–DODD PARK–
Nearest Town: Henrico Hike Distance: 1.6-mile loop Why Go There: Walk the long boardwalk through wetland What You Need to Know: Take your time here, watching for wildlife while traversing the wetlands. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.32203, -77.35486
–RICHARD P. GRAVELY, JR. NATURE PRESERVE–
Nearest Town: Martinsville Hike Distance: 1.0-mile loop Why Go There: Enjoy a quiet preserve along the Smith River What You Need to Know: This park is known for its thick stands of blooming rhododendron. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.61068, -79.81743
–RAVEN CLIFF–
Nearest Town: Cripple Creek Hike Distance: 2.0 miles in two short walks from same trailhead Why Go There: See Raven Cliff Furnace What You Need to Know: The national forest recreation area also features a quiet campground. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.83655, -81.06323
–WINDSOR CASTLE PARK–
Nearest Town: Smithfield Hike Distance: 1.8-mile loop Why Go There: Views of tidal creek accessed via flat, manicured trails What You Need to Know: The well-kept park offers kayak/canoe launch, picnic area, bike trail and a fishing pier Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.97687, -76.62745
–LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK–
Nearest Town: Dumfries Hike Distance: 1.6-mile loop Why Go There: The Lee’s Woods Trail may have more history per foot than any other trail in Virginia. What You Need to Know: Leesylvania State Park offers much to do at the trailhead. Have a picnic, walk along the river. Head out to the fishing pier to see what is biting. Launch your boat and motor or paddle the shoreline. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 38.59113, -77.24834
–POCOSIN MISSION–
Nearest Town: Stanardsville Hike Distance: 2.0-mile there-and-back Why Go There: Lesser visited highlight at Shenandoah National Park What You Need to Know: Be watchful, trailhead is easy to miss. Many other park attractions are nearby. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 38.41379, -78.48932
–FENWICK MINES WALK–
Nearest Town: New Castle Hike Distance: 1.9-mile out-and-back Why Go There: Explore a former mining community and the wildlife rich wetlands. What You Need to Know: This is an easy walk, fun for all ages. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.57419, -80.05532
–FALLINGWATER CASCADES–
Nearest Town: Bedford Hike Distance: 1.5-mile loop Why Go There: See attractive waterfall and grab a big view from the Blue Ridge Parkway. What You Need to Know: Start the loop at Wilkerson Gap, at Flat Top Mountain Parking Area, not at Fallingwater Overlook. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.47294, -79.5802
–BEARTREE LAKE TRAIL–
Nearest Town: Konnarock Hike Distance: 1.0-mile loop Why Go There: Circle around high elevation wooded lake What You Need to Know: The Beartree Lake Trail starts on the north side of the parking area as a paved footpath. Do not confuse this with the Beartree Gap Trail, which starts on the south side of the parking area as a dirt path. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.65978, -81.68892 This wide, easy path is just one of many attractions at this Mount Rogers National Recreation Area destination. The Beartree Lake Trail encircles the mountain impoundment of Beartree Lake, elevation 3,000 feet, popular with nature lovers, summertime swimmers and year-round with anglers. Short fisherman’s paths descend to the lake while making the loop. Cross a small bridge and pass fishing docks, as well as a canoe/kayak launch. Cruise beside the swim beach—this is the more developed side of the lake. Pass a spur to the Appalachian Trail then cross over the lake dam, completing the loop. After the Hike: Kayak around Beartree Lake. Camp at Beartree Lake Campground. Bicycle the Virginia Creeper Trail. Head into Damascus and visit Mount Rogers Outfitters, or eat at Hey Joe’s Tacos.–LIBERTY HILL HISTORY AND NATURE TRAIL–
Nearest Town: Boydton Hike Distance: 1.3-miles figure eight loop Why Go There: Walk interpretive trail with overlooks of Roanoke River and Lake Kerr Dam. What You Need to Know: This trail is located near Lake Kerr Dam, with all sorts of outdoor recreation nearby. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.59639, -78.29262
–MASON NECK STATE PARK–
Nearest Town: Colchester Hike Distance: 1.3-mile loop Why Go There: Make a loop through woods, through wetlands and past a beach. What You Need to Know: This Virginia state park is known for its wildlife viewing. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 38.64246, -77.19906
–BROWNSVILLE PRESERVE–
Nearest Town: Nassawadox Hike Distance: 2.0-mile there-and-back to hike stop #10 Why Go There: Experience a slice of coastal Virginia with varied habitats favorable for avian life. What You Need to Know: Until purchased by the Nature Conservancy the land had been in the hands of one family for over 300 years. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.46976, -75.83466 Explore Virginia’s Eastern Shore on the interpretive Birding & Wildlife Trail at this 1,000-acre Nature Conservancy property. Open to the public, the path leaves the trailhead on the fringe of coastal marshes, then into woods, including pine-hardwood forest. Pass by fields, wetlands then reach a pond. Watch for birds here. Ahead, the trail crosses a boardwalk. A nearby screen house makes a good wildlife blind. Your final stop leads to an observation deck with a view of marshlands dotted with wooded islands. If you want to extend your hike make the loop that skirts by a tidal creek. After the Hike: Park your RV at Virginia Landing RV Campground or overnight at the Holiday Inn Express in Exmore. Enjoy a throwback food experience at the Exmore Diner.–PINNACLE STATE NATURAL AREA–
Nearest Town: Lebanon Hike Distance: 2.0-mile there and back Why Go There: To see Big Falls and the hike the suspension bridge What You Need to Know: A short spur trail leads to Spring Falls. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.95356, -82.05475
–BEAR CREEK LAKE STATE PARK–
Nearest Town: Cumberland Hike Distance: 1.8-mile loop Why Go There: Enjoy lakeside and woodland walking at quiet state park What You Need to Know: The park is located inside the greater 16,000-acre Cumberland State Forest Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.52692, -78.27573