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Recreation

From lush woods and cold mountain streams to unique mountaintop balds, over 1.8 million acres of Appalachian forests in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky are yours to explore.

Hiking

Persons feet with brown hiking boots on a dirt path

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest has hundreds of miles of trails for hikers. From a smooth path through the deep forest to a challenging ascent of the Appalachian Trail. 

Biking

A person ride a mountain bike on a rocky trial

Whether you are looking for an easy afternoon ride or a challenging chain-breaking opportunity, explore George Washington National Forest on your e-bike, mountain or road bike. 

Horse Riding and Camping

A woman is riding her horse through Manzanita brush surrounded by the forest. She is traversing down a rocky narrow trail.

Enjoy the trails on a horse for the day or stay longer in one of many George Washington and Jefferson's many horse camps. 

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

Fishing fly rod rests on a boat that is surrounded by a lake with a view of trees in the background at sunrise

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests provide multiple opportunities to hunt, fish and engage in shooting sport activities in a safe environment. 

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)

Side by side Off Highway Vehicle with two riders, one female and male on a dirt road with a forest behind them.

Off-Highway Vehicle recreation, including All-Terrain Vehicle and motorcycle use, is just one of the many uses allowed on National Forest lands.

Outdoor Science and Learning

A group of people sit along the rocks at the crest of a mountain beside a wooden building.

Outdoor learning interpretive sites on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest are varied, and each offers a unique insight to the National Forest. 

Picnicking

A picnic table with grassy open space in the background lining with trees.

Picnic areas abound on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. From lakeside beaches to high-Appalachian Mountain views, whether it's a picnic table or a grassy landscape. 

Water Activities

View of a lake with cloudy skies and green hills in the background. A waist high wooden fence in the foreground separates the viewer from the water.

The cool, clean lakes, rivers and streams of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest can be a welcome relief from the heat and sun of the Virginia's summers. 

Winter Sports

Two people cross country skiing in a snow blanketed forest setting

Winter snowstorms to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests bring multiple opportunities to enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Recreation

Showing: 1 - 10 of 243 results

Ant Hill Trail (Forest Trail #422)

Hiking
The Ant Hill Trail is a scenic ridge top trail in the Slate Lick area. This is the northern most established trail on the North River Ranger District.Trail Open To:

Anthony Knob Trail (Forest Trail #460)

Hiking
Anthony Knob Trail takes off from Yaccr’s Run and gains altitude towards Anthony Knob. The trail runs near the top of the ridge and offers some great views of both North Mountain and McKinney’s…

Appalachian Trail

Hiking
The Appalachian Trail, also known as the A.T., is America’s footpath and first National Scenic Trail. The trail traverses 14 states and is marked with two-inch by six-inch white vertical paint…

Apple Orchard Falls Trail (Forest Trail #17)

Hiking
The Apple Orchard Falls National Recreation Trail leaves Sunset Fields at milepost 78.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and winds down Apple Orchard Mountai,n generally following the headwaters of North…

Austin Gap Trail (Forest Trail # 201A)

Hiking
The Austin Gap Trail is a difficult, 4-mile loop trail which climbs 750 ft. The trail features scenic vistas and connections to the Pine Mountain Trail.Trail Open To:

Back Creek Gorge (Forest Trail #516)

Hiking
Back Creek Trail travels along Back Creek, which is a stocked trout stream with several deep pools that are inviting for fishing and swimming. The 1.3-mile trail is an easy trail with less than 50…

Balcony Falls Trail (Forest Trail #7)

Hiking
The Balcony Falls Trail begins at the Locher Tract parking area and follows an old road through the Locher Tract. Off this old road, the trail turns right and meanders with a gentle climb through the…

Bark Camp Lakeshore Trail (Forest Trail #211)

Hiking
The Bark Camp Lakeshore Trail is the perfect setting to fish and view nature and wildlife, including beaver. The trail is flat, with minimum elevation change as it circles Bark Camp Lake. Sections of…

Bark Camp Recreation Area

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
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…