Do you want to experience a destination from a different vantage point? Maybe on the water, from the mountaintop, or in an all-terrain vehicle? These vacation ideas are for you.

HIKE VIRGINIA'S HIGHEST PEAK

Mount Rogers

Photo Credit: Kyle LaFerriere, @laferriere.photography

Center your vacation around Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest peak at 5,729 feet. Stay within the National Recreation Area, as campgrounds and cabins are available. There are 191,000 acres to explore, including two lakes and 50 miles of streams.

While You're There:

ALSO SEE: Virginia's Five Highest Peaks 

GET MUDDY ON THE SPEARHEAD TRAILS 

ATV Riding on Spearhead Trails in the mountains of Southwest Virginia

Photo Credit: Sam Dean, @sdeanphotos

There are currently three trails of this Southwest Virginia system open, with a fourth on its way this fall. The towns of Saint Paul, Pocahontas and Grundy are more than welcoming of ATV riders; they roll out the red carpet.

While You're There:

ALSO SEE: Virginia's Scenic Rivers

GO WILD IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Sky Meadows State Park

Photo Credit: Mike Zorger

The G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area in Markham is nearly 4,000 acres against the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations ranging from 700 to 2200 feet. Its position adjacent to Sky Meadows State Park offers even more expanse to explore, plus camping is available at Sky Meadows. Of note are the seven miles of the Appalachian Trail that runs through this WMA. If you follow it south, you'll arrive at Compton Gap on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.

While You're There:

  • If you have a Virginia fishing license and trout stamp, you'll find the 10-acre Thompson Lake stocked and waiting. See information about an Access Permit.
  • If your visit occurs in late summer, pick along The Peach Way, a trail of five peach orchards in five miles.
  • Take a spin along the iconic Skyline Drive. Picking up Route 55 in Linden will allow you to avoid Interstate 66. Tip: Stop at The Apple House on the way!

HEAD FOR THE ALLEGHENIES

Lake Moomaw

Photo Credit: Preethi B. Harbuck

Lake Moomaw in Bath County is one of Virginia's larger lakes at more than 2,500 acres of surface. It's a man made lake by virtue of Gathright Dam. Fishermen love it for trout, bass and perch; hikers love its 43 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Camping is the way to go, with options at Bolar Mountain and McClintic Point on the north end, Greenwood Point (primitive; by foot or boat) midlake, and Morris Hill on the south end.

While You're There:

  • Find a waterfall! Falling Spring is Virginia's easiest to find and one of the most breathtaking to view.
  • Discover another geological treasure -- Blowing Springs.
  • Take a dip in the natural hot springs at Jefferson Pools.

DISCOVER THE OUTDOOR MAGIC OF PHILPOTT LAKE

Philpott Lake

Photo Credit: Beth Marshall

Another man-made lake, Philpott Lake is pretty well surrounded by recreation areas and is large enough (about 3,000 acres) to span the border of Henry and Franklin Counties. There are campgrounds (Philpott Park, Deer Island Park [primitive; by boat] Jamison Mill Park, Horseshoe Point, Salthouse Branch, and Goose Point Park), beaches, and boat launches at your disposal. 

While You're There:

  • Hike one of the trails, depending on where you settle in for your stay.
  • Soak your line for a potential bass catch.
  • Need a watercraft? Smith River Outfitters will deliver a canoe or kayak to you with advance registration.
  • Hunt for fairy stones at adjacent Fairy Stone State Park.

SEE THE FAMOUS CHINCOTEAGUE PONIES

Chincoteague Pony Swim

If you've ever heard of Misty of Chincoteague, this was her place and these are her ponies. Center your vacation around Chincoteague Island and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. At the end of July, the ponies swim the Assateague Channel for the pony penning and auction. If you're visiting at another time, boat tours will peruse the waterways to show you the ponies.

While You're There:

PADDLE BACK BAY AND GREAT DISMAL

Great Dismal Swamp

Photo Credit: John Henley

From Suffolk to the shore, this vacation idea will have you paddling Lake Drummond in the Great Dismal Swamp and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Both sites are go-tos for wildlife watching and simple solitude. Reserve your kayak trip down the Great Dismal Swamp Canal from Chesapeake with Adventure Kayak Tours. The trip includes a lunch break at the spillway before continuing into Lake Drummond. For a Back Bay kayak trip, call Kayak Nature Tours, Ltd. or Sandbridge Eco Sports, both located in Virginia Beach.

While You're There:

GET ACQUAINTED WITH THE VERY OUTDOORSY CAPITAL OF VIRGINIA

Richmond Kayaking

Photo Credit: Scott Brown

With the James River running through the heart of downtown, Richmond is an outdoor lover's dream vacation destination. In addition to kayaking and whitewater rafting opportunities, there are miles of waterfront trails for mountain biking and hiking. 

While You're There:

  • Run Class I-V rapids with an outfitter like Riverside Outfitters ... through downtown
  • Bring your bike and ride the Buttermilk Trail, a gnarly stretch that's frequently included in races.
  • Walk The Wetlands, a swampy forest with footbridges; the perfect place for bird watching.
  • Stretch your visit in Chesterfield County to hit the trails at Pocahontas State Park or paddle the waters at Dutch Gap.

 

Which of these ideas will you make a reality? We'd love to hear your Virginia Outdoors stories; leave a note below.