11 Enchanting Spots In Virginia That Are Lesser Known But Wonderful
Virginia is full of secret corners and hidden gems, with natural wonders both large and small. But sometimes finding these places can be tricky. We’ve put together a collection of a few of the most beautiful places in Virginia — the ones that may not be at the top of every guide book. The following list is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to special places in the state, but they are certainly wonderful places to start as you explore the beauty that is Virginia.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Located just outside of Lexington in the George Washington National Forest, Panther Falls offers several deep swimming holes, stunning forests, and a waterfall that is nothing short of picture-perfect. Find out more about the falls’ location and local trails here.
2. Chief Benge Scout Trail, Scott and Wise Counties
Beginning at the High Knob Trailhead and High Knob Observation Tower, the Chief Benge Scout Trail winds through tranquil forests, along the shores of High Knob Lake, along the Little Stony, crossing the Mountain Fork Creek and past Bark Camp Lake. Although the trail ends at the Little Stony Falls Trailhead, many will go the extra half-mile to see the falls themselves. Chief Bob Benge, for whom the trail is named, was an infamous Native American chief, known for raiding European settlements throughout southwest Virginia in the late 1700s, killing dozens of settlers. The portion of the trail pictured here is near High Knob Lake. Click here to learn more about Chief Benge Scout Trail.
Far from the crowds of the boardwalk lies the False Bay State Park, one of the last undeveloped Atlantic Coast areas. The beautifully preserved landscape includes 6 miles of coastline and offers kayaking, camping, interpretive programs exploring the park’s Native American history, hiking, and biking trails. Cars are not allowed so the park can only be reached by foot, bike, beach transport, tram or boat so plan accordingly. Find out how to visit the park by visiting their website at False Cape State Park.
Located just outside of Roanoke, Carvins Cove is the second-largest city park in the nation at 12,700 acres. The park offers hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, and boat rentals -- all within a few miles of downtown Roanoke, the Appalachian Trail, and incredible hikes like McAfee's Knob and Tinker Cliffs. Learn more at RoanokeOutside.com.
5. Prince William Forest Park, Prince William County
This stunning park is considered one of Northern Virginia’s best-kept secrets. Located near Quantico, the park is the largest protected natural area in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. With hiking trails, wildlife, and natural beauty in abundance, it's like a place that time forgot. Find out how to visit the park at the National Park Service.
Another hidden “city” gem, Alum Springs Park in Fredericksburg offers a tranquil escape from reality - even if only for a little while. Offering picnic shelters and tables, restrooms, grills, playgrounds, walking paths, and a fitness trail, the park provides beautiful streams, hidden caves to explore, and a peaceful setting that is often hard to find in a city setting. Plan your visit at FredericksburgVA.gov today.
These awe-inspiring falls have an interesting history. Thomas Jefferson first wrote about them in the 1700s, recording that they were over 200-feet high. Today, they are 80-feet after being moved by a fertilizer company to mine fertilizer. While the "price of progress” would appear to be 120-feet, the remaining 80-feet is still amazing to see and make for an impressive view even from the road.
If you’re up for the hike, Devil’s Bathtub is all the reward you can imagine and more. The “bathtub” is located 1.5 miles down the Devil’s Fork Loop Trail in the Jefferson National Forest. It’s a tricky path with streams and slippery rocks, but once you reach Devil’s Bathtub – a pool of nearly crystal green water at the base of a stone slide – you will know it was well worth it. Plan your hike here. When it comes to the most beautiful places in Virginia, Devil's Bathtub is at the top of the list.
9. The Enchanted Garden at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, Richmond
When the word “enchanted” is in the title, you have to give it a second look. This pretty English garden was first created in the 1920s behind the brick house that holds the Poe Museum. It was modeled after one of Poe’s more obscure poems, “To One in Paradise.” Museum founder and an avid collector, James H. Whitty, believed the poem to be a reference to an actual garden in Richmond where Poe had courted his first love, who later broke his heart. Today, the garden appears much as it would have in the 1920s and hosts monthly “Unhappy Hours” and weddings. See it for yourself with a visit to the Poe Museum in downtown Richmond.
