Where to Hike in Virginia

With cooler weather on the way and the leaves starting to change, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the beautiful scenery that Virginia has to offer. And luckily, with Lynchburg, Virginia as your home base, you won’t have to drive far to do it. LYH is conveniently located close to many hikes, from crowd favorites to lesser-known gems. Here’s our roundup of our favorite hikes in our state, as well as a few central Virginia favorites. 

Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park, located only 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., offers fifteen miles of hiking trails, ranging from walking paths for beginners to longer, more strenuous hikes. The park requires a small fee to visit, but is well worth it for the beautiful views. The park also offers three overlook views of the Great Falls, all of which are a 5-10 minute walk from the Visitor Center. Access to the Falls is by walking only, and 2/3 of the overlooks are handicap and stroller accessible. Due to the rapid current and steep drop, swimming is not permitted. 

Old Rag Mountain

Old Rag Mountain, located within Shenandoah National Park, offers adventurous rock scrambles and 360-degree views. While highly rewarding, this hike is one of the most advanced on our list and requires significant pre-planning to ensure you’re prepared to handle this adventure. Most of the trails that lead to the summit are long and include significant elevation changes, as well as a challenging rock scramble that requires upper body strength. Pets are prohibited on Old Rag Mountain, and there is a small entrance fee to visit. 

Skyline Drive Hikes

For a small admission fee, you can cruise through Skyline Drive to gain access to more than 500 miles of trails within the Shenandoah National Park. The area offers hikes for any activity level, so you’ll always be able to find a trail perfect for you and your group. If you’re looking for an easy hike, try out Stony Man Summits or Lower Cliffs. If a challenging hike is more your speed, try taking Stony Man to Skyland to Big Meadows for a 7 mile trek across the ridgeline that offers views at two of the best peaks in the entire park. 

Peaks of Otter

The Peaks of Otter area of the Blue Ridge Mountains is home to an array of popular trails and is located within an hour of Lynchburg, VA. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy walking trail or something more intense, Peaks of Otter likely has a good fit for you. If you’re already in the area for a hike, consider staying at the Peaks of Otter Lodge—whether you’re looking for a full-service dining experience or plenty of local activities, the lodge likely has the perfect fit for you. 

• Sharp Top

If you’re looking for a challenge, Sharp Top trail is one of the most popular trails in central Virginia. This popular out-and-back trail typically takes around 2 hours to complete and features a tough uphill climb. The top of the trail features an empty summit house that you’re able to enter and explore, as well as some impressive rock formations and gorgeous landscape views. The trail is typically busiest from March through November, and leashed dogs are welcome. For those who aren’t able to complete the entire trail, there’s a paid bus ride option that will drive you within 1,500 feet of the summit. 

• Flat Top

Flat Top is perfect for those looking for a more strenuous hike. Typically considered a challenging route, this 4.4 mile out-and-back trail normally takes around 3 hours to complete. This is a dog-friendly trail with gorgeous summit views and accessible parking. 

• Harkening Hill Trail

This moderately challenging 3.3 mile trail leads to an elevation gain of 3,375 feet. The trailhead is located just behind the Peaks of Otter visitor center. 

• Abbott Lake Trail

Perfect for those looking for an easier walking trail, the Abbott Lake Trail winds around Abbott Lake, giving visitors views of beautiful woodland forests and an open field. 

Crabtree Falls

For the more adventurous hiker, Crabtree Falls, located within the Blue Ridge Parkway, is an excellent choice. This 3-mile trail offers the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River and 5 overlooks with amazing views of Crabtree Creek Falls. This trail is family friendly and the lower portion of the trail is also wheelchair accessible. Leashed dogs are welcome. 

Alpine Trail

Alpine Trail, located at the entrance of Riverside Park in Lynchburg, Virginia, was the first walking trail developed in a LYH city park. It’s a great option for those looking for a family-friendly, peaceful walking trail. This mile-long trail is a steep hiking trail that offers beautiful views along the ridge side of the James River. Strollers and bicycles are prohibited on this trail. For your safety, stay on the marked pathway. 

Spy Rock

Located in Tyro, Virginia, the Spy Rock Trail via Cash Hollow is a 5.8 mile moderately-trafficked out-and-back trail that offers beautiful wildflower views. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trails, and bird watching. It’s accessible year-round and leashed dogs are welcome.

Claytor Nature Center

Only 30 minutes from LYH, Claytor Nature Center features a trail system with freshwater streams, woodlands, and wetlands with incredible views. The area is also home to the Virginia Claytor Memorial Gardens, created in memory of the late Mrs. Claytor, with a series of formal flower, herb, and shrub plantings. The center is open to the public seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Mount Pleasant

The hike to Mount Pleasant, located about an hour from Lynchburg in Montebello, is a 6-mile trail that offers beautiful views of streams and wildflowers. This hike takes you on a loop through the double summit of Mount Pleasant and Pompey Mountain. Leashed dogs are welcome. 

Humpback Rocks Area Trails

Located in Nelson, Virginia, the Humpback Rocks area offers three distinct trails for visitors to enjoy, ranging from 1-4 miles long. The trail is relatively challenging, with a 700-foot ascent to the summit, but visitors are rewarded with spectacular views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys. Leashed dogs are also welcome to join you! 

Liberty Mountain Trail System

Located near Liberty University, the Liberty Mountain Trail System is home to over 50 miles of single and double-track hiking trails spanning over 3,500 acres. The mountain rises to an elevation gain of over 1,360 feet and offers both cross-country and gravity-fed trails at a variety of intensity levels. The trail system has clearly marked trails and is open to the public during daylight hours. 

Stay in Lynchburg for Your Next Virginia Hiking Adventure

Whether you’re looking for a short walking path or a more challenging hike, Lynchburg, VA is a great home base. LYH is located less than two hours from almost all of these hikes — if you’re not a hiking person, there are plenty of other local attractions for you to enjoy as well! 

If you’re looking for another outdoor adventure, Lynchburg is home to Snowflex, which offers year-round tubing, snowboarding, skiing, and an Olympic-sized trampoline. If dining and nightlife is more your scene, downtown Lynchburg is home to a number of restaurants and breweries that you’ll enjoy. 

No matter what you’re visiting Lynchburg for, we have something for everyone.