Head out and see the fall foliage in all its glory offered to you on the variety of amazing locations of fall hiking trails in Virginia.
This state is situated perfectly to give you amazing fall colors, mountain ridges to admire, and some amazing views that will look down at the glorious landscape below. Put your hiking boots on and head to one of the most historic states in the country for some fall colors that will be part of your memories for a long time.
Head to McAfee Knob on Catawba Mountain
The Appalachian Trail is one of the most popular places for hiking in the country. Catawba Mountain is extremely popular for the views you see below in the valley, where you’ll admire the trees that are turning during your fall hiking adventure. McAfee Knob is the trail route you’ll want to take to visit a platform that offers you the views over the valley below. The best time to hike this trail is in the mornings or on weekdays, which allows you to avoid the crowds that can gather to enjoy this trail. The total hike is 8.5 miles, giving you a nice, long, peaceful walk to your destination.
Falling Springs Falls Offers a Beautiful Site
The drive to Covington, VA, is worth the drive to see the amazing views of Falling Spring Falls with the water cascading down the mountain with the trees in the background. This is one of the most photographed spots in the Allegheny Mountains and is easily one of the best fall hiking trails in Virginia. Incidentally, this waterfall is the tallest drop of all the waterfalls in the state, with its 80-foot drop from the top to the rocks that are waiting for the water to shape them below.
Find Several Amazing Views in the Priest Wilderness
Near the town of Steeles Tavern, VA, you’ll find the Priest Wilderness, which is a 5,964-acre reserve that is set aside as a protected wilderness. Much of this area encompasses Priest Mountain and the springs and streams that meander through the area. The 3.6-mile walk will reward you with a variety of amazing views and picturesque areas that will keep your camera in your hand. You can enjoy two amazing hikes from this area. The trailhead for the upper Crabtree Falls trail can be found at the same location, giving you a couple of hikes you can share with your friends and family.
Head to Nellysford and Hike to Humpback Rocks
Two options await you at the Humpback Rocks area. You can take a 4.3-mile loop or opt for a 2.0-mile out and back trail. Either way, you’re going to quickly agree that this is one of the best fall hiking trails in Virginia. The area is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and you can see as far as the Shenandoah Valley to the north, giving you sweeping views of amazing fall foliage in all its glory.
Take a Historic Potomac Hike in Northern Virginia
The Potomac Hike trail takes you from Riverbend to Great Falls Park along the river. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of some of the most historic figures in our nation’s history. During this hike, you’ll pass an area of the George Washington’s Patowmac Canal along the trail. There is a waterfall overlooking the Great Falls and Mather Gorge to give you the views you want of the beautiful river below. Enjoy this mostly level hike along the Potomac River, where you can see the amazing fall colors and think about the early settlers that spent time in this area.
Listen to the Sounds and See the Beauty at Roaring Run
The Roaring Run trail is located at Eagle Rock, VA, and it’s easily one of the most peaceful and impressive of the fall hiking trails in Virginia. The air is crisp near the stream on your way to the Roaring Run Falls, where you’ll see a beautiful waterfall among the changing trees. The water moves past the old Roaring Run Furnace, which is a 19th-century iron ore furnace that is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Hampstead Road Trial is a Pleasant Fall Hike
This trail, located at Caledon State Park in the King George, VA area, is one that allows you to enjoy the fall colors above and all around you during your hike. The end of the hike takes you to the Potomac River, where you can see Bald Eagles, Osprey, and other wildlife enjoying the protective nature of the park. The old-growth forest and beauty of this park will be a place you want to visit every fall. There are ten hiking trails and four multi-use trails to give you the pleasure of a wonderful experience in this park.
Robertson Mountain Gives You the Views You’ll Love
When you’re making your way through the Shenandoah National Park along Skyline Drive, you can leave this area and explore the many trails near Luray, VA. You’ll see many scenic summits, amazing fall foliage, and running waters during your hiking around this mountain. There are several great places that can be considered some of the best fall hiking trails in Virginia at this mountain location. You might find that you want to spend a few days hiking in this amazing area.
Waller Mills Park Offers a Trail You’ll Love
The wooded trails in Waller Mill Park in Williamsburg, VA, offers you several hiking opportunities to enjoy the beauty and history of the area. One of the most popular and scenic is Lookout Tower Trail which takes you along the waterway on a 2.7-mile trail. The leaves are incredible when you see them reflected on the water. A variety of colorful trees with a mixture of coastal pines are present at this park for you to see the views you want when hiking during your fall vacation in Virginia. Of course, while in Williamsburg, you can enjoy some of the colonial nature of this historic town.
