Virginia’s Magical Staircase Trail Through The Forest Will Enchant You In The Best Way

Virginia has no shortage of magical attractions. From fairy trails to settings that will have you wondering if you stepped through a wardrobe, the Old Dominion is nothing short of enchanting. In that spirit, we've discovered yet another picturesque spot that could have been borrowed from a fairytale. This staircase in the woods is part of a picturesque trail that you'll want to take ASAP:

The Roanoke River Overlook is located at Milepost 114.9 along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway.

As you'll notice from the photo above, the overlook doesn't provide a clear view of the river. The access trail is the best way to catch a glimpse of the water.

The nearby trail, aptly named the Roanoke River Trail, will take hikers down toward the river on a magical .5-mile trek.

While this trail is accessible for most hikers, keep in mind that it's relatively steep and will require a bit of a climb to get back up.

Shortly after you pass underneath the Parkway Bridge, you'll continue into the woods towards the trail junction.

Follow a short loop to the left and you'll eventually come across the stairs that lead down to the river.

While views of the river are hard to obtain from the trail -- and even the overlook during parts of the year -- the sound of the rapids as you meander through the mixed evergreen forest is simply magical.

From this point, you can continue down towards the water by following the sign posts leading you there.

The photograph below, courtesy of Bill Flynn (@realityintolerant) showcases the magical staircase leading down to the river:

A post shared by Bill Flynn (@realityintolerant) on May 31, 2017 at 3:45pm PDT

While there may not be a breathtaking view from the trail, the trail itself is incredible. Be sure to take your time as you meander along this special corner of the state and take in all the beautiful surroundings. Have you enjoyed this gorgeous trail near Roanoke? If so, be sure to share your experiences with us! For additional details about the trail, click here.