Scott’s Run Nature Preserve offers a natural retreat from the bustling city-center of McClean, Virginia, close to the famous shopping district, Tysons Corner. While some of the trails of Scott’s Run can be difficult, there is a moderate, family-friendly path along the river. When you park, you’ll notice two possible entrances. The first will take you to the stream while the second will lead you to the trails. Hikers should follow the trails and the signs based on their comfort level and experience. The park opens a half hour before sunrise and closes a half hour after sunset and can be reached on the Georgetown pike. Enjoy the incredible wildlife and vegetation with your family in this oasis away from urban sprawl.

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Assateague Island National Seashore shares a border with Maryland and Chincoteague Island in Virginia and offers “sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays.” National Geographic listed it as one of their “Top 10 Family-Friendly Hikes in the U.S.” This park is known for the gorgeous views, particularly of the wild ponies that still roam the island. Hike around the 1.5-mile-loop Woodland Trail on the Virginia side for a good look of the pony enclosure. Consider reading “Misty of Chincoteague” by Marguerite Henry in preparation for the hike and view, as it is based on a true story of one of the Assateague ponies. 

The Shenandoah National Park has around 50 unique hiking trails ranging from strenuous to moderate and beginner. One of the best trails, hands down, leads to the Stony Man summit. The hike is less than a mile from the parking area but the view is phenomenal, providing clear vantage points to take in Skyland Drive and Skyland Resort. Take a picnic basket and watch the sunset go down. Perfect for romantic dates or an afternoon out with the kids. 

The Cascades in Giles County, Virginia, is one of the most visited spots in the entire Commonwealth, and for good reason. The Cascade Falls are widely regarded some of the most stunning waterfalls in Virginia. The wooden stairs and platform allow visitors a closer look at the 69-foot falls. But the falls are only half of the appeal. Take the Upper Trail for aerial views of Little Stony Creek, another incredible waterway. The original 1960s trail is a work of art in and of itself for its seamless integration into the landscape. Continue along the four-mile path until you see the enormous boulder—just on the other side, the Cascades await. While the terrain can occasionally become steep, the trail is considered moderate, and is likely a good fit for families with slightly older kids. 

High Bridge Trail is one of the most popular in the state. This 31-mile trail is perfect for great hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. What makes the trail ideal for families is that it is mostly flat—as it was rail bed years ago. The real attraction is the immaculate high bridge—stretching around 2,400 feet in length and 125 feet about the Appomattox River. This historic landmark will wow the whole family.  

Bridgewater Coffee Co. is a quaint coffee shop in the small town of Bridgewater, but their coffee packs a punch. Get yourself a big, steeping mug of hot goodness and a bagel before heading out on the road. It’s the only way to start your adventure out right.

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest is one of the most popular off-road destinations in Virginia, and for good reason. They’ve got tons of trails open to motorists throughout the year (except from the third Monday in January to the third Monday in March). For this itinerary, stick to the Peters Mill Run and Tasker’s Gap area. Check out the map to find which trails are easy, intermediate, and more difficult. You’ll enjoy hours of off-roading fun here.

The Shenandoah Caverns are one of Virginia’s most famous attractions. While you’re in the area, might as well stop by and take in the “breathtaking natural wonders, incredible geology and extraordinary crystalline formations on a one-hour guided tour.”

After a long day out in the forest, you’ve earned yourself a carb-loaded meal. Prosecco Ristorante serves delicious pizza of all kinds, calzones, pizza rolls, soups, pasta, chicken dishes, great apps, and more. 

By the Side of the Road in nearby Harrisonburg offers romantic luxury cottages, manor house suites, and spring water cottage suites for you to choose from. Consider signing up for an all-inclusive package for extra perks. Complimentary breakfast is served in the morning! 

The Preddy Creek Trail Park in Charlottesville, Virginia, is over 570 acres in total, 10 miles of which are reserved for hiking, running, biking, and horseback riding. The wooded park has easy topography, allowing you to go at your own pace and enjoy the scenery.

One of the lesser-traversed parks in the Richmond area, Powhite nonetheless offers wonderful natural trails with gorgeous foliage and abundant wildlife. Runners, watch out for other hikers, birdwatchers, dog walkers, and bikers.

