Virginia Mountains terrain is dominated by two large mountain ranges, the Blue Ridge Mountains west Virginia and the Allegheny Mountains, each of which has a number of fantastic hiking and climbing locations. Shenandoah National Park has some of the most well-known and possibly most stunning mountains in Virginia.
Virginia mountains are unique in that they are heavily forested, making hikes enjoyable and shaded, the routes are lined with wildflowers, and the sporadic rocky outcrops offer wonderful views of the surroundings. They are teeming with fauna. There are straightforward, enjoyable mountains in Virginia that are ideal for day hikes, while farther-off, more Rocky Mountains offer a more alone experience.
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1. Buck Ridge
At Shenandoah National Park, next to Marys Rock, Buck Ridge is a ridge that is just off the main crest of the Blue Ridge mountains west Virginia at a height of 2,655 feet. It travels for roughly three miles in a south-westerly direction until it reaches Skyline Drive. There, it continues to climb before connecting with the range’s crest south of Marys Rock. Expect no vistas because it is too densely wooded; instead, savor the tranquility, of old-growth trees, streams, and wildflowers. As one might anticipate from the southern Appalachians, the creek that runs through Buck Hollow is bordered by moss-covered boulders, lively little cascades, and clear pools. From May through early June, when you’ll be walking among a sea of wildflowers, is the greatest time to hike Buck Ridge.
2. Mount Massanutten
In the southernmost point of the Massanutten Mountains, close to Harrisonburg, is Massanutten Peak, a peak with a height of 2,922 feet. Although the Massanutten Resort is the destination for excellent skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding, resort visitors also enjoy mountain hikes in the vicinity. One of the few privately owned mountains in the Massanutten Mountains is Massanutten Peak. The hike provides spectacular views of Kaylor, Hartman, and Lairds Knob in addition to the Blue Ridge Mountains west Virginia in Shenandoah National Park. Despite being on private land, the route is accessible to anybody, not just resort guests. During the hunting season, which runs from early November to late February, the trail is not open for hiking.
3. Little Walker Mountain
Little Walker Mountain is a 3,340-foot-tall ridge that forms a typical Blue Ridge profile by running northeast to southwest for nearly 20 miles. On both extremities, the ridge rises about 1,000 feet higher than its base. A southern Appalachian hardwood forest with chestnut oak, northern white oak, sugar maple, some white pine groves, and a few Carolina hemlocks covers the entire ridge, which is a part of the Jefferson National Forest. Over the highest ridges of Little Walker Mountain, the Seven Sisters Trail extends for roughly 5 miles. Although not the simplest hike, the trail is lined with wildflowers. You can appreciate your alone because the trail is well-marked and hardly utilized.
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4. Jones Mountain
Shenandoah National Park stands apart from other outstanding parks in the nation because it is so close to important urban areas, allowing many people to enjoy hiking through the wilderness. Yet, it also implies crowds. Places like 3,482-foot-tall Jones Mountain and its exposed outcrop of Bear Church Rock are popular with people seeking seclusion. The majority of hikers you may encounter are going to or coming from the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club’s Jones Mountain Lodge. The peaceful and unhurried mountaintop walk is lined with vibrant lichens and wildflowers. Except for the hunting season, the park is open all year long. Skyline Drive also closes after significant snow or ice storms. In near proximity is Big Meadows Campground.
5. Mountain Walker
Walker Mountain, often known as Great Walker Mountain, is a relatively common Blue Ridge summit in southwest Virginia that rises 3,894 feet. The summits are covered in thick hardwood forests with a variety of tree species, including sugar maples, bitternut hickories, shagbark hickories, and northern white oaks. Those who enjoy the variety of plants will find hiking through these woodlands to be a great delight. Walker Mountain, which is a component of the Big Walker National Scenic Byway, is well-known for its exclusive lookout tower situated on VA 52. The 100-foot-tall tower costs $5 to enter. The Walker Mountain Trail, which follows the highest part of the ridge, is located just after the tower. The path climbs and descends while navigating a few small saddles and gaps in between the peaks. For quick bushwhacks to the higher summits, you can also veer off the beaten path. The trail is well-maintained, well-marked, and not frequently utilized. You will climb around 1,400 feet in elevation from the Appalachian Trail to the high point near the Big Walker Lookout.
