14 Spots In Virginia That Will Drop Your Frozen Jaw This Winter
Winter in Virginia is positively magical. Sure, cold weather can tempt us to stay indoors all season long, but we’d be missing out on the chance to enjoy one of the state’s most breathtaking seasons. Even in the snow and ice, the Old Dominion offers striking beauty to those inspired to get out and explore it. To get you started, here are 14 places that will be that much more beautiful after a visit from Jack Frost. From the best winter hikes in Virginia to frozen waterfalls, historic sites, and more, this list has a little something for every kind of cold-weather explorer. So, bundle up, and let’s get started!
When it comes to the best winter hikes in Virginia, you can't go wrong with a trip to Bedford. Winter is the perfect time to take on the Peaks of Otter and nothing proves it better than this view of a cozy cabin on the summit of Sharp Top. After a great winter hike, warm up at the Peaks of Otter Lodge or visit the nearby Johnson Farm, an historically restored, fully functioning farm that shows off life in the Blue Ridge at the turn of the 20th century.
Peaks of Otter, Virginia 24523, USA
2. Dark Hollow Falls in the Shenandoah National Forest near Big Meadows.
A winter hike may seem like a daunting task. But add the right layers and an extra pair of socks and you might just be lucky enough to see Dark Hollow Falls looking like this. The trailhead begins at mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive, just north of Big Meadows. Learn more about hiking one of the most popular trails in Virginia, Dark Hollow Falls.
Encompassing 800 acres along the banks of the Potomac, Great Falls Park is a National Park and a national treasure. The park is home to Mather Gorge, a river gorge located at the lowest part of the Potomac River directly on the border of Virginia and Maryland. Breathtaking year-round, snow and ice turn the falls into a magical wonderland. Learn more about planning your visit to the iconic Great Falls Park in Virginia.
Caledon State Park covers 2,579-acres in King George. Originally owned by the Alexander brothers (the founders of Alexandria), the park land was founded as Caledon Plantation in 1659. In 1974, the land was turned over to the state of Virginia and named a National Natural Landmark. Today, it offers a protected habitat for bald eagles on the Potomac River and a beautiful location for winter activities in Virginia for the rest of us. If you're looking for things to do in the winter in Virginia, a trip to this lesser-known state park makes for a great option.
Caledon State Park, 11617 Caledon Rd, King George, VA 22485, USA
It’s as if time stood still in this stunning photo captured along the highway outside of Damascus. Be sure to take some time to explore the town itself. You'll quickly learn why it's considered one of the most charming small towns in Virginia.
Tucked away in Fairfax County's Hybla Valley, Huntley Meadows is 1,500 acres of pristine wetland, woodland and meadows. Featuring walking trails, an historic 1825 villa built by Thomas Francis Mason (George Mason's grandson) and diverse wildlife, Huntley Meadows gains a new level of beauty in the winter. This breathtaking destination, with its boardwalk trails and abundance of wildlife, is even more breathtaking in the wintertime. Learn more about planning your visit to Huntley Meadows Park.
Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22306, USA
7. York River State Park in Croaker (James City County).
Set along the shore of the York River, York River State Park features an archaeological site at historical Croaker Landing, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site shows signs of Native American inhabitants dating as far back as c.1000 B.C. The park was formed in 1980 in the town of Croaker, which was originally the Taskinas Plantation. Today, winter on the shoreline creates a beautiful juxtaposition of still ice and rolling water. For an unforgettable winter outdoor activity in Virginia that combines history and natural beauty, look no further than York River State Park.
York River State Park, 9801 York River Park Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188, USA
Catocin Mountain starts in Maryland, but runs south into Loudoun County ending at the town of Leesburg. Catocin offers a rustic natural setting for winter hikes in the middle of Loudoun County where you can catch glimpses of frozen icefalls like these that are seeping through the beautiful greenstone.