#mtb

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Prince William Forest has over 47 miles of hiking trails on its 15,000 acres. The trails are of varying difficulty and terrain, with some cutting through wetlands and most through forests. Runners, consider the Laurel Loop Trail to start. You’ll likely come back over and over again. 

Another weekend. Another race. Another state. Virginia. #17 #race #run #runner #running #runningeverystate #virginia #nps #park #fall #weekend #travel #wwf #woundedwarrior #halfmarathon

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The Freedom Park in Williamsburg sits on over 600 acres of forested land, with around two miles of multi-use trails. The park is steeped in history, with notable sites dating back to the 1650s. 

Located on the Potomac River, Great Falls Park will make your invigorating run a lot more relaxing with all of its scenic sights. If you’re looking for an easier trek, try out the 1.5-mile Ridge Trail, rated from “easy to moderate.” This trail is popular among hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. 

#winterwalk #greatfalls #nature #treepath #beautifulday #virginiaisforlovers

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For an incomparable summer jog, head to First Landing State Park. Try out the moderately-rated Bald Cypress Trail at 1.8 miles-long. This trail is among the most popular in the park and boasts a picturesque boardwalk swamp overview. Enjoy the spectacular sights of bald cypress swamps and other breathtaking natural features. 

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Encompassing a portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park provides limitless opportunity for exploration. If you’re in the mood for a jog that will help you clear your head, try the Jones Run Falls route in the Loft Mountain Area. Roundtrip, the trek is 3.4 miles with a steady incline of 915 feet. And there is a real treat on this hike: a magnificent 42-foot waterfall enveloped in rocks, moss, and bushes. Shenandoah’s official site describes the waterfall as a “jewel.”  

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Pocahontas State Park boasts 64 miles of trails, but birdwatchers should pay special attention to the Beaver Lake Trail. This 2.45-mile trail provides great views of Beaver Lake and the various wetland birds that call it home.

#30daysofgratitude Day 1. Thankful for a beautiful day to hike with a totally awesome friend. Motivation to move, being outside enjoying nature, and sharing with a friend - what more could you want? #gratitude #grateful #choosehappiness #livelifeadventurously #getmoving #getoutside #fitness #exercise #hiking #begrateful #bethankful #t1d #type1 #t1dlife #diabetic #diabetes #mydiabeticlife #howidodiabetes #defeatdiabetes #iinhealthcoach #healthcoach

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The Eastern Shore of the Virginia National Wildlife Refuge in Cape Charles, Virginia, is home to over 300 birds, including very rare species. The best way for a hiker to view them is to take the Southern Tip Bike and Hike Trail. It’s just over 2.5 miles. On your hike, you might catch sight of anything from a mourning dove to a bald eagle! 

One of many yellow-rumped warblers I spotted this past weekend. #bird #birdistheword #birding #nature #getoutside #warbler #audubon #virginia

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New River Trail State Park sits on 1,668 acres of land in Max Meadows, Virginia. The trail has a “gentle slope,” which makes it “great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback,” according to the official website. Mourning doves, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and northern flickers reside here, so birders are in for a real treat. 

Rail to trail along the New River, VA.

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The Mill Mountain Star Trail is a great hike up Roanoke’s most famous mountain range while providing a fantastic spot for birdwatching. According to the Virginia is for Lovers website, “Nature enthusiasts and wildlife-watchers would probably find most interest in hiking the Star Trail…see spring and fall migratory warblers and nesting migrants,” among others.

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The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach has five trails with adjoining lookout points over the beach. Birdwatchers should be on the lookout for osprey, eagles, terns, and so much more! 

Mid #flight #snowgoose #birdsofinstagram #naturephotography #natureporn #nikond3300 #nikonphotography

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Kiptopeke State Park in Cape Charles, Virginia, is known for its fall hawk-watch sites. It is a go-to for anyone interested in watching fall migratory birds, and is known for its long-lasting hawk watch. The park boasts over five miles of hiking trails. 

#kiptopekestatepark #kiptopeakstatepark #kiptopeake #chesapeakebay #kayking #pelicans

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With over 485 acres of protected marsh, flood plain, swamp, and forest, the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is an ideal spot for birdwatching. Consider taking the Haul Road Trail, an old mining road just under a mile long through the Dyke Marsh. Keep an eye to the skies for over 270 species of birds.

