Day Hiking

Day Hiking Areas

• Appalachian Trail
• Clinch Ranger District

  The Clinch Ranger District, located in the Cumberland Mountains section of the Appalachian Plateau in southwest Virginia, has mountainous terrain, deep valleys, and fresh bodies of water where visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities. The district has four campgrounds, four lakes, and plenty of rivers and streams for whitewater kayaking and fishing. In addition, it has over 100 miles of multi-use trail. Some popular landmarks are High Knob Tower and Birch Knob Observation Tower, both of which provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors, if they are lucky, can spot elk, wild turkey, and eagles among its rich, biodiverse ecosystem. The closest towns to the district are Pound, Clintwood, and Norton, Virginia.  

• Austin Gap Trail (Forest Trail # 201A)
• Bark Camp Recreation Area

  Bark Camp Recreation Area offers a day use area and a campground situated near a 45-acre lake that is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. A three mile shoreline trail circles the lake, offering outstanding views. Highlights include an open air amphitheater overlooking the lake, a short hike to an interesting geological formation called “Kitchen Rock,” and universally accessible fishing piers and picnicking facilities. 

• Bark Camp Lakeshore Trail (Forest Trail #211)
• Kitchen Rock Trail (Forest Trail #209)
• Birch Knob Observation Site
• Cane Patch Campground
• Cave Springs Recreation Area

  Cave Springs Recreation Area is situated within the picturesque farming community of Olinger Gap. Highlights of this recreation area include a campground, small spring-fed pond, access to Stone Mountain Trail and Wilderness, and a short hike to an overlook of the Olinger Gap Community. 

• Stone Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #207)
• Chief Benge Scout Trail (Forest Trail #401)
• Devil's Fork Trail (Forest Trail #210)
• Guest River Gorge Trail (Forest Trail #216)
• Hanging Rock Day Use Area

  Hanging Rock Picnic Area is named for the large rock outcrop formed millions of years ago from seismic activity along the Hunters Valley fault. Fossils are visible in the large boulders strewn across Little Stony Creek. The Hanging Rock Picnic Area also serves as the eastern trailhead for the Little Stony National Recreation Trail.

• Little Stony Trail (Forest Trail #331)
• High Knob Recreation Area

  The High Knob Recreation Area was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930’s. This remote and private location offers cooler summer temperatures due to its higher mountain elevation. The area offers a campground and day use and picnic area along a scenic mountain lake. Many of the original CCC structures are still in use here today. 

• High Knob Lakeshore Loop (Forest Trail #401A)
• High Knob Trail (Forest Trail #120)
• High Knob Tower
• Lake Keokee Day Use Area

  Visitors to Lake Keokee Day Use Area enjoy a universally accessible fishing trail and pier.

• Lake Keokee Loop (Forest Trail #402)
• Olinger Gap Trail (Forest Trail #327)
• Laurel Fork Trail (Forest Trail #206)
• North Fork of Pound Boat Launch
• Phillips Creek Day Use Area
• Pine Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #201)
• Red Fox Trail (Forest Trail #205)
• Straight Fork Ridge Trail (Forest Trail #204)
• Wallen Ridge Trail (Forest Trail #329)
• Eastern Divide Ranger District

  Recreational areas and opportunities within the Eastern Divide Ranger District.

• Boley Field Group Campground
• Boy Scout Trail (Forest Trail # 5002)
• Cascades Day Use Area

  Cascades Day Use Area is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in southwest Virginia. It features shady picnic spots, a native trout stream, and a 4-mile scenic loop trail. The main attraction is the scenic 66 foot Cascade Falls, a dramatic waterfall located two miles from the parking area.

• Cascades Trail (Forest Trail #70)
• Cherokee Flats Day Use Area
• Craig Creek Recreation Area
• Dismal Falls Trails (Forest Trail #1058)
• Dragons Tooth Trail (Forest Trail #5009)
• Fenwick Mines Day Use Area

  Visitors to Fenwick Mines will find trails to hike, ponds to fish, and a picnic shelter (complete with horseshoe pit) that’s perfect for spending a great Sunday afternoon with friends and family. A one mile, wheelchair accessible trail will lead you through wetland, stream, and forest habitats providing lots of opportunities to see wildlife.

