Virginia has an impressive selection of activities for the outdoor lover. From the mountains to the beach and everything in between, there are plenty of ways to experience this state’s beautiful and thrilling terrain. The following list offers a little bit of everything: hiking, swimming, water activities, and more. If you’ve done these things, then you can consider yourself a true Virginian outdoor enthusiast.
- Paddle down the James River.
James River Association/flickr Whether you go by canoe, kayak, or raft, the James River is the perfect place for a paddle.
- Hike High Bridge Trail in Farmville.
Virginia State Parks/flickr This trail offers spectacular views of the Appomattox River from 125 feet high.
- Hike alongside Crabtree Falls in Montebello.
Charles Payne/flickr Crabtree Fall is the highest waterfall series east of the Mississippi River.
- Stroll the pristine shores of Assateague Island.
Zach Frailey/flickr Keep your eyes out for the wild ponies!
- Ascend Mt. Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia.
Ryan Somma/flickr Mt. Rogers is located in southwestern Virginia and can be accessed by a number of different trails, including portions of the Appalachian Trail.
- Bike along Abingdon’s beautiful Virginia Creeper Trail
Eli Christman/flickr
- Soar above Charlottesville in a hot air balloon.
Blue Ridge Ballooning/Facebook
- Go deep sea fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.
The Bywaters/flickr The Bay is one of the most popular areas for fishing enthusiasts, and there are plenty of local companies that offer deep-sea fishing tours.
- Search for fairy stones in Fairy Stone State Park.
Virginia State Parks/flickr This beautiful park in Stuart, Virginia is known for its unique fairy stones, which are smooth rocks that are in the shape of miniature crosses.
- Embark on a dolphin watching tour off the coast of Virginia Beach.
Rudee Flipper Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours/Facebook
- Take a drive along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway.
Ian Britton/flickr
- Stroll around one of Virginia’s breathtaking botanical gardens.
m01229/flickr Photographed above is the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
- Take a dip in a natural swimming hole.
Amber Karnes/flickr Photographed above is Panther Falls, located just outside of Buena Vista.
- Explore the natural sand cave in Ewing.
DM/flickr
- Admire the historic Humpback Bridge in Covington.
Bill Dickinson/flickr
- Go for a hike in Shenandoah National Park.
Shenandoah National Park/flickr Photographed above is Low Gap, which shows off the stunning tulip poplar trees (accessed off Skyline Drive, milepost 8).
- Enjoy a weekend of camping in one of our lovely state parks.
Virginia State Parks/flickr Photographed above is the creekside campground at Hungry Mother State Park.
With so many activities and scenery to admire in Virginia, we know that this list only scratches the surface. Please let us know some of your favorite ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Looking for more ideas? Be sure to check out 10 Outdoor Activities For Everyone.
James River Association/flickr
Whether you go by canoe, kayak, or raft, the James River is the perfect place for a paddle.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
This trail offers spectacular views of the Appomattox River from 125 feet high.
Charles Payne/flickr
Crabtree Fall is the highest waterfall series east of the Mississippi River.
Zach Frailey/flickr
Keep your eyes out for the wild ponies!
Ryan Somma/flickr
Mt. Rogers is located in southwestern Virginia and can be accessed by a number of different trails, including portions of the Appalachian Trail.
Eli Christman/flickr
Blue Ridge Ballooning/Facebook
The Bywaters/flickr
The Bay is one of the most popular areas for fishing enthusiasts, and there are plenty of local companies that offer deep-sea fishing tours.
This beautiful park in Stuart, Virginia is known for its unique fairy stones, which are smooth rocks that are in the shape of miniature crosses.
Rudee Flipper Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours/Facebook
Ian Britton/flickr
m01229/flickr
Photographed above is the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Amber Karnes/flickr
Photographed above is Panther Falls, located just outside of Buena Vista.
DM/flickr
Bill Dickinson/flickr
Shenandoah National Park/flickr
Photographed above is Low Gap, which shows off the stunning tulip poplar trees (accessed off Skyline Drive, milepost 8).
Photographed above is the creekside campground at Hungry Mother State Park.
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