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Big Boys Playground is steeped in ATV culture and isn’t for the faint of heart. The owner is a die-hard off-roading lover and hosts events on the Playground at least once a month. Hundreds of people and at least 100 trucks come to each event to try to tackle the 150-foot long mud hole. Check out the rock course, single-track trails, and become the first to make it through the notorious “Hell Hole” mud pit. 

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Virginia’s oldest motocross track, Actiontown MX Park in Dillwyn, Virginia, is one of the state’s most popular, but requires riders to jump through a few hoops before hitting the trail. Riders must have an active American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) membership and a District 13 membership. Both are available for purchase onsite. Actiontown is known for its mile-long track, but is only open during sanctioned events, so make sure to check in before heading out. 

The Cove Campground is a privately-owned tree farm covering 3,000-acres near the Appalachian Mountains. The ATV and motorcycle trails are open all year, consisting of loops that range from two to 22 miles. Take note: most of the trails are intended for intermediate to experienced riders, although beginners can take part in the beginner loop. Make sure to check the website for availability, as ATV access is limited on some holidays. 

Elkhorn Lake Campground and ATV Trails offer over 560 acres of recreational areas on the pristine Elkhorn Lake and over 31 miles of ATV trails. While trails are open daily, inclement weather could cause closures, so make sure to call ahead. While on-site, consider making your visit a camping weekend. As a paid guest, you’ll have beach access, use of three swimming pools, and admission to live musical entertainment. 

Birch Creek Motorsports Park in Danville, Virginia, is a red clay track with whoops, sand, and tabletops. It is perhaps best known as the host for regularly sanctioned ATV and AMA events, including the ATV Motocross National Championship Series, Loretta Lynch Qualifier, Demolition Derby’s, National Championships, Grand Prix, and more. Join the fun every Saturday except during events. Follow them on Facebook for the most up-to-date information regarding events, hours, and pricing. 

*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.

The Stone Mountain Trails in Pennington Gap, Virginia, offer over 30 miles of off-roading adventure for expert level riders. The trail is considered “technical,” meaning experienced skills are required to navigate the roadblocks that might appear along the path, including roots, rocks, and holes. But if you’re capable enough to brave the trail, you’ll be rewarded with nine panoramic overlooks that will take even the hardest biker’s breath away. Permit required.

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Coal Canyon Trail in Grundy, Virginia, along with Stone Mountain and three others, collectively make up over 150 miles of off-roading routes known as the Spearhead Trails system. We have chosen to highlight the Stone Mountain Trail for its complexity, and the Coal Canyon trail for its ease of entry. The trail is 61 miles-long and covers the expanse of an old coalfield. Rider and family centric, Coal Canyon is the perfect place to bring a new rider. Permits are required here, too.

Peters Mill Run, combined with Taskers Gap, create the largest off-highway vehicle trails in Virginia. Permits are required. The trails are open from March through the third Monday in January. Peters Mill is 12 miles-long and is generally considered doable for moderate enthusiasts. 

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Taskers Gap is the second trail system accessible from Edinburg and the Taskers Staging Area. The trail is approximately 28 miles-long and is more challenging than Peters Mill Run. Again, a permit is required, so make sure to check the list of local vendors to pick one up ahead of time. Call ahead to ensure there isn’t any inclement weather or downed trees before you arrive.

Slades Park provides 12 miles of trails along with dirt drag races in a more controlled environment than regular nature trails. Campsite hookups are available for $20 per day to make a weekend outing more enjoyable. Junior riders are welcome to try the Pee Wee track first, to get the feel of their bikes before heading out onto the longer trails. Snacks are available on-site. No permit is required, but all riders must wear a helmet. 

Raven Rocks Trail can be reached via the Appalachian Trail in Bluemont, Virginia. Raven Rocks covers just over five miles, but has an intense, 1,600-foot elevation gain. Locals call this trail “the roller-coaster” for its winding, up and down ridges.

The Shenandoah National Park is home to over 500 miles of hiking trails, but one of the best is the Rose River Falls trail. At just about 2.5 miles round-trip, this moderate loop includes a majestic waterfall and is accessible year-round. Expect just over 700 feet of elevation gain and some steep hills.

For the next trail, we're going to start out on the Appalachian Trail and head up to Spy Rock, referred to as "the best viewpoint in the central Blue Ridge" by the official Virginia state website. The hike is described as "moderately strenuous," and with almost 4,000 feet of elevation, you're sure to get a good workout. But the 360-degree panoramic view at the top will be well-worth the extra effort. 

