Blue Ridge Parkway reopens to NC state line! For visitors to Southwest Virginia, please check 511 Virginia for up-to-date road closures and delays. Click here for  Read More

Can't-Miss Mountain Destinations

Virginia’s mountain ranges are world-famous for a number of reasons, including the challenging hiking trails, scenic winding drives, and the storied musical history of Appalachia. Whether you travel in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, the mountains of Virginia invite you to come for a visit and…

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10 Must Do Hikes in Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is the scenic mountain haven of the Mid-Atlantic, the glittering jewel in the crown of the Virginia Appalachians. The main spine of the park stretches for 70 miles end-to-end, dividing bucolic Shenandoah Valley from the Piedmont to the east. Elevations vary from 4,050 feet…

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Virginia Summits with 360 Degree Views

You’ve heard the old saying about hiking a mountain “because it is there”. Well, Virginia has mountains galore, ready to be hiked. Hiking to a Virginia mountain just because it is there can be a good reason to hike, but how about hiking to a summit with magnificent views extending a full 360…

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10 Unforgettable Virginia Backpacking Trips

The state of Virginia is blessed with plentiful tracts of wild lands, places where backpackers can find large parcels of terrain laced with trails and places to trek for days, places such as Shenandoah National Park and the vast George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. These backpacking…

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10 Great Virginia Hikes for Viewing Fall Foliage

The end of summer would be sad if it weren’t for the arrival of autumn in Virginia. It is that time of year when the green forests of the Appalachians, Piedmont and Coastal Plain turn to vibrant reds, glowing yellows, fiery oranges and deep maroons, all contrasting against a crystalline blue sky…

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10 Great Hikes in the New River Valley

Virginia’s New River Valley is an outdoorsy place. The combinations of mountains, rivers and bountiful public lands puts hiking on the front burner of outdoor activities that also include paddling, camping, bicycling, and mountain biking. The New River Valley area is generally defined as the…

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7 Virginia National Parks for Outdoor Lovers

The state of Virginia is populated with 22 parks managed by the National Park Service, those places run by the rangers dressed in green and wearing those particular brown hats. Yet many of these park units are not traditional national parks like Virginia’s own Shenandoah National Park, but rather…

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10 Lesser-Known Payoff Hikes

There are hundreds of trails throughout Virginia that lead to gorgeous views, waterfalls, and other “payoffs” that make the hike worth your while. The most popular trails are enchanting when hiked at the right time, but sunny days often bring crowds that hinder your adventure and ruin that feeling…

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Best Hikes on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia

Note: Due to Hurricane Helene, travel in some Southwest Virginia destinations may be challenging at this time. Anyone traveling to these areas should plan driving routes using the 511 Virginia resource from the Virginia Department of Transportation and confirm travel plans ahead. Virginia boasts a…

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