7 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Virginia To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead
Hiking is one of the most effective exercises you can do. Yet the benefits of this activity go well beyond physical. Enjoying a beautiful Virginia hiking trail has a way of calming the nerves and bringing about a restored sense of peace and well-being. No matter the season, getting outdoors and enjoying the fresh air can set the tone for the remainder of the year. Without further ado, here are seven calming trails that promise beautiful natural scenery and plenty of space for reflection. These are the best hikes in Virginia for a quiet and peaceful afternoon.
If you feel drawn to water and marshy landscapes, you'll find that Point of Rocks is an oasis not far from the state's capital. The park is located at the confluence of the Ashton Creek and the Appomattox River and promises a unique perspective of the wetlands. Plus, the boardwalk terrain ensures this hike is durable in almost any weather. There's a lot to appreciate about this easy boardwalk trail in Virginia.
Not far from the charming town of Bedford awaits a moderately easy hike known as Fallingwater Trail. The best part of all is that the 1.5-mile loop includes a scenic waterfall -- a perfect stop for a lunch break and some reflection. The trail begins at the Flat Top Mountain Parking Area (not the Fallingwater Overlook). Hikers can look forward to beautiful canyon and mountain views along the way. Plus, there are tons of additional Virginia outdoor attractions to explore in Bedford.
3. Bayview Trail at Mason Neck State Park (Lorton)
Measuring just 1.2 miles in total, the Bayview Trail is a short and sweet introduction to the breathtaking wildlife at Mason Neck State Park in Northern Virginia. This boardwalk trail offers beautiful views of Belmont Bay, which is an inlet of the Potomac River. You could easily spend an entire day enjoying all that this state park has to offer, including picnic areas and biking paths. Plus, Mason Neck State Park might be the best spot in Virginia to watch the sunset.
4. Channel Cat Trail at Bear Creek Lake State Park (Cumberland)
Less than an hour west from Richmond, Bear Lake State Park is nestled in the Cumberland State Forest. The whole area is heavenly for outdoor enthusiasts, who will find beautiful wooded trails and serene seclusion offered by the lake. The Channel Cat Trail is a two-mile trail that offers beautiful views of the woods and lake alike.
The Noland Trail is a beautiful five-mile pathway located within the Mariners’ Museum Park near Newport News. The trail takes visitors along the perimeter of Lake Muray, beautiful especially during a winter sunset. This gentle and well-maintained trail is perfect for adventurers of all ages and is sure to soothe your soul. Learn more about this beautiful, peaceful hiking trail in Virginia.
The seven-mile Chessie Trail follows the original route of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Maury River as it flows between Lexington and Buena Vista. Beautiful in any season, the trail is especially memorable during the winter months when you can see more of the river through the trees. For history and scenery, it doesn't get much better than the Chessie Trail in Lexington.
Last on our list of some of the best hikes in Virginia for a peaceful afternoon can be found in Shenandoah National Park. If you're looking for a peaceful trail that also promises a physical workout, you'll enjoy the South River Falls Trail. The 4.8-mile loop will take hikers to the trail's namesake waterfall, which measures an impressive 83 feet in height. This lesser-known waterfall hike in Virginia belongs at the top of your outdoor bucket list.
What are your thoughts on these seven peaceful trails in Virginia? Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Virginia? Which should we add to the list? We’d love to hear from you! For related content, you’ll love reading about these 11 relatively easy hiking trails in Virginia.
And if you’re curious about what to pack for a winter hike in Virginia, check out this list of some of our favorite cold-weather gear!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Virginia
March 30, 2022
Beth C.
What are some of the best parks in Virginia?
Virginia is positively filled with beautiful outdoor scenery, and nowhere is that more apparent than in our state parks. Virginia is known for having some of the most beautiful state parks in the country, as well as some of the oldest. If you're looking for history, beautiful views, and immersive experiences in nature, you can't go wrong with a trip to any of Virginia's state parks. One of the most popular is known as Grayson Highlands State Park. Located in Grayson County, this gorgeous park is near the tallest peak in Virginia: Mount Rogers. When you visit Grayson Highlands State Park you can look forward to enjoying beautiful hiking trails with wild ponies as well as some excellent camping facilities. Some other incredible state parks to check out include First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Occoneechee State Park in Clarksville, Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield, High Bridge Trail State Park near Farmville, Douthat State Park in Millboro, Kiptopeke State Park in Cape Charles, and Westmoreland State Park in Montross. Learn more about some of Virginia's most beautiful state parks.
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A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