Explore the nearly 5.5 miles of the James River North Bank and Buttermilk trails to discover Richmond’s natural side. The trail is moderately difficult. Get ready for hills overlooking the beautiful James River.

The Fountainhead Regional Park is home to the Fountainhead Trails, a series of trails that cover roughly 2,000 acres. The route is a loop with hilly terrain. Expect many steep descents and climbs but enough straightaways in between to recover nicely. 

Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest freshwater lake in Virginia, and a water recreation favorite. Permitted watersports include swimming, motor boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, parasailing, paddleboarding, fishing, water skiing, and jet skiing. You can rent jet skis at the nearby Bridgewater Marina. 

Lake Gaston boasts 350 miles of shoreline and over 20,000 acres of waterways. It straddles the border between North Carolina and Virginia, and is a popular water sport destination. Visitors can expect to see swimmers, motor boaters, sailors, anglers, water skiers, paddlers, kayakers and jet skiers enjoying the serene locale. 

Lake Anna State Park is totally family friendly, and is one of Virginia’s most popular lakes for children and the disabled. The lake sits on 200 miles of shoreline and covers 13,000 acres of water. It is a year-round fishing destination, and jet skiers can expect to share the water with swimmers, boats, sailors, water skiers, and paddleboarders. 

Claytor Lake State Park is a 4,500-acre lake, popular with families and among sport anglers. Nearby, the historic Howe House educates visitors as to the ecology of the lake. Jet skiers can expect to find lots of fishermen, swimmers, motor boaters, canoers, paddleboarders, water skiers, and sailors, in addition to other jet skiers. Rent your het ski at Claytor Lake Water Sports, and consider booking a tour with Greasy Creek Outfitters. 

The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is one of the heaviest-visited areas on the East Coast during warmer months, but Rudee Inlet is the perfect encapsulation of everything Virginia Beach has to offer. The official Virginia Beach website describes Rudee Inlet as thus: “A tourist and local’s favorite, Rudee Inlet is a great place to meander around the docks and watch the fishing and sport boats coming and going.” Rudee Inlet offers fishing charters, boat rentals, parasailing and paddleboarding, as well as jet ski rentals. Enjoy the harbor as you zip around on the back of a new jet ski. 

The Shenandoah National Park is an American treasure. The park boasts over 200,000 acres of protected land, providing a home for songbirds, deer, and pristine hiking conditions. Avid hikers will argue over the best trailheads throughout the park, but everyone can agree that Hawksbill is among them. The first suggested hike is a moderately difficult, two-hour-long, 2.9-mile circuit loop that’ll take you along the Appalachian Trail to the summit of the mountain. For a slightly easier hike, take the Lower Hawksbill approach. It is 1.7 miles roundtrip, and last just over an hour. At 4,501 feet, Hawksbill offers one of the most gorgeous views in the entire park. Make sure to keep an eye out for the Shenandoah salamander, an endangered species found only in the Shenandoah National Park. 

Take the Rock Castle Gorge National Recreational Trail in Floyd, Virginia, for a 10.8-mile loop with elevation ranges between 1,700 and 3,500 feet. Along the path, you’ll find 200 varieties of wildflowers, rhododendron, meadows, and streams. The trail can be strenuous, so make sure you’re bringing those who can handle a more difficult hike. Having said that, the trail is family-friendly and features historical structures along the path.

As one of the most photographed spots along the Appalachian Trail, no Virginia hiking list would be complete without recommending McAfee Knob. With a 270-degree panoramic view of the Catawba Valley, North Mountain, Tinker Cliffs, and Roanoke Valley, you’re in for some of the best views in Shenandoah. Get ready for a steep climb with an elevation of 1,700 feet and 4.4 miles, but the views are absolutely worth it.

Breaks Interstate Park in Breaks, Virginia, sits on the Virginia/Kentucky border, and is home to a five-mile gorge nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the South.” The park has seven trails ranging from easy to difficult, most of which are self-guided. Bird watchers, try out the Ridge Trail. For those interested in the best canyon views, check out the Overlook Trail. The Overlook Trail is characterized by frequent grade changes. While the trail is only .75 miles-long, it is quite difficult. The views of the canyon, however, are stunning.

