Virginia is for all kinds of outdoor lovers
Whether you're a fall mountain hiker, a spring dock sitter (because you're not a mountain hiker!), or a summer beach lounger, Virginia's got something for every type of outdoor lover.
A four season destination with an abundance of adventures, Virginia’s outdoor experiences are seemingly endless. From the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the calming Chesapeake Bay, the beauty of Virginia’s landscape is legendary.
But look closer and you’ll see there’s far more than a static landscape. Virginia’s outdoor destinations are also home to wineries and breweries, vibrant small towns, luxury resorts, cozy cabins, secluded campgrounds, epic hiking and biking trails, and every type of paddling.
So what kind of outdoor lover are you? We've included trip planning inspiration below - find your perfect Virginia adventure and come love it for yourself.
For mountain climbers, trail blazers, and tent sleepers
Virginia’s Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Home to a quarter of the Appalachian Trail and national icons including Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as hidden gems in the vast wilderness of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Virginia's mountains offer endless adventure.
For beach loungers, paddle dippers, and dock sitters
Beaches big and small, beautiful lakes, and scenic rivers are found throughout Virginia, offering endless waterfront destinations to explore. Paddlers will find America’s only urban setting with Class IV rapids in Richmond, the 100 mile Virginia Seaside Water Trail along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the mountain lined New River Water Trail in Giles County and so much more. Local outfitters make spontaneous paddling trips accessible, offering guided trips or stand-up paddle board, kayak, and canoe rentals.
For active families and kid adventurers
Virginia has outdoor activities for small families, large families, and your family. Whether you're looking for an activity for high-energy kids or an accessible outdoor adventure with the grandparents, Virginia has something to love for all ages and ability levels.
For the nature walkers, road trippers, and national park explorers
For those who prefer a more relaxing type of outdoor recreation, Virginia boasts more than 3,000 miles of scenic roadways, taking travelers to coastal beauty, mountain vistas, quaint small towns and peaceful countryside. Two of the country’s most legendary scenic drives, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, are filled with scenic mountain overlooks, abundant wildlife, historic attractions, and outdoor recreation for all skill levels and interests.
More Outdoor Experiences
10 Must Do Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
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Explore Charming Mountain Towns
Virginia’s Western Highlands is a sprawling four-county region with quaint towns in postcard-like mountain settings.
5 Small Towns on Virginia’s Eastern Shore for a Quiet Coastal Retreat
Spanning 70 miles and bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a coastal paradise. The…
30+ Freshwater Swimming Holes
Summer calls for a dip in the water, and we have fresh mountain streams and rivers that you’ll find most refreshing on a hot day…
Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes in Virginia
Outdoor enthusiasts like us often associate the Blue Ridge Parkway with scenic drives. After all, the Parkway was constructed as a…
Great Places for Whitewater Kayaking in Virginia
With a host of rivers, streams and creeks coursing through Virginia’s rolling picturesque landscape, it comes as no surprise that…
Virginia’s Best Guided Paddling and Biking Adventures
When it comes to outdoor recreation, Virginia is hard to beat. Whether it is paddling coastal waterways and mountain rivers or…
Virginia Trips for Paddle-In Camping
Looking to get away? You can’t get much farther from your cares than when paddling to a remote Virginia island or scenic shoreline…
Virginia’s Best Towns for Paddlers
Paddling in Virginia has never been better – or easier, with the rise of paddling trails, more put-ins and takeouts, and the…