Northern Virginia is the perfect destination for all who love to explore the outdoors. From peaceful walks through the gorgeous scenery of the coastal marshes to epic backpacking trips along forested trails, Virginia has miles of trails for those of all different interests and abilities.
The area is known for its many nature reserves, national parks and monuments, and historic sites. Washington DC is just a short drive away, and northern Virginia provides the perfect place to escape the city and take in some gorgeous scenery.
The well-known Appalachian Trail runs from southern Georgia to the tip of Maine through northern Virginia. This section of the nearly 2,200-mile trail boasts beautiful scenery of the green tunnel and panoramic views of the surrounding mountain vistas.
And the best thing to do after a strenuous day hike? Grab a drink and a bite to eat! No matter which of these hikes you choose to try out, you can easily add a stop at one of the many beautiful Virginia wineries and breweries nearby.
If you’re ready to explore a new beautiful trail in northern Virginia, here’s a list of the 12 best hikes of all experience levels. Before you lace up your shoes to set out on one of your favorite trails, check out our review of our favorite hiking leggings and the best daypack for hiking!
Table of Contents
Easy Family Friendly Hikes
Bayview Trail
Image Source: AllTrails
- Location: Mason Neck State Park
- Trail Length: 1.3 miles
- Trail Type: Loop trail
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: ½ hour
If you’re looking for a shorter trail to hike with the whole family, the Bayview Trail is a great choice. This easy loop hike is flat and well-maintained. While walking along the beach, keep your eyes out for Eagles! Mason Neck State Park is a national wildlife refuge, and it’s home to many beautiful birds.
Bayview trail provides a variety of landscapes. At some points, you’re walking along the beach. At others, you’ll be tromping through wetlands or strolling through the wooded trail. The Bayview Trails is a great trail to break out your favorite Hiking sandals. It’s impossible to get bored on this short and sweet hike!
Bear’s Den
Image Source: Visit Loudoun
- Location: Bear’s Den Park
- Trail Length: 1.7 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back trail
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: ½ hour – 1 hour
Get ready for stunning Appalachian Trail views on your hike to Bear’s Den. This excellent family hike provides gorgeous views of the valley below. Bear’s Den is easy to get to with a large parking lot, well-marked trailhead, and trail markers.
Keep in mind that there are some short rock scrambles towards the top of this climb. Be sure that your kiddos are up for the challenge! Then, beat the crowds and take an evening hike. Bear’s Den is an incredible spot to catch the sunset to the west.
Chessie’s Nature Trail
Image Source: Bike the Valley
- Location: Lexington, Virginia
- Trail Length: 7 miles
- Trail Type: Point-to-point trail
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
The Chessie Nature Trail is a 7-mile public access walking trail between Lexington and Buena Vista, Virginia. There’s some history here, as it’s located on what used to be the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad right of way.
On this nature trail, you should expect to see different kinds of wildlife as you stroll through the Virginia countryside. You may see birds, small mammals, and maybe even some cows grazing in the nearby meadows.
The Chessie Nature Trail is a great outdoor adventure for your little ones. It’s designed for children of all abilities with features that appeal to the senses. Your kids can visit the sound garden, play with spinning rocks, and walk along the boardwalk.
Moderate Hikes
Burke Lake Trail
Image Source: AllTrails
- Location: Burke Lake Park
- Trail Length: 4.8 miles
- Trail Type: Loop trail
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 1 ½ -2 hours
Burke Lake Trail is a scenic hike near Fairfax County. It’s a reasonably flat loop trail around the lovely Burke Lake. You may encounter other hikers, walkers, runners, and bicyclists along the way. At points, it’s a paved trail, and it later turns into gravel.
The Burke Lake trail is an excellent option for beginner hikers. Pack a lunch to take a break at many scenic break spots with gorgeous lake views. You can also bring along your fishing pole and spend the afternoon fishing!
Raven Rocks
Image Source: Wikipedia
- Location: Bluemont, Virginia
- Trail Length: 5.7 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back trail
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
The hike to Raven Rocks on the Appalachian trail is one you won’t forget. The trail is moderately difficult, and the final viewpoint at the top is absolutely stunning! This out-and-back is located on “the roller-coaster,” which winds up and down several steep ridges.
Sections of the Appalachian Trail to Raven Rocks are pretty rocky. Consider investing in some quality approach shoes for this type of hike. On your way to the Raven Rocks hollow, you’ll cross multiple creeks and streams. The stunning views from the lookout point are unbeatable! Take a moment to enjoy it before heading back down the way you came.
Turkey Run Ridge Trail
Image Source: Turkey Run State Park
- Location: Prince William Forest Park
- Trail Length: 7.3 miles
- Trail Type: Loop trail
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 3 hours
Turkey Run Ridge Trail is a moderately difficult loop trail nestled in the stunning Prince William Forest Park. This trail’s beginning and ending sections take you on a forested path through the deciduous woods of the rolling Piedmont terrain. In the middle, the trail follows the South Branch Quantico Creek bank as it nears the Potomac.
The beautiful river views on the Turkey Run Ridge Trail are one of a kind. You may see beavers in numerous spots along the stream if you have a watchful eye. But even if you don’t see these furry creatures in the flesh, their intricate dams will alert you to their presence.