The Cape Henry Trail in Virginia Beach, Virginia, covers seven miles in First Landing State Park. The elevation gain is only 36 feet, and the trail is quite doable for almost any level of hiker. Mix it up with any of the multiple side trails. Keep in mind, the Cape Henry Trail is one of Virginia Beach’s most popular hiking spots, and it can get busy during the summer and on weekends. 

Likewise, bass fishing is starting to pick up again as the weather begins to cool. Huge schools of threadfin shad are starting to filter away from open-water ledges into bays and tributaries where feeding conditions and water temperatures are more optimum.

Bass follow the food, first setting up on ledges at the mouths of inlets and creeks to waylay shad, then migrating back toward shallower water to keep up with their quarry.

Fall Script for Southern Bass

Bass rule in Dixie and cooler weather brings out an army of anglers who go after them. Whether largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass, they’re available in most waters and sometimes all three varieties are present in a fishery, ready to aggravate or gratify those who seek them.

Hot Spots To Fish: When it comes to the South’s best lakes for fall fishing, the big TVA impoundments fit the bill. Because this is bass tournament country, dozens of YouTube videos and Facebook sites of pro anglers offer useful advice on where and how to catch autumn largemouths. Likewise, guide services are plentiful; just Google “fishing guides” for the lake you’re visiting or type in the town nearest the lake you wish to fish on the interactive map on this page.

Tackle You’ll Need: A 7-foot medium/heavy rod such as the St. Croix Premier Cranking, a baitcasting reel like the Abu Garcia Revo Winch and 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament makes a good combination to fish downsized lures.

Best Lures/Baits: Shad-colored, shallow- and medium-diving square-billed or coffin-billed crankbaits are autumn standouts. Popular lures include the Strike King 6XD, Bandit 100 or 200, Duo Realis M65, Livetarget Magnum Shad BaitBall Squarebill, Megabass S-Crank, Lucky Craft Squarebill 2.5, Storm Arashi and Rapala Shad Rap.

Fish them around shoreline cover and on the flats between creek drop-offs and the bank. Other fallback baits include spinnerbaits like the Booyah Super Shad, Stanley Vibrashaft and Nichols Pulsator. Good buzzbait options can be found from Lunker Lure, Damiki, Santone and Dirty Jigs.

Rendezvous With Redfish

Along the northern Gulf Coast from Carrabelle, FL, to Grand Isle, LA, the redfish season begins in late September and continues in stages through December. Some anglers fish in the surf with cut bait, while others station themselves on area piers or in boats on relatively shallow flats near channel cuts.

Hot Spots To Fish: For boating anglers, a couple of spots stick out. Pensacola Bay Pass is a must-fish for boaters. Anchor up on the broad flat between old Fort Pickens and the channel, set out lines as the tide changes to incoming, and hang on. Need more help? Redfish University Pensacola Fishing Charters (850-748-4368, redfishuniversity.com) specializes in the big drum.

At Grand Isle, LA, book a trip with Gotta Go Fishing Charters (225-921-3642, gottagofishingcharters.com). The marshes and inshore waters around Venice, LA, are primo redfish haunts as well. Captain Mike Frenette (504-782-0924, laredfish.com or (mike@venicefishing.net) is a top guide here.

Tackle You’ll Need: “Rat” reds of 3 pounds and up, or real bruisers weighing in excess of 20 pounds require a range of tackle options. Bass fishing tackle – whether spinning or baitcasting – is perfect for handling smaller fish and for casting jigs or swimbaits that weigh less than an ounce. A Shimano Stradic spinning reel and 7-foot medium-action Shimano Compre rod with 14-pound-test monofilament.

For bigger fish, consider a Penn Battle II BTLII5000 with 20-pound-test monofilament or 40-pound-test braid, and a 30-pound-test fluorocarbon leader. A 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod (such as the Penn Battalion BATIN1220S70) should handle any bait rigs or lures and wear down a bull redfish in short order.

Best Lures/Baits: Redfish aren’t particular about their dietary requirements and will eat anything from blue crabs to halved mullet. Swimming spoons such as the Johnson Sprite (johnsonfishing.com), swimbaits and jigs or even topwater poppers, such as the Heddon Saltwater Spook, will elicit strikes.

