Virginia

The trail passes by an old furnace and then descends until you reach the lake. At the lake there is a nice pier to view the water and do some bird watching. Continue on the trail around the lake. If you head clockwise, the lake will be in view during most of the beginning of the trail.As you make...

Located west of Washington D.C. off Interstate 81 (exit 269) Shenandoah Caverns is a nice little place tucked away in the Virginia country side. Upon arrival you will be able to park your vehicle for free in the lot right across the street. The building you want to enter is called "The Yellow Bar...

Park at the Visitor Center; don't stress when you get to the parking lot and can't see it, it's up the hill. From the parking lot hike across the road and find the staircase. Follow this up to the Visitor Center. If you're standing in front of the Visitor Center, the trailhead will be to the left...

From the parking area at the visitor center, pick up the Backbone Trail marked with gold blazes.  The trails are well marked with signage and arrows.  Follow the Backbone Trail for 2 miles under you reach the trail junction of Powhatan Forks Trail.  After a half mile the this trail splits with th...

With the George P. Coleman bridge spanning the width of the York River, a fishing pier, and numerous rock jetties, Yorktown Beach is a great location for photographing sunrises or sunsets. There is a nice brick riverwalk path to walk along, or sandy areas to sit.To get the full Coleman Bridge in ...

Pinnacles Overlook in Shenandoah National Park is a southern facing overlook in the Central District that provides one of the best views of Old Rag.   Looking south over the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 3,320 foot overlook has a great view of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains as well as a valley th...

A short distance from downtown Richmond, this park contains over 450,000 azalea plants in 76 different beds that are usually in peak bloom around mid-April every year. When the plants are in full bloom, you can drive (or walk) the 1 mile loop and there are various places to park and get out and w...

The 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...

Riverview park has tons of options for getting outside around Charlottesville, VA. Part of the Rivanna Trail runs through here, so if you are really ambitious, this trail goes around the entire city. There are paved trails right along the river, so you can choose your activity. Running, biking, a...

This is an easy hike that meanders a bit more than any of the other trails in the park. It is also the most diverse in what you will see. The trail itself ranges from an easy foot path with a pine needle bed trail then passes through swamps and bog's via well crafted wood boardwalks with great vi...

Bird 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...

The South Norfolk Jordan Bridge spans the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River connecting Chesapeake and Portsmouth, Virginia. Located beneath the bridge's abutments on the Chesapeake side is the Elizabeth River Park.Looking to stretch your legs? The park includes many amenities like a paved tr...

Please note that there is no trail leading to these falls.  This hike is for advanced hikers.Park your car at Naked Creek Overlook in Shenandoah National Park and walk through the field staying to the left. As you start to enter the woods you will hear the creek running on your left. Make your wa...

To get to the trailhead, pull into the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and park there. Proceed to the outdoor amphitheater behind the center. At the rear of the amphitheater there is a large sign showing Harkening Hill and other nearby trails, here the trail begins. Th...

To get here, set your GPS to the address pinned below and park on the side curb in the Suntrust Bank lot. From here, walk opposite your car and follow the trail over the high walk and railroad tracks. This will bring you to a concrete railing, to the left is a wooden stair case and to the right i...

The hike to High Rocks begins at a gravel parking lot up a long winding road, seems like forever but really is only mile or two past the quarry when your turn onto the road.  The out-and-back hike begins by passing through the two large boulders near the back of the parking lot. The trail leads d...