Hinton, Virginia

What used to be an artillery testing site during WWII, Dolly Sods is a great place for backpackers of almost any expertise. Water is easily found throughout the wilderness area and while 21 miles might feel like a lot, it is very manageable over the course of 3 days.  Attached (at the bottom) is...

The Bear Rocks Preserve is a 477 acre land tract maintained and supported by The Nature Conservancy.  Offering a diverse range of plant species more commonly seen in the Northeast, visitors will find blueberries, huckleberries, mountain laurel, azalea, and rhododendron among the sandstone outcrop...

Pinnacles Overlook in Shenandoah National Park is a southern facing overlook in the Central District that provides one of the best views of Old Rag.   Looking south over the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 3,320 foot overlook has a great view of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains as well as a valley th...

A free entrance and parking area for about a half dozen cars off Freeland Road features this quick adventure for all ages. The Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Freeland Boardwalk offers a variety of wildlife and environments like Ponds, Wetlands, Forests, and a natural limestone spring....

Though this beautiful hike is a serious workout, it's actually quite easy to follow. It's also listed on Google Maps - I'd highly recommend downloading the map offline just in case something happens. Starting at the trailhead (park at a pull-off along the gravel road just a few hundred feet befor...

This cozy little overlook is very simple to get to. If you are coming from I 64, after taking exit 99 towards Shenandoah National Park, turn right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway when the exit comes to a "T-stop". From there, it's 10 miles down the Parkway on your right. You will see a clearly marke...

Sherando Lake is a beautifully maintained dog/family friendly campground situated between two lakes. Upper Sherando Lake is available for fishing only but the larger, 25 acre, Lower Sherando Lake offers swimming, fishing, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach.  The campground is divided into three ...

Located next to Wintergreen Resort, Devils Knob is super easy to get to and has an amazing 180 degree panoramic view. Looking Southwest over the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 3,800 foot overlook had a great view of Three Ridge Mountain and the Priest. Located on Devils Kno...

Park in The Slacks Overlook parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, around milepost 20. From there exit the parking lot back onto the road and head left. About 300 feet from the parking lot there is the trail entrance. It isn't too hard to find if you are looking for it, but there aren't any marki...

Note: We usually get a chance to take this trip in the summer, so please pay attention to the weather and pack accordingly. This description is for a July/August hike and the temperatures were in the 80s during the day and 60s at night. During this time of year rain showers are always a possibili...

Located at mile marker 19 along the Blue Ridge Parkway, 20 Minute Cliff Overlook is super easy to access and has an amazing 180 degree panoramic view. Looking West over the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 2,715 foot overlook has a great view of the Priest to the South, Maintop Mountain and Fork Mounta...

This place has it all : a bomb fire pit, live music, distillery, restaurant, 48 taps, mountain views, and more!  Not to mention, it’s in a great location for exploring. It’s close to tons of breweries, wineries, and cideries, it’s just a few miles from the Appalachian trail, and close to Shenando...

Starting at the Blackwater Falls Lodge, head to the left side of the parking lot, where a trailhead becomes visible. Follow the clearly marked trail down until you reach a bridge which goes over the top of the falls. After the bridge, look for paths to allow you to get to the river level and the ...

Range View Overlook in Shenandoah National Park is an amazing spot to watch the sunrise and sunset where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the rolling hills. Range View Overlook has views of Jenkins Mountain to the south, Pignet Mountain and Mary’s Rock to the southwest, and Hogback Mountain to the w...

Blackwater Falls State Park is one of 36 state parks in West Virginia and is located just north of the Canaan Valley less than two miles from Davis, WV.  Blackwater Falls State Park has over 2,000 acres, making it a great place to camp while you explore the beautiful area.  The campground has 65 ...

If you go to Blackwater Falls State Park for the falls, stay for the overlooks.  This one, the most popular in the park, overlooks Blackwater Canyon from 3,000 feet above.  Although the parking area at the trailhead is small with room for only 4-5 cars, you can also park along the road or at the ...