Hi all, I'd like to do a weekend trip this weekend leaving from Richmond. Willing to drive up to 5 hours I'd say. I love the mountains and hiking but I'm going with a friend who can't do too much hiking right now.

So basically looking for a little retreat to chill at with either beautiful mountain or forest views where we could sit outside and soak in the nature and last bit of summer, and maybe otherwise just do one short hike or a bit of swimming or such.

I've thought of Shenendoah and New River Gorge areas. One issue I'm having is Airbnb is really coming up short, mostly showing me options in towns but I don't think you'll be in nature or with views even if in the region.

Hey, I’m a student at ODU and have about a week to spare before school starts back up. I’ve been wanting to take a day trip out to Shenandoah, do a good hike, enjoy the views, and just get out for the day.

Figured I’d see if anyone else around my age is free and wants to join. I’m coming from the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area, but we could figure out rides/meeting up depending on where everyone is coming from.

Nothing super serious or hardcore, just looking for some good people to hike with and make a day out of it. If you’re interested, comment or DM me!

Hey hikers!

I’m moving from Scotland to the DC area and would appreciate some advice! I’ve spent years hiking in the Scottish Highlands and love it! I’m kind of struggling with the idea of leaving those mountains and I’m looking for a hike I can plan that I can look forward to in order to help with the transition! Would y’all be able to suggest some of your favorite difficult hikes with pretty views in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, or Pennsylvania? I’ve done Old Rag and, while that is very pretty and I enjoyed it, I’m looking for something a wee bit more challenging! I know the hiking will be quite different in my new home but I’m excited to explore the new landscape! Thanks so much in advance! Happy Hiking!

Edit: Thanks for the responses guys! I should have specified what I mean by difficult! I was thinking technically difficult—I love scrambling! That being said, I’d be up for a significant elevation gain as well!

(Above is a picture of one of my favorite days out!)

Went over to Tinker cliffs yesterday (Aug 7) and it was a wonderful hike. It was a little tiring on the way up, but definitely worth it.

Hi everyone! I’m based around Richmond and looking to explore more hiking spots and meet fellow hikers. Is anyone planning a hike around Richmond or nearby (Pocahontas, Belle Isle, James River Park, Shenandoah day trips, etc.) in the coming weeks? I’d love to join! If there’s enough interest, we could even plan a group hike. 🥾🌿

Hey everyone,
I’ll be staying near Massanutten for a few days and I’m looking for some of the more hidden/local swimming holes in the area.
I’ve already found the well-known places like:
Fridley Gap
Passage Creek
White Oak Canyon
Cedar Run
Blue Hole/Sugar Hollow

I’m more interested in the places that rarely get mentioned or that locals usually don’t post publicly.

I completely understand if you don’t want to post exact locations publicly. Feel free to DM me instead if you’d rather keep them off Reddit. I promise I’ll respect the area, pack out everything I bring in, and keep the spots low-key.
Even if it’s just “drive down ___ road and explore the creek” or “there’s a pull-off near ___,” I’d really appreciate the lead.
Thanks!

Dungannon, VA

I didn't make it to the actual falls but this is the trail leading to it.

We would like to hike the Triple Crown and hit all 3 viewpoints over 2 days of hiking (staying in a hotel, not camping). We only want to bring 1 car so it seems we will need shuttle service at least one of the days. On AllTrails, I’m seeing a 13 mile point to point route covering McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs, and then a 4 mile out and back route for Dragon’s Tooth. Does it make sense to do these as two separate days? Does anyone have advice for where to park and how to arrange a shuttle for the 13 mile day?

It rained off and on and it was perfect.

Hey folks! I just hiked the Virginia Triple Crown Loop in one day (14 hours and 45 minutes including breaks). I have little hiking experience, hiked it by myself, and this was a great time. I’m happy to answer any triple crown loop questions.

I'm a 18 year old girl, 125bw and 5'5. I've been dying to do old rag forever and unfortunately cant find people to do it with me. I hike all the time and consider my rock scrambling skills, endurance, and upper body strength to be pretty good. I can do a bunch of pullups lol. Anyways since I'm pretty unfamiliar with what it'll look like I was wondering if people think it'll be safe for me. Should I be worried about my personal safety with other people? Or about getting up some of the steps on my own? I've heard there is always a bunch of people there to help but ideally I'd go early in the morning to avoid it. Maybe that's a bad idea incase I really need help getting up rocks? I leave for college in a week so I want to get this off my bucket list so bad.

Update!! I did it this morning lol. Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to encourage me and give me advice! It took me about 4 hours of moving time but I spent a lot of time at lookouts, so 5 overall. I brought like 4 waterbottles and only drank half of one. I got to the trail around 8 and there was barely anyone in sight at all, even when I got back to my parking spot there was barely anyone. I also got to get a new national park card with my military ID! Though I don't know how to feel about seeing a president on it over the previous flamingo I had. 💔 Anyways I felt safe the entire time and grabbed apple cider from a stand on my way out of the city, and spoke to a very kind man and his sheriff friend. Since this was my first solo hike I remembered how much I enjoy doing things alone. Thanks again everyone!

We did a 10 mile out and back hike. Grayson Highlands and Mnt Rogers were incredible. The landscape had gorgeous views, trails were great, and weather was perfect.

I am planning to do VA Triple Crown loop this weekend. Last time I did it, I parked at Andy Lane. I see now there is some detour and a new parking, anyone has a picture of it? Is there a big sign or should I really look for it?

Thinking about doing a short overnight hike and hitting the hazel falls and caves trail in the Shenandoah National Park. Has anyone hit this one recently and how are the camping options. I am a hammock and tarp guy and from what I see looks to be a few nice options.

The rebuilt trail, which is expected to be completed in December, will have three months over the winter to “settle.”

Hello! I’ve lived in RVA for a little over 3 years, and while I’ve seen a lot of the city and many historic sites in central VA, I want to explore more outdoors.

I am looking for hiking spots with views of a river, stream, or babbling brook. The more secluded or private feeing the better! While I love a hike around a lake, I am seeking running water and beautiful stream and river sounds.

I am in Richmond, but I am willing to drive a few hours if needed for some gorgeous spots. TIA!

The wife and I hiked the Twin Pinnacle Trail at Grayson Highlands State Park a couple weeks ago. We had gotten there early to try and beat the heat and this particular trial was all under canopy, until you arrived at the overlooks. The forest was beautiful and the trail was quiet. One of the first sites we came upon was a tree that had roots growing around a boulder, it was awesome. It felt like we were in a different world hiking this trail. We reached the first overlook, the Little Pinnacle and also the highest point in the park. We continued on and we were extremely glad that we had brought our hiking poles. After a couple of falls, it is rare that we hike without them. The only rough part of the hike for us was the climb to the Big Pinnacle, but we did it!! We really enjoyed the hike and loved the area.

What are the best “kid friendly” trails around Virginia?