Intro


These are hikes that I've done while living in Virginia for a short while that I highly recommend! They are all out-and-back hikes, meaning that you can do them in a day; we love grabbing pizza for dinner at the end of a hike. A lot of these, I did more than once, because I enjoyed them so much. I find that it's the perfect way to relax and decompress after a stressful work week. It feels good to move your body, and the views are amazing!


(It wasn't until much later that I got more comfortable bring my DSLR camera with me on hikes, so not all of the photos are high quality!)

the triple crown

McAfee's Knob


THE place to go, if you only have time for one hike during your trip.


McAfee's Knob is an easy-moderate hike in my opinion. There are parts of the trail that are a tad bit more steep and will have you panting for breath, but it's an enjoyable trek. You can either take the fire trail most of the way or take the prettier path slightly off to the right at the beginning of the hike where they have areas for overnight hikers to pitch tents at (it's a bit narrow but fun!). At the top, you can take THE photo at the edge of the cliff that everyone loves to do. Then, you can walk a bit farther following along the edge. We enjoyed climbing all the massive rock formations; it was fun hopping from one onto the next!

Tinker's Cliff


Gorgeous views, especially in Autumn!


Tinker's Cliff is a pretty rough hike (at least for me). I'd say that it's a moderate to difficult hike. It's a very steep incline the entire way up. I highly recommend hiking sticks, good shoes, and for you to take many breaks along the way! I'm usually limping badly due to my bad knees by the time we are turning around to head back to the car. The trail is beautiful, though. The beginning has you crossing a cute bridge over a river and then crossing a small pasture where you can walk by cows before the real hiking begins! The view at the top is probably one of my favorites. I love that you can climb in between the rocks (as you can see in the photo hehe).

Dragon's Tooth


Very cool trail!


Admittedly, we only did this hiking trail once, and it was in the dead of winter. It was freezing! I would rate this as an easy to moderate hike. There were easy parts and then there were parts that left us a little winded. At the end, we had to wait a while until we could climb to the top for the view and some quick phone pics, because it was crowded and no one was willing to share space. Honestly, the crowd ruined it for me just a little bit. Try to go when the weather is warmer and there are less people!

Other

Devil's Marble Yard


Rock Climbing!!!


This easy to moderate hike is so fun! I have to admit, though, I'm not sure if we did it correctly... haha. Every time we have went, we almost immediately start climbing the rocks, once they come into view at the end of the main trail. There is a trail along the side of the massive rocks, but it's difficult to climb (therefore, I don't think it's meant to be hiked. Ooor maybe I'm just looking for an excuse to climb rocks!). Regardless, it's super fun and make for some amazing photos! We just never make it to the end; if there is one, that is. Be very careful with any belongings you bring with you out onto the rocks. So many people lose things by dropping them in between the massive rocks! Oh, and there are spiders everywhere along the rocks in the middle of summer...

The Cascades


MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE


Personally, this has always been my go-to recommendation for anyone wanting to hike in Virginia. I LOVE everything about this hike and have taken many, many photos here! The entire trail is a nice, easy walk along the river that leads all the way to the waterfall at the end. Make sure you cross the first bridge on the trail, because the right side is much prettier and closer to the water! The views the entire way are gorgeous. We love to stop a few times along the trail to swim in the river or admire nature.  It was my safe haven, where I went when I desperately needed to get away from life and breathe. There is no doubt in my mind that I'll be back here someday.

The Blueridge


Technically not a hike but does have hiking trails that branch off it


Another place I loved to escape to when stressed was The Blueridge Parkway in Roanoke. It's so easy to hop on and enjoy the mountain views from the several lookout points along the road. No hiking required to be in nature, if you're short on time or too exhausted to do much. If you don't have time to hike while visiting, at least try to see the parkway! It's worth it! Especially, in the Fall when the leaves are constantly cascading down onto the road as you're driving through. It looks so magical!

Review: Hikes Mentioned

(for a quick screenshot)


  • McAfee
  • Tinkers Cliff
  • Dragon's Tooth
  • Devil's Marble Yard
  • The Cascades
  • Trails off the Blueridge for short adventures and great views if you don't have a lot of time