Lexington, Virginia
Looking for the best hiking in Lexington? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Lexington. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Lexington
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Lexington, Virginia
House Mountain Trail
4.08.93 mi / 2733 ft gainHouse Mountain provides two amazing views via two out-and-back hikes, for a combined hike of 8.75 miles. If you’re short on energy and/or time, the 6 miles round trip to Big House Mountain is (in my opinion) the better of the two overlooks. Either way, keep in mind that this hike covers a great...Read more -
Amherst, Virginia
Swim at Panther Falls
5.00.7 mi / -100 ft gainFrom 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 ...Read more -
Rockbridge Baths, Virginia
Fly Fish Goshen Pass
5.0The 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...Read more -
Goshen, Virginia
Hike Goshen Pass
4.35.6 mi / 1200 ft gainThe parking for the trailhead is down an unmarked gravel/dirt road about 1.5 miles upriver from the Virginia Wayside rest area on Route 39 West. You'll see the swing bridge out across the river and the road will be immediately after this on your right. The road goes back about 200 yards to the pa...Read more -
Big Island, Virginia
Hike to Little and Big Rocky Row
5.010.8 mi / 2700 ft gainStarting 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 ...Read more -
Vesuvius, Virginia
Cole Mountain Loop
4.85.89 mi / 1280 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Amherst, Virginia
Mount Pleasant Loop
4.65.98 mi / 1427 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
Montebello, Virginia
Hike to Wigwam Falls
2.7The 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.Read more -
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia
Hike Devil's Marbleyard
5.03.24 mi / 1421 ft gainWant 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 ...Read more -
Buchanan, Virginia
Hike to Apple Orchard Falls
4.05.6 mi / 1000 ft gainThere 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 ...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 -
Raphine, Virginia
Hike to Saint Mary's Falls
4.84.4 mi / 300 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 -
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 -
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 -
Buchanan, Virginia
Hike Apple Orchard Mountain
4.04 mi / 400 ft gainThe 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...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