Hot Spots To Fish: Deservedly, Montauk, NY at the eastern end of Long Island is considered a storied mecca for striped bass fishermen. If you’re not going surf fishing on the beach or fishing from a jetty, Gone Fishing Marina (631-668-3232, gonefishingmarina78.com) can set up a charter trip for you. If it’s booked up, try Star Island Yacht Club (631-668-5052, starislandyc.com) or Montauk Marine Basin (631-668-5900, marinebasin.com).

Find the best fishing spots near you:

• Connecticut
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.

Down south, talk to the folks at Captain Hogg’s Charter Service (757-876-1590, captainhoggscharters.com) about fishing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Overdrawn Charters  (252-202-4623, overdrawncharters.com) in Manteo, N.C. can help as well.

Tackle You’ll Need: Stick with 30- to 50-pound braid or monofilament and a 60-pound-test shock leader of fluorocarbon, with saltwater-ready spinning tackle heavy enough to handle 10- to 14-foot rods. Penn, Quantum and Okuma specialize in fairly inexpensive surf-fishing rods, and reels to match. If you have a reel, but no rod yet, the new Black Inshore Rods from Lamiglas are up to the task. The five spinning and five casting models range from a 6-foot, 10-inch light finesse spinning rod to a 7 ½-foot casting rod rated for lures from 3 to 12 ounces in weight.

Best Lures/Baits: The 4 1/2-inch Acme Kastmater XL spoon, the 1 ½-ounce Odin Popper, and the 5-inch pencil popper from Tsunami are popular artificials up and down the Atlantic seaboard. Other popular options include the 6- or 7-inch Savage Gear Sandeel Swimbait, 9-inch Sassy Shad swimbait and the 6-inch Rapala X-Rap SubWalk.

Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia

For anglers who’d rather soak baits from a boat or in the surf, live or cut bait, such as Atlantic menhaden (peanut bunker), herring, porgies, eels, bloodworms, anchovies and mullet, can flip the switch on chaotic striper blitzes.

Rocky Top Climbing in Charlottesville, Virginia, offers top rope climbing up to 20 feet and unroped bouldering up to 13 feet with no class required. Climbers can look forward to fresh boulder configurations almost daily. In addition, customers can sign up for belay classes and climbing merit badge classes for scouts. This indoor gym provides an excellent space to hone your skills. 

The Virginia Beach Rock Gym boasts that it is the only indoor climbing gym in all of Hampton Roads. With a main wall of 23 feet and textured climbing surfaces, including slabs, bulges, corners, aretes, and roofs, there’s more than enough to keep climbers interested. Choose from the rappel tower or bouldering and make sure to stop by the pro shop to pick up new equipment.

If you prefer climbing outdoors rather than in, a trip to the mountains of Shenandoah National Park is a must. Located near Luray, Virginia, Old Rag Mountain is a 3,300-foot-high mountain that is popular with hikers and rock climbers. It is the only major granite climbing area in the mid-Atlantic region, and has over 100 established routes. Crack climbers in particular love Old Rag Mountain. 

Hidden Rocks near Harrisonburg, Virginia, has been called “A gem of a training ground, perfect for the end-of-the-day blitz to nail a few lines, the mid-week escape to solitude and toproping, bouldering solitude, or just hiking in an incredible setting of forests, rock, and waterfalls.” Hidden Rocks has 40 feet of sandstone cliffs and great bouldering. 

Known as one of Virginia’s most incredible bouldering areas, McAfee’s Knob offers an almost 270-degree panoramic view. See one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail up close and personal as you climb its 1,700 feet. Enjoy climbing sandstone blocks, labyrinths, and free standing as you ascend to the top. 

Virginia fall foliage is best experienced in groups, and Roanoke Mountain is an excellent option because it is accessible to nearly everyone. The top of the Roanoke Mountain in Roanoke, Virginia, is a four-mile, easy breezy loop that provides fantastic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. 

On the other end of the spectrum are the Tinker Cliffs, and the Andy Lane Trail specifically. The hike is over 7.5 miles with 2,000 feet in elevation. Part of the Triple Crown (along with McAfee Knob and Dragon’s Tooth, both worthwhile foliage hikes, too), Tinker Cliffs offers wondrous views of the Roanoke Valley at its height.

