hiking trails near charlottesville va

Charlottesville, Virginia, is a beautiful city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains․ With its stunning scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that Charlottesville is a popular destination for hikers․ There are many great hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs․ Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’re sure to find a trail that’s perfect for you․

The Priest Wilderness Loop

The Priest Wilderness Loop is a challenging but rewarding hike located in the George Washington National Forest․ The loop trail is 10․5 miles long and takes an average of 5-7 hours to complete․ The trail is mostly uphill, with a total elevation gain of 2,500 feet․ However, the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains make the climb worthwhile․ Along the way, you’ll pass by waterfalls, streams, and old-growth forests․ The Priest Wilderness Loop is a popular hike, so be sure to start early to avoid the crowds․ And don’t forget to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail․

Highlights⁚

• Stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
• Waterfalls, streams, and old-growth forests
• Challenging but rewarding hike

Tips⁚

• Start early to avoid the crowds
• Bring plenty of water and snacks
• Wear sturdy hiking boots
• Be prepared for all types of weather

Directions⁚

From Charlottesville, VA, take Route 29 north for about 20 miles․ Turn left onto Route 664 and drive for about 5 miles․ The trailhead will be on your left․

Parking⁚

There is a small parking lot at the trailhead․

The Appalachian Trail from Waynesboro to Rockfish Gap

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a legendary hiking trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine․ The AT passes through Virginia, and one of the most popular sections is the hike from Waynesboro to Rockfish Gap․ This section of the AT is 9․8 miles long and takes an average of 4-6 hours to complete․ The trail is mostly downhill, with a total elevation loss of 2,500 feet․ Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful forests, cross streams, and climb over rocky outcrops․ The AT from Waynesboro to Rockfish Gap is a challenging but rewarding hike, and it’s a great way to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains․

Highlights⁚

• Hike a section of the legendary Appalachian Trail
• Stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
• Challenging but rewarding hike

Tips⁚

• Start early to avoid the crowds
• Bring plenty of water and snacks
• Wear sturdy hiking boots
• Be prepared for all types of weather

Directions⁚

From Charlottesville, VA, take Route 250 west for about 15 miles․ Turn right onto Route 340 and drive for about 5 miles․ The trailhead will be on your left․

Parking⁚

There is a small parking lot at the trailhead․

The Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail

The Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail is a short but scenic hike that takes you through an abandoned railroad tunnel․ The trail is located in Shenandoah National Park, just a short drive from Charlottesville․ The hike is 3․5 miles round-trip and takes an average of 1-2 hours to complete․ The trail is mostly flat, making it a good option for families with young children․ Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands․ The highlight of the hike is the Blue Ridge Tunnel, which is over 400 feet long․ The tunnel is dark and damp, so be sure to bring a flashlight․

Highlights⁚

• Hike through an abandoned railroad tunnel
• Beautiful scenery along the way
• Short and easy hike, making it a good option for families

Tips⁚

• Bring a flashlight to explore the tunnel
• Be prepared for all types of weather
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes

Directions⁚

From Charlottesville, VA, take Route 250 west for about 15 miles․ Turn right onto Route 340 and drive for about 5 miles․ The trailhead will be on your left;

Parking⁚

There is a small parking lot at the trailhead․

The Humpback Rocks Trail

The Humpback Rocks Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you to the summit of Humpback Rocks, one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains․ The trail is located in Shenandoah National Park, just a short drive from Charlottesville․ The hike is 4․8 miles round-trip and takes an average of 2-3 hours to complete․ The trail is mostly steep, with some rocky sections, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes․ Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys․ The summit of Humpback Rocks offers 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley․

Highlights⁚

• Hike to the summit of Humpback Rocks
• Stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley
• Challenging but rewarding hike

Tips⁚

• Be prepared for all types of weather
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes
• Bring plenty of water and snacks

Directions⁚

From Charlottesville, VA, take Route 250 west for about 15 miles․ Turn right onto Route 340 and drive for about 5 miles․ The trailhead will be on your left․

Parking⁚

There is a small parking lot at the trailhead․

The Piney River Trail

The Piney River Trail is a beautiful and relatively easy hike that follows the Piney River through a lush forest․ The trail is located in Shenandoah National Park, just a short drive from Charlottesville․ The hike is 5․5 miles round-trip and takes an average of 2-3 hours to complete․ The trail is mostly flat, with a few small hills, so it’s a good option for hikers of all levels․ Along the way, you’ll cross several bridges and see a variety of wildflowers and wildlife․ The trail ends at a scenic waterfall, where you can take a break and enjoy the views․

Highlights⁚

• Follow the Piney River through a lush forest
• See a variety of wildflowers and wildlife
• End at a scenic waterfall

Tips⁚

• Be prepared for all types of weather
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes
• Bring plenty of water and snacks

Directions⁚

From Charlottesville, VA, take Route 250 west for about 15 miles․ Turn right onto Route 340 and drive for about 5 miles․ The trailhead will be on your left․

Parking⁚

There is a small parking lot at the trailhead․

The James River Park System Trails

The James River Park System is a network of parks and trails that follows the James River through the city of Richmond, Virginia․ The park system includes over 500 miles of trails, ranging from easy walking paths to challenging mountain biking trails․ There are several trailheads located within a short drive of Charlottesville, making it easy to access the park system․ One popular trail is the James River Heritage Trail, which follows the river for 51 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay․ The trail is mostly flat and paved, making it a good option for hikers of all levels․ Along the way, you’ll pass by historical sites, parks, and wildlife viewing areas․

Highlights⁚

• Over 500 miles of trails
• Trails for all levels of hikers
• Follows the James River through the city of Richmond

Tips⁚

• Be prepared for all types of weather
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes
• Bring plenty of water and snacks

Directions⁚

From Charlottesville, VA, take Route 29 south for about 40 miles․ Take Exit 185B onto Route 146 west․ The trailhead will be on your right․

Parking⁚

There is a large parking lot at the trailhead․