• Fenwick Nature Walk Trail (Forest Trail #5007)
• Glen Alton Day Use Area
• Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
• North Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #263)
• Pandapas Pond Day Use Area

  Pandapas Pond is a pastoral, 8 acre pond located just outside the town of Blacksburg. It sits on the Eastern Continental Divide and is surrounded by a forest of hardwoods and rhododendron. Visitors will enjoy strolling the one-mile wheelchair accessible trail that encircles the pond. A wooden boardwalk separates the pond from a small wetland area that is abundant with dragonflies, turtles, songbirds, and waterfowl. Horses and bicycles are not permitted on the trail around the pond; however they may use the 17-mile Poverty Creek Trail system that can be accessed from the upper parking lot.

   

  Poverty Creek Trail System Map

   

• Pandapas Pond Loop Trail (Forest Trail #74)
• Roaring Run Day Use Area

  Roaring Run is a popular get-away for escaping the summer heat. It features shady picnic spots, a native trout stream and a 1 ½ -mile scenic loop trail that follows Roaring Run Creek to a cascading waterfall. History buffs will enjoy seeing the historic iron furnace that operated prior to the Civil War.

• Roaring Run Loop Trail (Forest Trail #264)
• The Pines Campground
• Walnut Flats Campground
• War Branch Trail (Forest Trail #69)
• War Spur Loop Trail (Forest Trail #68)
• White Rocks Campground

  White Rocks Campground is in a secluded forest setting with cool summertime temperatures and great wildlife watching opportunities. A small creek meanders through several campsites and a nature trail traverses through the woods. Area highlights include Mountain Lake Wilderness, Mountain Lake, Glen Alton Day Use Area, Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Potts Rail Trail, Appalachian Trail, and multiple hiking opportunities.

• Virginias Walk Trail (Forest Trail #71)
• Wolf Creek Day Use Area
• Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District

  Explore recreational opportunities in the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District of the National Forest by activity type below.  

  Also check out adventures specific to Rockbridge county at our partner's website: Rockbridgeoutdoors.com 

• Apple Orchard Falls Trail (Forest Trail #17)
• Balcony Falls Trail (Forest Trail #7)
• Belfast Trail (Forest Trail #9)
• Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area
• Crabtree Falls Day Use Area
• Gunter Ridge Trail (Forest Trail #8)
• Henry Lanum Trail (Forest Trail #702)
• Hopper Creek Group Campground
• Locher Tract
• Mills Creek Trail (Forest Trail #518)
• North Creek Campground
• Old Hotel Trail (Forest Trail #515)
• Piney Ridge Trail (Forest Trail #2)
• Saint Mary's Trail (Forest Trail #500)
• Sherando Lake Recreation Area
• Spy Rock Trail (Forest Trail #732)
• Sulphur Spring Trail (Forest Trail #3001)
• Whetstone Ridge Trail (Forest Trail #523)
• James River and Warm Springs Ranger District

  Visitors to the James River and Warm Springs Ranger District have opportunities to visit two wilderness areas located among the Alleghany Mountains in the western section of Virginia and  336,464 acres of mountains and valleys. The district has over 240 miles of multi-use trail and over 300 miles of roads. One of its most popular recreation destinations is Lake Moomaw, one of the largest lakes in Virginia, with 43 miles of undeveloped shoreline, campgrounds, and day use areas, including 3 boat launches. There, visitors can go both cold and warm water fishing, boating, picnicking, and camping. The closest town to the district is Hot Springs, Virginia.

• Anthony Knob Trail (Forest Trail #460)
• Back Creek Gorge (Forest Trail #516)
• Bat Lick Trail (Forest Trail #641)
• Bear Rock Trail (Forest Trail #635)
• Blowing Springs Campground
• Blue Suck Run Trail (Forest Trail #666)
• Brushy Ridge (Forest Trail #456)
• Children's Forest Long Loop (Forest Trail #627)
• Children's Forest Trail (Forest Trail #628)
• Children’s Forest Trail (Forest Trail #626)
• Cobbler Mountain Access Trail (Forest TR #611.1)
• Cocks Comb Trail (Forest Trail #465)
• Cold Springs Run Trail (Forest Trail #634)
• Cove Trail (Forest Trail #468)
• Dry Run Trail (Forest Trail #471)
• Fore Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #473)
• Gillam Run Trail (Forest Trail #638)
• Green Pastures Recreation Area
• Hidden Valley Recreation Area

  With vast fields of wildflowers that attract countless butterflies, birds, and other wildlife, the Hidden Valley Recreation Area is appropriately named due to its secluded and hidden feeling. Drawing visitors for hundreds of years, the valley is a historic location with an antebellum-era mansion which is now run as a Bed and Breakfast. Camping is available at the campground. Stocked with trout, the Jackson River flows through the valley, and movie buffs will recognize the area as the setting for the movie Somersby.