Take a drive down Skyline Drive to enjoy the golden brown foliage of the Shenandoah Valley before heading into the Shenandoah National Park. Once inside, head straight to Hawksbill Mountain for a rewarding 360-degree view of the valley. Keep in mind that Hawksbill is the highest peak in the park at over 4,000 feet, but the trails vary in steepness from moderate to difficult.

Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Virginia, is home to Molly’s Knob, one of Virginia hikers’ favorite trails. At only 1.6 miles, this narrow and steep trail can be difficult, but reaching the summit at over 3,200 feet offers a stunning view of the park. Make sure to enjoy the 108-acre lake and the 12 miles of additional trails, too. 

The Crabtree Falls Trail is one of Virginia’s gems. It is the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall this side of the Mississippi and features five major waterfalls. Hikers can choose between a three-mile trail or sticking to the first overlook, at just a few hundred feet from the parking lot. No matter which you choose, you’ll get an eye full of fall along this trail. 

Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station is one of the most well-loved campsites around and it’s clear why. The park covers over 800 acres, including a 218-acre lake with fishing, boating, camping, and a golf course. You’ll need a reservation to camp, but you can easily make one online or over the phone.

The New River Trail State Park near Max Meadows, Virginia, follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way for 57 miles. The trail has a gentle slope, and is a favorite for bikers, hikers, and horseback riders. Stay at any of the four primitive campgrounds to immerse yourself in the beauty of the park.

Crabtree Falls Campground is “Virginia’s Best Kept Secret.” The Falls Campground is pet friendly and offers many amenities, including a game room, playground, and bathhouse. Take your furry friend with you to see the exquisite Crabtree Falls, a series of five major waterfalls and several smaller ones that total 1,200 feet combined. 

Take advantage of the crisp weather at the North Bend Park and Campgrounds near Boydton, Virginia. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the campgrounds sit on a 50,000-acre reservoir with 55,000 additional acres of surrounding land. The pet-friendly campground includes tent and trailer camping with the option for primitive or electric sites.

The Christopher Run Campground on Lake Anna offers cabins and hundreds of wooded campsites. Whether you want to enjoy an afternoon out on the water or prefer to hike through the campground, Christopher Run has everything you could ask for. The site is particularly good for children, too, as it has volleyball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and a playground. 

Bear Creek lake in Cumberland, Virginia, is only an hour away from Richmond and offers some of the most spectacular views and serene waters in the Old Dominion. The 40-acre lake offers boat launches, fishing pier, and boat rentals. The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at dusk, so make sure to time yourself accordingly. Species include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish.

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Lake Anna is one of the largest freshwater inland lakes in Virginia, covering over 20 square-miles across three counties. With over 30 unique fish species, Lake Anna is prime fishing real estate. The most sought after fish in include the largemouth bass, striper, and crappie, among others. The surrounding park has picnic areas and boat launching ramps. For bait and other supplies, stop in at Fish Tales in Mineral, Virginia, before you hit the water! They’ll have everything you’ll need from live bait to other fishing equipment. 

The James River cuts its course directly through the heart of the urban downtown Richmond area. Nestled between steel buildings and concrete, the river oasis provides for a welcome burst of natural beauty, history, and excellent fishing. Small mouth bass is most commonly fished for, although flathead, blue, and channel catfish are present throughout. Nine fishing spots exist all along the river and have various access points with slightly different fish present. Need to gear up with some supplies before you hit the water? Stop in at Fin and Skin Bait and Tackle right in Richmond.

Lake Moomaw in western Virginia is a man-made lake covering 2,530 acres and is great for winter fishing. The lake is stocked with both warm water fish, like bass, sunfish, crappie, and catfish, and cold water fish, such as trout. Trout varieties include rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Alewives, too, are present. Trout fishing at Moomaw doesn’t require a license or a National Forest stamp. Regulations for different sizes of fish exist, so make sure to check the website before taking any home.

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Mossy Creek is famous for its incredible fly fishing. Even expert fly fishers may have trouble at this challenging limestone creek, as fish must be caught from the banks instead of from the water itself. The brown trout that live in the creek can be up to 25 inches, and are stocked regularly. Head to Harrisonburg’s Mossy Creek Fly Shop if you are in need of fly fishing gear. This shop also provides guide services so you can make the most of your fishing adventure! Anglers must have a Virginia fishing license and signed permit card with them to fish the creek. 

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