Virginia trails: 5 easy summits for first-time hikers
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The view from the Mountain Side Trail Scenic Overlook in Douthat State Park. Photo: Courtesy of Virginia State Parks
It's getting cooler, which means peak hiking season in Virginia is upon us.
The big picture: The Commonwealth is known for its mountain ranges and national parks, including Shenandoah and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway — a 469-mile stretch that briefly closed after Hurricane Helene significantly damaged it.
- Earlier this month, the National Park Service opened milepost 0 to milepost 198 on the Virginia side.
Yes, but: Being a first-time hiker can feel intimidating.
- So we asked the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which oversees the 43 state parks, what they'd recommend for people who want to see a summit but have maybe never hit a trail.
Here are five options communications assistant Christen McKey shared, largely based on what "the little hikers" in her family were able to do.
Natural Bridge, 1.3-mile loop
Trail: Skyline Trail
Distance from Richmond: Two hours.
Fun fact: The Natural Bridge has been a National Historic Landmark since 1988 and is 200 feet tall.
Grayson Highlands, 1.3 mile loop
Trail: Twin Pinnacles
Distance from Richmond: Just under 5 hours.
Fun fact: It's near one of Virginia's highest mountains (Whitetop) and close to the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. That means you could spot some wild ponies.
Pro tip: The trailhead is behind the visitor's center. Check here for road closures since park access remains impacted by Helene.
Natural Tunnel, 1.5-mile loop
Trail: Gorge Ridge Trail to Lover's Leap Overlook
Distance from Richmond: 5 hours.
Fun fact: The Natural Tunnel is as high as a 10-story building and you can access it via chair lift.
James River, 3-mile loop
Trail: Tye River Overlook via Dixon and Cabell Trail Loop
Distance from Richmond: Less than two hours away.
If you go: Park in the visitor center parking lot. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Sky Meadows, 5-mile loop
Trail: Sky Meadows Loop
Distance from Richmond: Two hours.
Pro tip: Go clockwise for better views and more gradual inclines, per DCR.
If you go: The DCR put together a guide for navigating the loop, which is one of the most popular to hike at the park.
Reality check: Hiking at any elevation can pose its challenges, so make sure you're prepared and hydrated.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that James River State Park is less than two hours away from Richmond (not in the city's backyard).