Difficult Hikes
Buck Hollow Trail and Buck Ridge Trail Loop
Image Source: Realest Nature
- Location: Shenandoah National Park
- Trail Length: 6.2 miles
- Trail Type: Loop trail
- Trail Difficulty: Hard
- Estimated Time: 4 hours
Shenandoah National Park is home to many beautiful hiking trails, and the Buck Hollow Trail is certainly no exception. It’s a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. Set out on an adventure here from May through October for ideal weather.
The parking lot for Buck Hollow Trail fills up quickly, but you can also park on the nearby Skyline Drive. Then, take the Buck Hollow Trail loop clockwise; your waterfall hike will be entirely downhill with views of falls to your left. And where this trail ends, the Buck Ridge Trail begins as you ascend an estimated 400 stairs.
This hike had everything you could want from an outdoor adventure: rushing waterfalls, rock scrambling, stream crossings, and more!
Bear’s Den to Buzzard Hill via the Appalachian Trail
Image Source: AllTrails
- Location: Bear’s Den Park
- Trail Length: 9.6 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back trail
- Trail Difficulty: Hard
- Estimated Time: 6-7 hours
For those looking for a challenging hike that’s also super rewarding, look no further. The Appalachian Trail from Bear’s Den to Buzzard hill will give you a great workout and reward you with dramatic views. As this section of the AT is part of the “roller coaster,” there’s no way you’ll get bored!
Be ready for some rock scrambles and steep climbs! The mountain vista views from Buzzard Rock are like no other. The AT is a well-frequented trail, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. For the best views, hike this trail between April and September.
Bull Run Occoquan Trail via Fountainhead Regional Park
Image Source: AllTrails
- Location: Fountainhead Regional Park
- Trail Length: 17.6 miles
- Trail Type: Point-to-point trail
- Trail Difficulty: Hard
- Estimated Time: 7 hours
The Bull Run Occoquan Trail is a challenging point-to-point trail near Burke, Virginia. If you’re going for endurance, hike the entire length! But if not, there are plenty of options to hop on and off. Keep in mind that there aren’t many water sources along the trail, so bring plenty of water!
From Fountainhead Regional Park, the first 4 miles are easy and enjoyable, and you may run into many other hikers. However, the further you go on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, the more challenging it gets! You’ll catch glimpses of previous wagon trails, horse trails, and other split-offs along the way. To ensure you stay on the trail and check your mileage, consider investing in a GPS watch for hiking.
Waterfall Hikes in Northern Virginia
River Trail Mini Loop
Image Source: AllTrails
- Location: Great Falls Park
- Trail Length: 1.6 miles
- Trail Type: Loop trail
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: ½ hour
The River Trail Mini Loop is a waterfall hike with a beautiful overlook. It’s an easy and rewarding hike suitable for the whole family. Along the way, you might see people kayaking down the falls or repelling off the cliff.
If you plan to hike this trail on the weekend, make sure to get there early! The trailhead parking lot fills up quickly. The River Trail Mini Loop is also an excellent opportunity for breathtaking views of the Potomac River. You’ll also have the chance to explore the remnants of the Potowmack Canal, initially built by George Washington.
Crabtree Falls Trail
Image Source: Asheville Trails
- Location: George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
- Trail Length: 3.6 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back trail
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Crabtree Falls Trail is nestled in the gorgeous George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. This waterfall hike provides many incredible views along the way as you wander through the mountainside.
In wet conditions, the trails can get muddy and slippery. Be sure to wear durable hiking boots! During dry conditions, the lower portion of the Crabtree Falls Trail is wheelchair accessible. The trail can get crowded on the weekends, so plan to get an early start.
Hazel Falls and Caves
Image Source: Only in Your State
- Location: Shenandoah National Park
- Trail Length: 5.3 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
The trail to Hazel Falls and Caves is a great waterfall hike for those looking for a unique adventure. Most of the trail is rated moderate, but the last section of the trail is very steep and rocky.
There are two caves near Hazel Falls. One of the caves is obvious, and the second cave is closer to the first pool of water. When you arrive at the base of the high-walled canyon, you’ll have beautiful views of the Hazel River and creek.
On the way back out, you’ll climb up a series of well-maintained steps to come back the way you came.
Northern Virginia Hiking FAQs
What is the Triple Crown of hiking in Virginia?
Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee’s Knob, Tinker Cliffs
The Triple Crown of hiking in Virginia includes some of the best hiking in Northern Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Where are the best mountain views in Virginia?
In addition to the great hiking trails we mentioned, here are a few more to check out!
- McAfee’s Knob, near Salem, Virginia
- Appalachian Tobacco Field, near Dryden, Virginia
- After the Storm in Shenandoah National Park
- Irish Creek Valley Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway
What are the best northern Virginia waterfall hikes?
Our review mentioned the three best waterfall hikes in Northern Virginia: Crabtree Falls, the River Trail Mini Loop in Great Falls Park, and Hazel Falls. Here are a few more great waterfall hikes in the area:
- Dark Hollow Falls
- Whiteoak Canyon
- Apple Orchard Falls
- Kilgore Falls
Northern Virginia features a host of landscapes for anyone to discover. From wildlife refuges in lush forests to rocky landscapes, there’s so much more than what meets the eye.
Whether your interests lie in sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, or scenic mountain vista views, there are several fun trails in the area to explore. So come by yourself or bring the whole family, and you won’t be disappointed!
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