Posted in Virginia Hiking, Nature March 20, 2022 by

One Of The Most Beautiful Day Hikes In America Is Right Here In Virginia

Virginia boasts a lot of bests in terms of outdoor opportunities. Between the magnificent caverns, rolling hills, impressive mountains, and the coast, you could never run out of things to explore. And while we Virginians have always known the hikes here are out-of-this-world, it turns out we’re not alone in our opinion. According to Adventure Journal’s 20 Best Day Hikes In America, the Ridge Trail leading to Old Rag Mountain is one of the best in the entire country. Of course, it’s also one of the best hikes in Virginia. Here’s more on this phenomenal trek that belongs at the top of your outdoor bucket list:

Hiking Old Rag is a bucket list experience for many outdoor enthusiasts in Virginia. Anyone who’s seen the view from the top can understand why.
Chappie/flickr
There are many ways to tackle the hike, one of the most popular being by means of the Ridge Trail.
David Fulmer/flickr
Before you head out, be sure to pack plenty of water and something to snack on, as you’ll be in for quite an adventure. This trail is roughly 8 miles in length, taking around 6 hours to complete at a moderate pace.
Once you have arrived at the parking area, you’ll walk about .8 miles to the trailhead.
David Fulmer/flickr
Be sure to read all the information here before you get going. You’ll be able to familiarize yourself with the trail as well as the rare plants located in the area.
From the trailhead, continue along the pristine forests as you begin your climb upward
Patrick/flickr
In these two miles alone, you’ll notice change in vegetation with the increased altitude. Also be on the lookout for beautiful wildflowers if you’re hiking during the spring or summer.
Notoriously known as "the scramble," the next segment of the hike is where things get a little tricky. But with proper caution and careful footing, it can be tons of fun too.
Ryan Somma/flickr
At this point in the hike, you’ll make your way out of the woods and onto the ridge line. For about a mile and a half, there will be a series of boulders to navigate.
The rock scramble will require you to shimmy, climb, and even do a bit of crawling.
Arubagirl2002/TripAdvisor
Luckily, everything is very well-treaded and very well-marked.
But if you keep on for just a little longer…
Chappie/flickr
You'll make it to the top!
kartografia/flickr
Navin Rajagopalan/flickr
Take time to enjoy this incredible view…you’ve definitely earned it.
Bill Couch/flickr
At the top, you’ll be able to see nearly 200,000 acres of Shenandoah National Park’s protected land.
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Even in the winter, the view is simply breathtaking.
Eric Jalbert/flickr
If you do choose to make the trek during winter, be sure to bundle up and pack extra layers. You’ll enjoy the added visibility, but temperatures will be low at the higher altitude.
There you have it: one of America's most beautiful day hikes.
David Fulmer/flickr
And fortunately, it's right here in our very own backyard. For more information on one of the best hikes in Virginia, including trail maps, and parking directions, click here.

Have you hiked Old Rag recently? Do you agree that it’s one of the best hikes in Virginia? Feel free to share any thoughts or experiences with us in the comments below! If you’re looking for some amazing views but are hoping for something a little more manageable, here are 11 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List.

Address: Old Rag Mountain, Virginia 22743, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in Virginia

March 25, 2022
Beth C.

What are some other bucket-list hiking trails in Virginia?

While Old Rag Mountain might be the most famous day hike in Virginia, there are tons of other trails that deserve a spot on your outdoor bucket list. Next up would be McAfee Knob, which just so happens to be the most photographed point on the Appalachian Trail. This famous Virginia trail can be found just outside of Roanoke, Virginia, and makes for an unforgettable day trip adventure. Hikers should note that the trail is rather lengthy; it measures 7.5 miles out and back. One reason this trail is so popular is that it ends with one of the most striking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Standing at the top, you’ll enjoy a 270-degree view of the surrounding mountainscape, characterized by the Catawba Valley, North Mountain, Tinker Cliffs, and the Roanoke Valley. One thing’s for sure: you’ll want to bring your camera with you when you experience one of the best mountain views in Virginia. Some other trails that belong on your outdoor bucket list include Crabtree Falls Loop in Montebello, White Oak Canyon Trail in Shenandoah National Park, Scott’s Run Nature Reserve in McLean, the Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Whitetop, Cape Henry Trail at First Landing State Park, and the James River Trail System in Richmond. For more details about these incredible Virginia trails, you can check out our previous article: 12 Trails In Virginia You Must Take If You Love The Outdoors.

Does Virginia have any waterfall trails?

Virginia has tons of waterfall trails! One of the best and most famous is Crabtree Falls, mentioned above. This striking waterfall route will take you alongside the namesake falls, which just so happens to be the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Learn more about Crabtree Falls, one of Virginia’s most famous natural wonders.

Address: Old Rag Mountain, Virginia 22743, USA