After what has felt like an eternal winter, spring is finally on the way. This is the season where Virginia shows off her beauty, and there’s no better way to admire it than by embarking on an adventure. Whether you are planning a quick day trip or a longer road trip, there will be something on this list to inspire your inner explorer. Now’s the perfect time to take advantage of Virginia’s glorious parks, trails, and natural beauty. 

  1. Colonial Parkway

Brian Holland/flickr We begin our list with a beautiful scenic drive that connects Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown, and the Yorktown Battlefield. Although you’ll be driving, you’ll feel very attuned to nature as none of the parkway contains any commercial development.

  1. VA Creeper Trail

Eli Christman/flickr Hiking? Check. Biking? Check. Horseback riding? You got it. Once an old railway, this 34.3-mile trail offers endless adventuring possibilities. The trail navigates through Abingdon, Damascus, and passes through Virginia’s second highest peak, Whitetop Mountain.

  1. Mary’s Rock

Steve Fernie/flickr Mary’s Rock is a moderately difficult hike in Shenandoah National Park, but it offers breathtaking views such as this one. The summit is 3,514 feet tall.

  1. Lower Whiteoak

This is easily one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park. If you’re looking for a waterfall hike – this is it. There are over 6 waterfalls and each has a swimming hole at the bottom. Upper falls can be accessed in the 4.2 out-and-back trail and reaching the lower falls adds 2.7 miles.

  1. New River Trail State Park

JR P/flickr This multi-use trail spans four counties in 57 miles. The elevation of this rails to trails system is perfect for admiring the surroundings. Access points include Cliffview and Fries.

  1. Hungry Mother State Park

Virginia State Parks/flickr Hungry Mother State Park has one of the most beloved hikes in the state. Short and sweet, Molly’s Knob Trail reveals the highest point in the park, Molly’s Knob. The park also includes a 108-acre lake teeming with activity during warmer months.

  1. High Bridge Trails State Park

Virginia State Parks/flickr High Bridge was recently reopened and that is something to be thankful for. The trail itself is accessible in Farmville and sits nearly 160 feet above the Appomattox River.

  1. Breaks Interstate Park

Taber Andrew Bain/flickr Breaks Interstate Park is located right on the Virginia/Kentucky border and contains 25 miles of hikes in its 4,500-acres. Some of the trails wind along cliffs edges and call for extra caution.

  1. Crabtree Falls

Watson Media Located in Montebello, Crabtree Falls is one of the most astounding waterfalls on the east coast. The falls is only a few hundred feet from the parking area. Those feeling adventurous can hike alongside the waterfall, making sure to stay only on the marked path as conditions can be very slippery.

  1. Strickler Knob

Virginia Trail Guide For the truly adventurous, this is the ultimate hike. Located in George Washington National Forest, the hike is approximately 5.5 miles and involves a bit of scrambling. The view of Luray and New Market Gap will be more than rewarding.

  1. Fairy Stone State Park

MrGaryLarson/flickr This lovely state park has a 13-mile Little Mountain trail system. The park is named after the gemstone-like crystals called fairy stones that can be found here.

  1. Great Falls National Park

Timo Luege/flickr A visit to Great Falls is one of the best ways to enjoy the impressive Potomac River. There are 15 miles of trails as well as options for white water rafting. You could pack in at least one full day of adventure here.

These are just a few of the many, many options for the adventurous soul to explore Virginia. Where are some of your favorite places to visit?

Brian Holland/flickr

We begin our list with a beautiful scenic drive that connects Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown, and the Yorktown Battlefield. Although you’ll be driving, you’ll feel very attuned to nature as none of the parkway contains any commercial development.

Eli Christman/flickr

Hiking? Check. Biking? Check. Horseback riding? You got it. Once an old railway, this 34.3-mile trail offers endless adventuring possibilities. The trail navigates through Abingdon, Damascus, and passes through Virginia’s second highest peak, Whitetop Mountain.

Steve Fernie/flickr

Mary’s Rock is a moderately difficult hike in Shenandoah National Park, but it offers breathtaking views such as this one. The summit is 3,514 feet tall.

This is easily one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park. If you’re looking for a waterfall hike – this is it. There are over 6 waterfalls and each has a swimming hole at the bottom. Upper falls can be accessed in the 4.2 out-and-back trail and reaching the lower falls adds 2.7 miles.

JR P/flickr

This multi-use trail spans four counties in 57 miles. The elevation of this rails to trails system is perfect for admiring the surroundings. Access points include Cliffview and Fries.

Virginia State Parks/flickr

Hungry Mother State Park has one of the most beloved hikes in the state. Short and sweet, Molly’s Knob Trail reveals the highest point in the park, Molly’s Knob. The park also includes a 108-acre lake teeming with activity during warmer months.

High Bridge was recently reopened and that is something to be thankful for. The trail itself is accessible in Farmville and sits nearly 160 feet above the Appomattox River.

Taber Andrew Bain/flickr

Breaks Interstate Park is located right on the Virginia/Kentucky border and contains 25 miles of hikes in its 4,500-acres. Some of the trails wind along cliffs edges and call for extra caution.

Watson Media

Located in Montebello, Crabtree Falls is one of the most astounding waterfalls on the east coast. The falls is only a few hundred feet from the parking area. Those feeling adventurous can hike alongside the waterfall, making sure to stay only on the marked path as conditions can be very slippery.

Virginia Trail Guide

For the truly adventurous, this is the ultimate hike. Located in George Washington National Forest, the hike is approximately 5.5 miles and involves a bit of scrambling. The view of Luray and New Market Gap will be more than rewarding.

MrGaryLarson/flickr

This lovely state park has a 13-mile Little Mountain trail system. The park is named after the gemstone-like crystals called fairy stones that can be found here.

Timo Luege/flickr

A visit to Great Falls is one of the best ways to enjoy the impressive Potomac River. There are 15 miles of trails as well as options for white water rafting. You could pack in at least one full day of adventure here.

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