• Bogan Run Trail (Forest Trail #614)
• Hidden Valley West Trail (Forest Trail #610)
• Jackson River Fishing Trail (Forest Trail #603)
• Jackson Trail (Forest Trail #469A)
• Jerry’s Run Trail (Forest Trail #659)
• Knoll Wayside Trail (Forest Trail #304)
• Lake Moomaw Recreation

  Lake Moomaw is a popular outdoor recreation destination offering multiple campgrounds, swim beaches, boating ramps, fishing piers and scenic trails. Popular with boaters and anglers, the 2,530-acre cold-water lake sits along the Jackson River in the mountains of the Alleghany Highlands where it boasts over 40 miles of undeveloped shoreline.

  Visitors can plan to base their adventures at recreation sites at the northern end of Lake Moomaw in Bath County or in the southern end of Lake Moomaw in Alleghany County.

• Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

  Bolar Mountain Recreation Area at Lake Moomaw offers visitors a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides opportunities for plenty of activities, including camping, boating, fishing and hiking, as well as volleyball and a playground. The recreation area sits on the northern end of Lake Moomaw, a manmade lake covering 2,530 acres along the Jackson River. The lake's average depth is 80 feet and it has 43 miles of wooded shoreline. Bolar Mountain boasts 11 miles of hiking trails that lead to two impressive scenic overlooks: Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point Overlook.

   

• Bolar Loop Trail (Forest Trail #722)
• Bolar Picnic Trail Spur (Forest Trail #725)
• Island Overlook Spur Trail (Forest Trail #726)
• Roadside Trail (Forest Trail #724)
• Cole Trail (Forest Trail #425)
• Kelly Bridge Trail (Forest Trail #462)
• Fortney Branch Boat Launch
• Fortney Loop Trail (Forest Trail #418)
• Greenwood Point Campground
• Greenwood Point Trail (Forest Trail #720)
• Morris Hill Campground

  Morris Hill at Lake Moomaw offers a peaceful, rustic campground. The campground offers scenic views from its perch on a ridge above the southern end of Lake Moomaw. Located just a half-mile from the lakeshore, this campground provides easy access to sandy swim beaches, a fishing pier, boat ramp, and hiking and biking trails. 

  Hikers enjoy the nearby Morris Hill Bike Trail and Fortney Loop Trail.

• Morris Hill Bike Trail (Forest Trail #352)
• Laurel Fork Trails
• Laurel Run Trail (Forest Trail #622)
• Little Mare Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #714)
• Locust Springs Day Use Area

  Nature viewers enjoy unusual vegetation normally found several hundred miles to the north. Red Spruce and northern hardwoods such as birch, beech, and maple reside here due to frigid soil temperatures. Enjoy the Buck Run and/or the Locust Springs Trails, or hike down one of the trails to Laurel Fork. Visit the adjacent spring which forms the headwaters of Locust Spring Run.

• Lost Woman Lower Loop Trail (Forest Trail #612)
• Lost Woman Upper Loop Trail (Forest Trail #613)
• McAllister Fields Trail (Forest Trail #47)
• McGraw Horse Trail (Forest Trail #354)
• Muddy Run Trail (Forest Trail# 481B)
• North Mountain Overlook Trail (Forest Trail #351)
• North Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #467)
• Oliver Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #469)
• Piney Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #453)
• Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
• Rhododendron Trail (Forest Trail #350)
• Rich Hole Trail (Forest Trail #464)
• Salt Pond Ridge Trail (Forest Trail #620)
• Sandy Gap Trail (Forest Trail #637)
• Tower Hill Mountain (Forest Trail #452)
• Walton Tract Canoe Access Point

  The Walton Tract Canoe Access Point is located on a former dairy farm along the Cowpasture River.  In addition to canoeing, there are opportunities for fishing and hiking.  Follow the hiking signs for access to the Beards Mountain Trail which can be reached by crossing a swinging bridge.

• Beards Mountain (Forest Trail #459)
• White Rock Tower Trail (Forest Trail #466)
• Yaccrs Run Trail (Forest Trail #658)
• Lee Ranger District

  Recreational opportunities in the Lee Ranger District.

• Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area
• Discovery Way Accessible Trail
• Edith's Gap Launch Site
• Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area
• Hawk Recreation Area
• Lions Tail (Forest Trail #407)
• Lions Tale Accessible Trail
• Little Fort Campground
• Massanutten Storybook Trail (Forest Trail #642)
• Mill Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #1004)
• Scothorn Gap Trail (Forest Trail #555)
• Tomahawk Pond Day Use Area
• Trout Pond Recreation Area
• Tuscarora - Bear Wallow Trail (Forest Trail #405.2
• Tuscarora - County Line Trail (Forest TR #1013.1)
• Tuscarora - Doll Ridge Trail (Forest Trail #405.3)
• Tuscarora - Little N. Mountain (Forest TR #405.4)
• Tuscarora - Pond Run Trail (Forest TR #1013.2)
• Tuscarora - Three Ponds Trail (Forest TR #1013.1)
• Tuscarora - Veach Gap Trail (Forest Trail #405.1)
• Wolf Gap Recreation Area
• Woodstock Hang Gliding Site
• Woodstock Tower Observation Site
• Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

  The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area offers unique recreation opportunities in a 5,000ft high area with large rock formations, mountain balds, and spruce-fir forests. Within Mount Rogers, there are four wilderness areas, 400 miles of trail, eleven campgrounds, three rental cabins, and beautiful scenic roads, such as the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway and road to Whitetop Mountain. Mt. Rogers is home to 60 miles of Appalachian Trail and 18 miles of the Virginia Creeper Trail. Motorcyclists and cyclists can enjoy the beautiful Iron Mountain Trail, and horseback-riders can enjoy the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, one of the marque saddle trails in the region. In addition, visitors to Mount Rogers have the opportunity to go hunting, trout fishing, bird watching, sight-seeing, swimming, cross country skiing, and nature-viewing of animals such as wild ponies.  

   

• Beartree Recreation Area

  Relax at this popular, yet peaceful recreation area beside Beartree Lake complete with campsites, a picnic area, nearby trails and a scenic lake. Campsites are popular with tent campers since there are no hookups, but RVs are welcome and easily accommodated. Group sites are available with reservations.

• Beartree Lake Trail (Forest Trail #4563)
• Blue Springs Gap Cabin
• Comers Rock Recreation Area
• Creek Junction Accessible Fishing Trail
• Elk Garden Trailhead
• Fox Creek Horse Campground
• Green Cove Station Visitor Center
• Grindstone Recreation Area
• Hurricane Campground
• Pat Jennings Visitor Center
• Raccoon Branch Campground
• Raven Cliff Recreation Area
• Settlers Museum of Southwest Virginia
• Stony Fork Cabin
• Stony Fork Campground
• Sunrise Cabin
• Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail
• Whitetop Mountain Observation Site
• Whitetop Station Visitor Center
• North River Ranger District

  Recreational opportunities in the North River Ranger District.

• Ant Hill Trail (Forest Trail #422)
• Blueberry Trail (Forest Trail #544A)
• Braley Pond Day Use Area
• Brandywine Recreation Area

  Located on the 10-acre Brandywine Lake, this wooded recreation area affords access to multiple hiking and mountain biking trails, a swimming beach, and a campground with an onsite host.

• Saw Mill Trail (Forest Trail #1035)
• Confederate Breastworks Interpretive Site

  A popular scenic viewing area for fall foliage, this winding 0.5 mile interpretive trail meanders along the top of Shenandoah Mountain. Relive the events of April 1862 through the letters of Captain Shepherd Pryor, a member of the 12th Georgia Regiment, to his wife. This is also a popular access point to the gently rolling Shenandoah Mountain Trail, and Ramseys Draft Wilderness.

• Confederate Breastworks Trail (Forest Trail #472)
• Hidden Rocks (Forest Trail #511)
• High Knob (Forest Trail #1021)
• Hone Quarry Campground

  Hone Quarry Campground is within one mile of Hone Quarry Reservoir. Nearby trailheads lead to popular rock climbing areas. Highlights of the campground include a picturesque stream, a hike to a nearby 15-foot waterfall and an adjacent group picnic shelter that is non-fee and is available first-come first-served. 

• Cliff Trail (Forest Trail #429)
• Mountain House Day Use Area
• Mud Pond Gap (Forest Trail #544)
• Narrowback Trail (Forest Trail #432)
• North Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #443)
• North River Campground
• North River Gorge Trail (Forest Trail #538)
• Shaws Fork Campground
• Shenandoah Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #447)
• Shenandoah Mountain Trail North (Forest TR #102)
• Slate Lick Trail (Forest Trail #593)
• Todd Lake Recreation Area
• Wild Oak Trail (Forest Trail #716)