5.0
    6.1 mi / 1700 ft gain
    Start at the Hogback parking lot at MP 21.1 on the Skyline Drive. Take the Appalachian Trail south for 0.8 miles, and turn right onto the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. After 0.5 miles you will come to another intersection-keep right to stay on the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. A final intersection...
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  • Appalachian Trail, Virginia

    Hike North Mount Marshall in Shenandoah NP

    1 mi / 350 ft gain
    Park at the Mount Marshall parking area at ~MP 15.6 on the Skyline Drive.  From the back of the parking lot, take the white-blazed Appalachian Trail north for a short 0.4 miles to a large rock outcrop with views south.  After finished exploring this outcrop, continue on the AT for another 0.1 mil...
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  • Basye, Virginia

    Orkney Springs Trail

    4.94 mi / 1440 ft gain
    Easy to get to from Bryce resort, Orkney Springs Trail is a moderate to challenging trail. It starts with an easy trail through the woods but does get very steep in mile 2 in what seems like a very rocky dried-out river bed. There is a spectacular view around mile 2. If that's what you’re after y...
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  • Rockbridge Baths, Virginia

    Fly Fish Goshen Pass

    5.0
    The fly fishing on the Maury River is one of a kind through the Goshen Pass. The Pass is littered with huge boulders, which actually makes it possible to fish without waders, although it's much easier and more enjoyable with waders.From Lexington, VA, take Route 39 towards Goshen for approximatel...
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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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