Wildflower-lined hiking trails are one of the best things to do outside in Virginia. But finding beautiful wildflower hikes requires a little bit of planning, timing, and of course, a dash of good luck. It’s difficult to predict just when the wildflowers will emerge each season, but fortunately, they tend to bloom in several different phases. Shenandoah National Park is a great destination and national park to visit in Virginia for exploring some of the state’s most famous trails, and the wildflowers only add to the exquisite year-round scenery. Today, we’ll introduce you to Story of the Forest Trail, a two-mile loop that offers a gentle walk through the woods.

Related Stories

Few People Realize That Virginia Is Home To More Miles Of The Appalachian Trail Than Any Other State

Few People Realize That Virginia Is Home To More Miles Of The Appalachian Trail Than Any Other State

This Meandering Trail Leads To A Fire Tower You Can Hike To For Stunning Views Of Virginia

This Meandering Trail Leads To A Fire Tower You Can Hike To For Stunning Views Of Virginia

Just 30 Minutes From Richmond, Pocahontas State Park Is The Perfect Virginia Day Trip Destination

Just 30 Minutes From Richmond, Pocahontas State Park Is The Perfect Virginia Day Trip Destination

Story of the Forest Trail is one of the most unique hiking trails in Virginia. Have you ever hiked it before? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! For more information about hikes in Shenandoah, you can visit the official National Park Service website. You can also take a look at specific trail info. And don’t forget to take a look at our ultimate hiking essentials packing list!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

National Park To Visit In Virginia

Which state parks should I visit in Virginia?

One of the most beautiful state parks in Virginia to visit is Grayson Highlands State Park.

Visiting parks is one of the best things to do outside in Virginia. Aside from the nearly 200,000-acre Shenandoah National Park, the Old Dominion State also has 41 state parks, with a variety of recreational activities available. The 2,888-acre First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach is listed as a National Natural Landmark, on the National Register of Historic Places, and is one of the best parks in Virginia. Here, you can take in 20 miles of trails, 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beach and educational and historical exhibits. Or try out Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson, where you hike, bike, backpack, cross-county ski, snowshoe, and perhaps even run into wild ponies along the way!

Where can I hike to a cave in Virginia?

The Blue Ridge Tunnel is an amazing cave hike in Virginia.

While there are hiking trails in Virginia that lead out to caves, such as the 8.3-mile loop hike to Sand Cave in Cumberland Gap National Park or the 4.5-mile Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail near Afton, if you really want to get a cave experience, you must head to Luray Caverns. Located just over ten miles from Shenandoah National Park, here, you can explore the largest cavern system on the East Coast and see the largest musical instrument in the world, the Great Stalacpipe Organ.

What are the best beaches in Virginia?

Sandbridge Beach is one of the best beaches in Virginia.

Seeing as though Virginia has 7,213 miles of coastline (including a bit of it along the Atlantic Ocean), there is plenty of beach to go around. If you want to get into the ocean, check out the lively and popular Virginia Beach and its assortment of water activities, dining, and other entertainment. Or for a quieter day in the sand without the resorts or crowds, try Sandbridge Beach. If you prefer freshwater, head to Lake Moomaw in George Washington National Forest, known as the cleanest lake in the state or try one of the Chesapeake Bay beaches like Cape Charles or Outlook Beach.

Explore Virginia