10. The LOTUS Shrine at Yogaville, Buckingham County
Yogaville, an interfaith community located in rural Buckingham County, is home to the Satchidananda Ashram. Founded in 1980 by Yogiraj Sri Swami Satchidananda, best known for opening the Woodstock Festival, Yogaville houses a permanent community of 226 residents and offers classes, workshops, and teachings. The highlight of the community is the LOTUS shrine. Shaped like a lotus flower, the shrine features 10 altars representing Hindu, Shinto, Tao, Buddhist, Islam, Sikh, Native American, African, and two unnamed religions. Find out about visiting this tranquil hideaway at Yogaville.
This beautiful refuge features Lake Drummond (one of Virginia's two natural lakes) and offers over 200 species of birds and wildlife including deer, black bear, bobcats, river otters, and more. Encompassing 112,000 acres, the swamp is now the largest remaining intact piece of land left from a habitat that once covered more than a million acres. Today, the carefully preserved forests and mist-covered marshlands create a world unto themselves, offering you a look at life as it might have been hundreds of years ago. Learn more about the Swamp’s history and make a plan to visit at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services website.
What are your thoughts on this list of the most beautiful places in Virginia? Of course, as I said at the beginning, these are only a handful of the many beautiful hidden gems throughout the state. Do you know of others? We would love to have you add to the list in the comments below!
Address: 4001 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Address: Carvins Cove Reservoir, Virginia, USA
Address: Forest Park Dr, Montclair, VA, USA
Address: Alum Springs Rd, Lynchburg, VA, USA
Address: Falling Spring Falls, Falling Spring, VA 24445, USA
Address: Devils Fork Loop Trail, Duffield, VA 24244, USA
Address: 1914 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
Address: Yogaville, VA 23921, USA
Address: 3120 Desert Rd, Suffolk, VA 23434, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Beautiful Places in Virginia
August 21, 2020
Beth C.
What is the most beautiful hiking trail in Virginia?
Virginia is the land of countless hiking trails. Whether you prefer mountain tops or ocean views, you’re bound to find a gorgeous hike here in Virginia. When it comes to the single most beautiful hiking trail in Virginia, many people agree that it’s Old Rag Mountain. Located within Shenandoah National Park, this iconic Virginia hike requires 10.2 miles and lots of rocky obstacles. However, for those who commit to this all-day hiking adventure, the views from the top of the mountain will be worth your effort. Curious to learn more about hiking Old Rag Mountain in Virginia? You can read about why it’s considered one of the top hikes in the U.S.
What is the most scenic town in Virginia?
It’s hard to imagine what Virginia would be like without her scenic towns and vibrant communities. Indeed, these places are what make our state so fascinating and charming. Perhaps of all the small towns, the most scenic is Staunton, Virginia. Not only is the architecture impressive and beautiful, but the surrounding scenery is stunning. If you spend time in Staunton, you’re bound to be impressed by the sense of community and the feeling that the Blue Ridge Mountains are never far away. Plus, it’s a great foodie destination, with countless restaurants committed to supporting local farms. You’ll find there’s something for everyone to love about the small town of Staunton, Virginia.
Where can I go in Virginia that only the locals know about?
There are many destinations in Virginia that are known the world over yet some remain hidden gems. If you’re looking for a place to go in Virginia that only the locals know about, you might start with a trip to Fairy Stone State Park. Located right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this sprawling state park is home to a 168-acre lake that lends itself to all kinds of recreational activities. Plus, you can also hike around the park and search for the namesake fairy stones, which are small cross-shaped pebbles that hold a mythical allure. For more information about Fairy Stone State Park, be sure to read about why it’s one of the most magical places in Virginia.
Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
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