The Wilderness Road was the main route used by early settlers through the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky. Blazed by Daniel Boone in 1775, the area now occupied by Wilderness Road State Park was home to Martin’s Station Fort. Today, the park offers an interactive experience with living history exhibits that show life on the Virginia frontier in 1775. With replicas of cabins, the fort and other examples of life on the frontier, it’s truly humbling to imagine what winter would have been like for these early adventurers. It's truly a little slice of the Old West hiding in Virginia. Learn more about planning a trip to Wilderness Road State Park.
Wilderness Road State Park, 8051 Wilderness Rd Trail, Ewing, VA 24248, USA
As one of the final southern stops along the Virginia portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mabry Mill is also one of the most photographed spots along the way. This incredibly preserved historic gristmill offers a look at Appalachian life more than a century ago. At the nearby Matthews Cabin and blacksmith shop, The National Park Service offers demonstrations on blacksmithing, carding, spinning, basket making and other traditional Appalachian crafts and skills. And while it is a beautiful site year-round, winter lends an austerity that is breathtaking.
Mabry Mill, VA 24120, USA
11. George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Fairfax County.
One of the most famous images of George Washington is "Washington Crossing the Delaware" by German-American artist Emanuel Leutze. The famous scene shows ice and snow as Washington and his troops braved the wintery cold to continue their fight for independence. Scenes like the ones above bring home that determination and valor as it becomes easy to imagine the conditions the colonial army must have endured. The winter lends an almost poetic bravery to the familiar sites at George Washington’s final home, Mount Vernon. For more information about planning your trip, be sure to visit the official Mount Vernon website.
Set on the south fork of the Shenandoah River, Shenandoah River State Park is 1,600 acres, featuring 5.2 miles of river shoreline. One of the newer state parks, it also offers beautiful views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. As this image shows, winter snow and ice only enhance the beauty of this state treasure.
Shenandoah River State Park, 350 Daughter of Stars Dr, Bentonville, VA 22610, USA
This photo, taken from the Washington, D.C. side of the Potomac River, shows the Arlington skyline just behind the icy expanse of the Potomac. While you're in Arlington, you'll find there's no shortage of fun things to do.
Arlington, VA, USA
14. For another look at the frozen Potomac, try Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve in Alexandria.
Dyke Marsh serves as one of the largest freshwater tidal wetlands that remain in the Washington metropolitan area. Covering 485 acres, the preserve offers tidal marshes, floodplains, and swampy forests that are only enhanced by the icy sheen of winter. Learn more about planning your visit by checking out the official National Park Service website.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Alexandria, VA 22307, USA
The best part about living in Virginia is that we are not limited by seasons. There is beauty in every part of the year. In fact, winter in Virginia can be the most magical season. If you have favorite places to go where winter only enhances the beauty of the surroundings, such as cold-weather attractions or the best winter hikes in Virginia, we would love to hear what you think are the most beautiful places in Virginia in the comments!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best winter hikes in Virginia
December 13, 2021
Beth C.
What are some other beautiful winter hikes in Virginia?
Some of our favorite beautiful winter hikes in Virginia include:
Now that you've learned about some incredible winter hikes in Virginia, it's time to expand your horizons even further. The truth is, just about any of Virginia's impressive trails can be enjoyed in the winter season with the proper preparation and planning. That being said, some hikes are even more enjoyable during the cold weather season. Some of our favorite winter trails in Virginia include Point of Rocks in Chester, Fallingwater Trail in Bedford, Bayview Trail at Mason Neck State Park in Lorton, Channel Cat Trail at Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland, the Noland Trail in Newport News, the Chessie Trail in Lexington, and the South River Falls Trail in Stanardsville. Learn more about how you can access and enjoy these hikes when you read our previous article: 7 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Virginia To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead.
What are the best winter attractions in Virginia?
One of the best winter attractions in Virginia is located in McGaheysville, VA. If you're planning to spend winter in Virginia, there's a lot to look forward to. One way to embrace the season is by planning a trip to a winter-friendly resort. Massanutten Resort in McGaheysville is a wonderful option, as it offers breathtaking scenery and endless outdoor adventure. Skiing, snow tubing...the list goes on! Learn more about why a trip to Massanutten Resort belongs at the top of your winter bucket list in Virginia.
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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.
