Hiking in Virginia is one of the best ways to experience the state’s scenic and diverse landscape. With so many trails to discover, hikers of all skill levels can enjoy this activity. While there are plenty of advanced hikes for a thrilling adventure, sometimes short and sweet hikes can be just as magical. With that in mind, we’ve compiled this list of the 12 best hikes in Virginia that are all three miles or less.

1. Scott's Run Nature Preserve: 2.5 Mile Loop
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, 7400 VA-193, McLean, VA 22102, USA
Fritz Flohr Reynolds/flickr
Located just outside of McLean, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve Trail is a popular 2.5-mile loop. The trail is appropriate for hikers of all ages and features a waterfall, historic ruins, river views, and wildflowers during the spring and summer.
2. Theodore Roosevelt Island: 1.6 Mile Loop
Theodore Roosevelt Island Parking, Theodore Roosevelt Island Park, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Richard Ricciardi/flickr
This brief outer loop is one of the most popular along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington. The park is dedicated to Theodore Roosevelt and the trail features interesting historical tidbits as well as a boardwalk and wooded stretch. For more info about this hike, visit the AllTrails website.
3. Dark Hollow Falls: 1.4 Miles Out-And-Back
Dark Hollow Falls Trailhead, Skyline Dr, Stanley, VA 22851, USA
Joe Shlabotnik/flickr
The Dark Hollow Falls trail can be accessed via mile 50.7 along Skyline Drive. While the trek is short, it can be somewhat strenuous on the uphill stretch to the falls. The waterfall is significant and makes for a scenic rest before you turn around and head back to the parking area.
4. Molly's Knob: 3 Mile Loop
Mollys Knob, Virginia 24354, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Located in Hungry Mother State Park, Molly's Knob Loop takes approximately 1.6 miles to reach the fantastic overlook photographed above. The trail is moderate in difficulty and also features a scenic lake.
5. Compton Peak Summit Trail: 2 Mile Out-And-Back
Compton Peak, Virginia 22610, USA
Robert Aberegg/flickr
At milepost 10.4 along Skyline Drive, visitors will be able to access the Compton Peak Summit Trail. This trail is steep and sometimes rocky but offers an exquisite view from the top of Compton Peak of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
6. Crabtree Falls: 3 Miles Out-And-Back
Crabtree Falls, Virginia 22976, USA
jocelyndale/flickr
Crabtree Falls is a must-visit for the sheer magnitude of the waterfall. In fact, it's the longest cascading falls east of the Mississippi. The best part about Crabtree is the opportunity to hike up alongside the falls. Reaching the base of the upper falls takes 1.5 miles of steady incline, but the view is well worth it. Just be sure to stick to the marked trail, as the surrounding area can become dangerously slick.
7. Stony Man Mountain Trail: 1.4 Mile Loop
Stony Man, Virginia 22835, USA
bky21/TripAdvisor
Located near Luray at Skyline Drive milepost 41.7, the Stony Man Mountain Trail is a moderately difficult 1.4-mile loop. The trail leads to a gorgeous vantage point where you'll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view.
8. Spy Rock: 3 Miles Out-And-Back
Spy Rock, Virginia 22976, USA
Christina Harrison/AllTrials
The Spy Rock Trail is located just outside of Montebello, Virginia. The climb to the top is a straight shot, and therefore can be a challenging 1.5 miles, but the view at the top will all be worth it. That, and the fact that the trek back is all downhill.
9. Humpback Rocks Trail: 1.6 Miles Out-And-Back
Humpback Rocks, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Lyndhurst, VA 22952, USA
Jessica Myers/AllTrails
The Humpback Rocks hike is a very short one, but the climb upwards can be quite strenuous. There's no need to rush, though, and there are even a few benches along the way where hikers can stop and rest to enjoy the view. The top of the hike is characterized by a bit of a scramble for anyone daring enough to climb to the top of the rocks for the view. Spoiler alert: it's worth it!
10. Bluebell Trail: 1.8 Mile Loop
Bluebell Trail, Unnamed Road, Centreville, VA 20121, USA
Appalachian dreamer/flickr
Tucked away near Bentonville at Bull Run Regional Park, the Bluebell Trail is a gorgeous forested loop that features these delicate wildflowers during the spring. The hike also features Bull Run and a smaller tributary Cub Run.
11. Union Mill Trail: 2.8 Mile Loop
Bull Run-Occoquan Trail Yates Ford Road Trailhead, 13249-13267 Yates Ford Rd, Clifton, VA 20124, USA
Michael Smith/AllTrails
Located in the Hemlock Overlook Regional Park of northern Virginia, this particular loop offers a beautiful trail following alongside a stream. Depending on the time of year, this trail also may feature beautiful wildflowers. For more info about the hike, check out the Union Mill Trail in more detail.
12. Bald Cypress Trail: 1.6 Mile Loop
Bald Cypress Trail, 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, USA
Alan Bourne/AllTrails
Tucked away in First Landing State Park, you'll find the 1.6-mile Bald Cypress Trail. Though brief, this trek offers an impressive amount of wildlife, including swamplands. For added activity, hikers can continue on to the High Dunes Trail.

While these trails offer a variety of terrain and landscape, they only scratch the surface of the beautiful and accessible trails here in Virginia. We’d love to hear from you if any of your favorite short and sweet hikes might have missed the list!

Which scenic hikes in Virginia are your favorites? What do you think are the best hikes in Virginia? Let us know in the comments section. We look forward to reading your responses.

Looking for more easy hikes in Virginia? Check out this list of 11 easy hikes that are great for the whole family.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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best hikes in Virginia

Luke | April 07, 2022

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The State of Virginia is simply gorgeous with its natural wonder and mountainous regions. For spectacular views of the mountains of Virginia, cruise along Skyline Drive. Moving through Shenandoah National Park, the 106-mile journey provides more than 70 overlooks that are perfect for savoring the pristine Shenandoah Valley. Another terrific option is the Scenic Route 211 Wine Trail, perfect for all of the wine lovers out there! Looking for more road trip options in Virginia? Check out this article with eight must-take road trips in Virginia.

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What is better than a gorgeous, cascading waterfall? We certainly can't think of anything! In Virginia, there are several stunning falls that are hiding in plain sight and that do not require any hiking to see. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll find Crabtree Falls, which simply cannot be missed. Another worthwhile waterfall to visit is Maymont Waterfall. These falls are located in enchanting Japanese gardens. Also, check out Great Falls National Park for awesome views of the Potomac River.

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If you're still looking for reasons to fall in love with Virginia, we'll give you some more! Virginia's state motto is, “Virginia Is For Lovers,” and has been used as a tourism campaign slogan in the past. Virginia is the perfect state for anyone who loves literature, art, culture, people, history, wining and dining, nature, hiking, and cycling! If you're looking for a place that will give you all four seasons of the year, then Virginia is your place. There are countless fun things to do throughout the year including day trips to the beach, mountain hikes, fabulous restaurant scene, local stores, historic landmarks, and so much more!

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