Hiking provides a variety of health benefits, from lowering cholesterol and stress levels to strengthening muscles and bone density. While these wellness perks can be achieved on any of the more than 160 miles of dedicated hiking trails and more than 397 miles of multi-use trails found within Virginia’s state park system, there are several that may appeal to those looking to boost their fitness. Whether it’s an extended distance or more elevation gain, check out these nine hikes for challenge-seekers.
Note: This is subjective; everyone has their own opinion on what makes a hike challenging or strenuous. These hikes are based on a rating of “difficult” according to trail guides. Please use caution and hike at your own risk. Be sure to pick up a trail guide from the visitor center or contact station, or download our maps, before hitting the trails. If it’s easier, shorter or more accessible trails you seek, check out 9 hikes for non-hikers.
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1. Blue Suck Falls Loop with Tuscarora Overlook at Douthat State Park
Approximately 6 miles roundtrip is what is required to experience the incredible view from a historic cabin at Tuscarora Overlook via Blue Suck Falls Trail. The climb is steep in sections but winds through forests and by a stream and small waterfall. For an even greater challenge, tackle the Blue Suck Falls Loop by continuing the hike on to Stony Run Trail, Brushy Hollow Trail and Tobacco House Ridge Trail to create a 9.5-mile loop.
2. Molly’s Knob at Hungry Mother State Park
This iconic trail may be under 4 miles roundtrip, but it gains nearly 1,000 feet of elevation in a short distance. The reward for your effort is a spectacular view of the park, Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain from the summit, with two benches to rest and catch your breath.
3. Lakeshore Trail at Holliday Lake State Park
Lakeshore Trail, also known as the Holliday Lake Loop, may be fairly flat, but the 6.5 miles of trail traverse through woodlands and along the lakeshore, with creek crossings and a trek across the dam. Bug spray and/or long pants are recommended for this adventure.
4. Cottonwood Trail to Wildcat Ledge Trail at Shenandoah River State Park
The easy Cottonwood Trail leads to the short but strenuous Wildcat Ledge Trail, providing a 1.5-mile out-and-back hike with rocky sections and a nice view of the Shenandoah River below and surrounding mountains in the distance.
5. Cabin Creek Trail at Grayson Highlands State Park
Waterfalls, creeks, steep climbs and rocky terrain are part of this 1.7-mile loop. Looking for more? Hike to the highest point in Virginia by taking the Appalachian Spur Trail to the Appalachian Trail southbound to Mount Rogers. This 11-mile out-and-back hike offers a variety of landscapes, from rocky, open balds to green forests.
6. Sky Meadows Loop at Sky Meadows State Park
Connecting several trails together forms the 7-mile Sky Meadows Loop: Piedmont Overlook Trail, Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, Appalachian Trail, Old Trail, North Ridge Trail, South Ridge Trail and Boston Mill Road Trail. If you prefer to shorten it to a 5-mile loop instead, check out this blog for the inside scoop to hiking the Sky Meadows Loop. Either way, hikers can enjoy historic ruins, steep climbs and overlooks with rolling pastoral farmland views.
7. Sandridge Trail at False Cape State Park
The remote location alone makes hiking at this park an adventure. Simply reaching the park requires a 5-mile trek (or bike ride) at minimum, partly through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, or along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline from November 1 through March 31, when refuge trails are closed. Once inside the park, a 7-mile out-and-back hike from the visitor center to the historic Wash Woods area offers a forested sand trail with glimpses of the bay. Bring plenty of water on this journey.
8. Fendley Station Trail at Pocahontas State Park
Virginia’s largest state park has no shortage of trails, but for those seeking a half-marathon distance in a loop, Fendley Station Trail provides a little more than 13 miles of trail with lake views, stream crossings and forest.
9. Little Mountain Falls Trail Loop at Fairy Stone State Park
This lollipop loop includes Turkey Ridge Trail for 4.5 miles of forested trail with moderate climbs, overlooks, creek crossings and a waterfall. For a shorter loop with similar elevation gain, great views of the lake, iron mining remnants and moonshine history, head to the other side of Fairy Stone Lake to the Stuart’s Knob Trail System.
Bonus: New River Trail and High Bridge Trail
New River Trail and High Bridge Trail state parks consist of former railroads converted into flat trails providing excellent long-distance hiking. New River Trail is 57 miles long, follows the scenic New River and offers camping along the way. High Bridge Trail is 32.2 miles, with a towering trip across the Appomattox River on its majestic High Bridge. Virginia State Parks Adventure Series offers long-distance race events at both of these parks.
