Posted in Virginia Nature July 28, 2020 by

These 17 Scenic Mountains In Virginia Will Drop Your Jaw

There is simply no denying the beauty of the Virginia mountains. While the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains are the most well-known, Virginia has at least 8 recognized mountain ranges and well over 100 mountains. Stretching from the farthest southern and northwestern corners of Virginia to the central part of the state, the mountains are part of our oldest and richest history, and for many Virginians, a part of their identity. These 17 images of scenic mountains in Virginia show only a few of the mountain ranges and peaks in Virginia, but they perfectly capture the essence and beauty of our state.

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1. McAfee's Knob, near Salem
Brian Romans / flickr
It's no wonder McAfee's Knob is one of the most photographed spots along the Appalachian Trail. With panoramic views of Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the west, Tinker Cliffs to the north, and the Roanoke Valley to the east, this peak makes you feel like you are sitting on top of the world.
2. Appalachian Tobacco Field, Dryden
mkw87 / flickr
This shot of the Appalachian Mountains across a tobacco field captures the essence of Virginia perfectly.
3. After the Storm in Shenandoah National Park, Morning Star
Ken Rowland / flickr
The Blue Ridge Mountains sweep across the park's nearly 80,000 acres of land and remind you why you love Virginia at every turn.
4. Irish Creek Valley Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Amherst County
Patrick Rohe / flickr
Named for the Irish and Scottish immigrants who settled here in the 1700s, this overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile 43) offers stunning views of Virginia's iconic Blue Ridge Mountains.
5. Three Ridges Hike along the Appalachian Trail, Nellysford
pEtE / flickr
As one of the most popular backpacking circuits along the Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail, Three Ridges delivers breathtaking views, waterfalls, and absolute serenity.
6. The Blue Ridge Mountains from Greenwood
Jeff Self / flickr
Located just outside of Charlottesville, Greenwood offers spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
7. Hawksbill Mountain, Madison/Page County
Michael / flickr
Sitting just on the border of Madison County and Page County, Hawksbill towers over the landscape at 4,050 feet and is the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park.
brownpau / flickr
Looking out from the Hawksbill Summit, undeniably one of the most scenic mountains in Virginia.
8. Old Rag off the Skyline Drive, near Sperryville
Jake Slagle / flickr
One look at Old Rag Mountain and it's easy to see why it is one of the most popular hikes on the East Coast. Standing at over 3,200 feet, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Kevin Harber / flickr
At the summit of Old Rag.
9. Shenandoah Sunset at Spitler Knoll Overlook, Stanley
Ken Rowland / flickr
The Shenandoah Valley lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians to the west. Located on the Skyline Drive, Spitler Knoll Overlook offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
10. Cahas Mountain, Franklin County
Donnie Nunley
Cahas Mountain near Boone's Mill holds generations of Appalachian history and is the highest point in Franklin County. This picture captures its beauty in a way that words never could.
11. Mountains of Botetourt County
nedim chaabene / flickr
If anyone ever questions the beauty of Virginia mountains, this picture is the answer.
12. Sharp Top Mountain at the Peaks of Otter, Bedford
Jim Lukach / flickr
As one of the three main peaks at the Peaks of Otter, Sharp Top delivers all-encompassing views of the Piedmont to the East and the Shenandoah Valley and Allegheny Valley Mountains to the west.
13. Short Hill Mountain, Loudoun County
Ken / flickr
Nestled in the Northwest corner of the state near Purcellville, Short Hill Mountain is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and stands tall above the rolling hills that surround it.
14. Signal Hill and Ennis Mountain Panorama, Afton
Bob Mical / flickr
As seen from the overlook along I-64, Signal Hill and Ennis Mountain provide a breathtaking backdrop for the valley below.
15. The Priest in Nelson County
Charles Payne / flickr
The name has heavenly implications and the view confirms it. As the highest peak in Nelson County, Priest Mountain (or simply, "The Priest") stands at 4063 feet with the Tye River valley below and is the steepest descend/ascent along the Appalachian Trail.
16. Mount Rogers Flora and Fauna near Troutdale
Ryan Somma / flickr
Mount Rogers is perhaps most well-known for being the highest peak in Virginia. Standing at an impressive 5,729 feet above sea level, the mountain lies within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Jefferson National Forest. Surrounded by breathtaking views from every angle, Mount Rogers is one of Virginia's most beautiful sites.
17. Whitetop Mountain in Grayson County
Eli Christman / flickr
As the second-highest peak in Virginia, Whitetop Mountain sits just below Mount Rogers at 5,520 feet, but is an equal match in beauty.

We would love to hear your thoughts and feelings about these scenic mountains in Virginia – maybe a fun story, maybe a nostalgic feeling or memory, or maybe just your favorite mountains to climb. Let us know about your love of the Virginia mountains in the comments below!

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Scenic Mountains in Virginia

August 11, 2020
Beth C.

What are the most beautiful hikes in Virginia?

Many of Virginia’s most beautiful hikes are mentioned on this list, which stands to reason given that we’ve outlined some of the most scenic mountains in Virginia. Many people agree that McAfee Knob is among the most beautiful hikes in Virginia. As hikers make the challenging and at times, intimidating, trek upward, they can look forward to enjoying one of the best overlooks in Virginia. There’s a reason this overlook is the single most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail. If you plan on making the trek, keep in mind that it’s approximately 8 miles round-trip, so be sure to pack plenty of water and reinforcements. Looking for more inspiration? Here are 12 of the best hiking trails in Virginia if you love the outdoors.

What is the tallest mountain in Virginia?

The state of Virginia may not be renowned for its massive mountains, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some seriously impressive peaks around here. The single tallest mountain in Virginia is Mount Rogers. Located in southwestern Virginia, this peak clocks in at an elevation of 5,729 feet above sea level. The trail that leads to the top of this beautiful mountain is located inside Grayson Highlands State Park. Despite the fact that Mount Rogers is the tallest of Virginia’s peaks, you won’t enjoy much of an overview from the top, as it’s a dome-shaped peak surrounded by alpine forests. Luckily, there are plenty of places inside Grayson Highlands that offer breathtaking mountain views.

Which hikes in Virginia are short and sweet?

While many of Virginia’s most beautiful hikes require a commitment of at least a few hours, not all do. If you’re looking for a short and sweet trail in Virginia, you might start with any of the following: Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, Dark Hollow Falls in Shenandoah National Park, Molly’s Knob, Compton Peak Summit Trail, Crabtree Falls, Stony Man Mountain Trail, Spy Rock, and Humpback Rocks Trail. You can learn more about these relatively short trails, which all clock in at less than 3 miles.

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