The Most Gorgeous Spring Wildflower Hikes

When spring and summer bloom in Virginia, the state's landscapes become home to hundreds of varieties of wildflowers. Add some florals to your Virginia vacation with our guide to wildflower hikes. 

Reminder: When visiting Virginia's natural areas, please don't pick the wildflowers.

Wildflowers of Virginia

There are too many wildflowers to list each one, but these are some of the typical varieties you may come across on your hike.

Common Wildflowers:

• Virginia Bluebell
• Bloodroot
• Honeysuckle
• Eastern Red Columbine
• Trillium
• Snowdrop
• Rhododendron
• Pink Lady's Slipper

Trails for Wildflower Hikes

Now that you know what types of flowers to look for, here are a few hikes to enjoy the beautiful blooms. 

CCC Trail—Marion

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 1.9 miles

Thick Rhododendron line the Civilian Conservation Corps Trail at Hungry Mother State Park. The trail meanders along and repeatedly crosses over a creek at its lower levels. Pro tip: The trail becomes increasingly difficult as it approaches Molly's Knob Trail.

Back Creek Gorge Wildflower Trail at Blowing Springs Recreation Area—Bath County

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.31 miles

The Back Creek Gorge Wildflower Trail at Blowing Springs Recreation Area leads to low falls, a deep swimming hole, and beautiful wild geranium, Solomon's seal, creeping phlox, and quite a few other species of native flowering plants. This area is known for its natural limestone spring, which remains at 58 degrees year-round.

Cabin Creek Trail—Mouth of Wilson

Difficulty: Difficult

Length: 1.51 miles

A 25' Whitetop Mountain waterfall is the highlight of the Cabin Creek Trail, a 1.51-mile loop in Grayson Highlands State Park that's dotted with vibrant Rhododendron. Watch out for steep climbs and slippery rocks on your journey. 

Apple Orchard Falls—Botetourt County

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 3.2 miles

Off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, the headwaters of North Creek lead hikers down a trail to an awaiting waterfall and overlook. Spot trillium and mountain fetterbush and don't forget your camera—the Apple Orchard Falls Trail is definitely photo-worthy. 

Dense Blazing Star Field—Montgomery County

Difficulty: Easy

Considerations: Copperhead snakes are native to the area; watch your step

In mid- to late-July, vibrant purple dense blazing star changes the appearance of an otherwise lovely prairie-esque field in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. These lovelies attract at least 15 species of butterflies, making the visit even more breathtaking. Simply park along the road to chart your own route through the field. 

Bluebell Island Trail—St. Paul

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.9 miles

The Bluebell Island Trail is blooming and ready for visitors to meander along the scenic Clinch River. This trail connects Bluebell Island Preserve to the Sugar Hill Trail System through St. Paul.

Bluebell Loop Trail—Bentonville

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1 mile

The Bluebell Loop Trail in Shenandoah River State Park runs along the river and can be accessed by the canoe launch parking area or by the River Trail. If you want to extend your hike, choose a connecting trail and keep looking for wildflowers. Should you choose to make this a longer hike, connecting trails can easily extend it.

Bay View Trail—Lorton

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 1.2 miles

This Mason Neck State Park trail is the best of both worlds, wandering along Belmont Bay's marshes and up into the hardwood forest. Mountain Laurel is plentiful along the Bay View Trail.

Accotink Creek Trail—Springfield

Difficulty: Easy

The 493 acres of Lake Accotink Park in Northern Virginia include a 55-acre lake. Take a walk along Accotink Creek, which feeds the lake. With a keen eye, you can spot showy orchis, bluebells, and dwarf ginseng, among other native plants and flowers.

Roaring Run—Botetourt County

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.4 miles out and back

Located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Roaring Run Recreational Area is a place that delivers one site after another, not to mention beautiful pink lady's slippers, a variety of violets, and more wildflowers. Walk the Roaring Run Trail to see history, a creek crossing, and Roaring Run Falls. 

Guided Wildflower Hikes

If you'd like narrative about the terrain and types of flowers you'll be seeing along the path, a guided walk or hike could be a good fit for you. These sites have been known to offer guided opportunities; contact the locations for more information.

• Belle Isle State Park, Lancaster
• Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin
• Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland
• Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Charlottesville
• Caledon State Park, King George
• Edith J. Carrier Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Harrisonburg
• Lake Anna State Park, Spotsylvania
• Shenandoah National Park, Luray
• Douthat State Park, Millboro
• Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane

Virginia has hikes for everyone—find one you love.