6. The Peak
The Peak, at 2,925 feet, is neither the tallest nor the most well-known because there are no hiking trails that lead up to it. Its uniqueness comes from the fact that the Thoroughfare Gap separates it from Mount Marshal and the main crest of the Blue Ridge. It appears enormous and intimidating because of the tremendous drop it makes to farmlands far below. It is also largely wild, with few people present. If you do choose to climb the Peak, do so in the spring when it is covered in lush vegetation and wildflowers. The changing colors of the leaves in the fall are very beautiful, but be ready for some bushwhacking because there is a lot of dense, thorny undergrowth. Little country roads on the east side of the park, rather than Skyline Road, offer the best access to the Peak. This will also guarantee a good experience when alone.
7. Buffalo Mountain
Buffalo Mountain, which rises to a height of 3,971 feet, is preserved by the Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve. It dominates the high plateau by itself and towers more than 1,000 feet above the surroundings. Wide expanses of exposed rock make up its peak, which is home to a peculiar plant community that is uncommon for the area. Though such naked mountain peaks are often not so prevalent, there is no significant tree line, as is typical in the South. About a mile long, the trail to the peak rises steadily, gaining nearly 700 feet in elevation. Nevertheless, the hike is enjoyable and takes place in a gorgeous hardwood forest with a few evergreen trees. The views from the summit of the Blue Ridge region are also excellent. Its name comes from the summit’s two pointed summits, which resemble horns.
8. Rocky Knob
Rocky Knob is a 3,572-foot-tall mountain that extends for a few miles along the Virginia section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Unlike many other Blue Ridge summits, Rocky Knob is not actually rocky and is not open at the top as one might anticipate. Yet, you will be rewarded with a lovely view because there aren’t many gaps in the woods. The vista of Rock Castle Gorge, 1,800 feet below, is among the most stunning. A trail that was formerly a wagon road runs through the gorge. Rocky Knob is a summit to climb while traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects North Carolina’s Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There aren’t many trails leading to the peak, and the longest one is barely a mile long with a 500-foot height rise.
9. Mountain Trayfoot
The second-highest peak in the South District of Shenandoah National Park is Trayfoot Mountain, which rises to a height of 3,374 feet. Although it is easily seen from the top of Blackrock, not many people go there. Although Trayfoot is not far from Skyline Road, it stays away from becoming one of the most populated summits. The trail around Trayfoot Mountain winds through some lovely, outlying regions of Shenandoah Park, although it is sometimes overgrown with leaves, making it simple to miss. The mountain’s two major summits are connected by a mile-long ridge. On the top, vistas are obstructed by trees, but there is enough open space to observe Blackrock’s rocky slopes.
10. Mountain Bearfence
For those who want to hike over rocks, Bearfence Mountain, which has an elevation of 3,620 feet, is one of the most well-liked locations in Shenandoah Park. Two intriguing rock formations that offer breathtaking views are crossed by the trail as it ascends to the summit. In contrast to excursions through the forests in other parks, the trail to the top rocks the entire way. There are various locations with stunning views, including a clearing atop several sizable rocks known as Bearfence Rocks, which is frequently mistaken for the summit. Many hikers choose not to continue to the genuine top, which is covered in trees, due to the breathtaking views in all directions. The trail off the Bootens Gap Appalachian Trail is longer and easier if you don’t want to climb over boulders, but you’ll miss the best views.
11. Mountain Turk
One of the best walks in Shenandoah National Park is Turk Mountain, which has a height of 2,981 feet. Fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and the Shenandoah Valley may be had from its expansive summit, which is made up of granite outcroppings. You need to scramble a little to get to the peak, which is also surrounded by gorgeous vistas, from the rocky summit. Turk Mountain is situated in the southern Shenandoah Mountains, between Rockfish Gap and Swift Run Gap, further away from major cities and hence less frequented and crowded. On the other hand, it contains numerous granite outcroppings, steep rock slides, and stunning open views. You can climb 1,000 feet in elevation on a 4.8-mile trail that is about average length. Beautiful white rocks make up the summit.
