Virginia is full of outdoor enthusiasts who know that one of the best ways to experience the great outdoors here is by getting out and hiking in it. While there are plenty of difficult treks around here, sometimes it’s most rewarding to find the easy hikes in Virginia that allow you to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Whether you prefer hikes that lead to breathtaking mountain vistas or gentle boardwalk trails through the marshes, the following list will offer some of the best hiking trails in Virginia. Here are 11 easy and beautiful hikes that you’ll want to add to your future outdoor bucket list. So lace up those boots and let’s get started!

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1. Blackrock Summit Trail (Crozet)
Corinna Stitt / AllTrails
Monica Herman / AllTrails
With endless mountain views, wildflowers, and a sweeping panoramic, the Blackrock Summit Trail packs a mean punch in just 1 mile. Following the Appalachian Trail route, this trail is located in Shenandoah National Park. There are many ways to reach the summit of Blackrock, but the shortest begins at the Blackrock Summit Parking Area, near mile marker 85 on Skyline Drive. Hikers will find the massive boulders and rock formations to be equally as impressive as the sweeping views. For a helpful trail overview, click here.
2. Cape Henry Trail (Virginia Beach)
Daniel Cook / AllTrails
James Motz / AllTrails
With fascinating ecological wonders at every turn, First Landing State Park offers some of the most kid-friendly hikes in Virginia. The Cape Henry Trail to High Dune Loop is short and sweet, measuring just under 1 mile. However, the park offers several trail modifications so you can choose your own adventure. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for cypress trees, spanish moss, osprey, eagles, and other exciting wildlife.
3. York River Backbone Trail (Williamsburg)
Arthur Dworniczek / AllTrails
C Watts / flickr
The trail at Williamsburg's York River State Park is an easy-to-tackle trail that takes you approximately 4 miles around the park. Hikers will enjoy the forest areas as well as the water views of this underrated path. This trail is also part of a system, so many hikers opt to modify along the way. Just be sure to keep track of all of your turns!
4. Red Rock Wilderness Regional Park (Leesburg)
Amit Sharma / AllTrails
Brad Dunn / AllTrails
Located just outside of Leesburg, the Red Rock Wilderness Overlook trail is a 1.7-mile trek that provides a stunning overlook of the Potomac River. This trail is a favorite among locals because it's secluded and also very well maintained. Hikers should note that the trail here tends to get muddy after rainfall, so water-proof shoes are a good idea.
5. Stonyman Trail (Luray)
Shenandoah National Park/flickr
Shane Lin/flickr
Just outside of Luray lies a 1.4-mile trail offering some of the most pristine views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Often considered one of the best hiking trails in Virginia, Stonyman Trail is a great hike for adventurers of all ages and also makes for the perfect scenic picnic spot. The brief uphill trek will be well worth it when you see the view from the top.
6. Belle Isle Trail (Richmond)
george atkinson / AllTrails

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Michael Ryan / AllTrails
The Belle Isle Trail in Richmond meanders through one of the city's most beloved areas. The 1.8-mile loop is heavily trafficked and also lends itself to a variety of other outdoor activities. One of the most remarkable points is crossing the suspended bridge over the James River. Depending on the level of rainfall, this can prove to be quite an adventure!
7. High Bridge Trail (Farmville)
stan_39440 / TripAdvisor
CrankingChick / TripAdvisor
Besides its stunning views of the Appomattox River, one of the most appealing aspects of the High Bridge Trail is that hikers can walk as little -- or as much -- of it as they please. The converted rail trail is nearly 30 miles in entirety, enjoyed by bikers and horseback riders alike. The actual bridge itself is only .5 miles in length. You'll want to spend plenty of time enjoying the marvelous views and soaking in the trail's history.
8. Chestnut Ridge Trail (Roanoke)
farhana z / TripAdvisor
Ashley Ingle / AllTrails
Located within the Mill Mountain Park, the Chestnut Ridge Trail is a popular one. The loop is 5 miles and enjoyed by both hikers and bikers. This trail is relatively flat, despite being located at higher altitude. Plus, you can look forward to admiring the view from the Mill Mountain Star before or after your trek. Hikers note that this is a great trail to enjoy during the summer, since most of it is shaded.
9. Roaring Run Hoop Hole Trail (Eagle Rock)
Wayne Ketch / AllTrails
Kipp Teague / flickr
Less than an hour from Roanoke, Roaring Run Hoop Hole Trail is a great out-and-back trek for all family members. The trail is just under two miles in length and features impressive flora as well as the namesake Roaring Run Falls. Details like the timber railings show just how loved this trail is. Hikers will be pleased to find there is ample room for parking and even a few picnic tables for enjoying an outdoor lunch.
10. Loft Mountain Loop via the Appalachian Trail (Grottoes)
Christopher Sanders / AllTrails
Christopher Sanders / AllTrails
Another breathtaking hike in Shenandoah National Park, Loft Mountain loop provides incredible mountain-top scenery. The loop runs for 1.8 miles and is especially stunning in the summer, when wildflowers frame the wooded pathway. Unlike many trails in Shenandoah, this one isn't too rocky, so it's a great kid-friendly hike in Virginia. Note that the trail will be marked as Frazier Discovery Trail.
11. Chesapeake Arboretum (Chesapeake)
deveion acker/flickr
Alan Bourne / AllTrails
The Chesapeake Arboretum Trail is a 1.6-mile loop that provides hikers with the chance to meander through wooded landscape featuring trees over 200 years old. The trail itself is mulched and runs along a clear stream. There are also plenty of benches so hikers can stop and enjoy the views.

Looking for more easy hikes in Virginia? Be sure to check out these 12 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Virginia Should Take.

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More to Explore

Easy Hikes In Virginia

Beth C. | April 28, 2020

Are there any other easy hiking trails in Virginia?

Virginia has an endless amount of hiking trails, and all of them vary in difficulty. While many mountain hikes are physically demanding, there are plenty of trails that are far more accessible to all ages and abilities. One easy hiking trail in Virginia that comes to mind is the Storybook Trail in Massanutten. Located in Luray, this half-mile trail is handicap accessible and perfect for all ages. For more information about the Storybook Trail, you can click here.

What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Virginia?

The best kid-friendly hikes in Virginia are those that aren't too strenuous or long. Luckily, even the littlest explorers can find a suitable hiking trail here in Virginia. Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of trails that aren't too long and are suitable for youngsters. Also, Virginia's state park system often has scavenger hunts or guided trails for kids to enjoy. Here's a list of peaceful hiking trails everyone in your family will enjoy.

What are the best short hikes in Virginia?

Some of the best hiking trails in Virginia are the short and sweet ones. While difficult treks are rewarding in their own right, sometimes it's nice to finish up a hike in under an hour or two. In fact, we've even put together a list of 12 amazing Virginia hikes under 3 miles. Some of these trails include Scott's Run Nature Preserve, Dark Hollow Falls, Molly's Knob, and Crabtree Falls.

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Explore Virginia

Featured Addresses
Crozet, VA 22932, USA
Cape Henry Trail, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, USA
York River State Park, 9801 York River Park Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188, USA
43098 Edwards Ferry Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176, USA
Stonyman Rd, Luray, VA 22835, USA
Belle Isle, Richmond, VA, USA
High Bridge Trail State Park, N Main St, Farmville, VA 23901, USA
Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
Roaring Run Loop Trail, Roaring Run Rd, Eagle Rock, VA 24085, USA
624 Oak Grove Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23320, USA