Trails

Buchanan County

Wildlife abounds in habitats that traverse cliff-sides and rugged terrain, mountain forests, river bottoms, rhododendron thickets, grassy meadows, ponds and lakes. Bird-watching can be spectacular year-round, especially during migration. Trails which meander through mature forests and rhododendron thickets should produce a variety of migratory neotropical passerines in both spring and fall. In fall, the many overlooks within this park should also produce optimal views of hawks in migration. During the summers, this park is home to a large number of nesting neotropical songbirds.

Washington County

The Virginia Creeper Trail is possibly the easiest, prettiest mountain bike ride you will ever encounter. The Trail, which is actually the retired railway corridor of the Virginia - Carolina Railroad, has become one of the most popular bicycling trail destinations in the eastern United States. With its gently descending grade and well-groomed surface, lending itself perfectly to downhill adventures, the Virginia Creeper Trail is an attractive mountain-bike ride for cyclists of diverse abilities.

Russell County

The Trans-American Bike Route has been a major route for biking explorers since its inception. The route helps cyclists explore the landscapes and history of America for fitness, fun, and self-discovery. This classic ride offers everything you would expect from a transcontinental crossing over the Appalachian Mountains into Southwest Virginia. You'll encounter all kinds of scenery and terrain, including waterfalls, lakes, lush forests, mountain passes, sweeping vistas, fertile farmlands, rolling hills, and wide rivers.

Montgomery County

Once a railroad, this gorgeous trail winds through plush pastures, quiet neighborhoods, and pockets of woods. Running 5.762 miles from Blacksburg to Christiansburg, the trail offers a paved route that is pleasant for riding bicycles or walking. There are benches spaced along the trail where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. As you continue along this meandering trail, you leave the city and enter into rural farmland, passing behind quiet homes and through open fields and forests.

Buchanan County

Hike or Bike the beautiful Michael Young Memorial Hiking Trail. Start in Grundy at New House Branch Route 83 on Slade Creek. Two and half miles one way along the mountain, with a mix of hills and flat land. Perfect for mountain bikes and hiking.

Galax (City)

New River Trail State Park has been designated an official National Recreation Trail by the U. S. Department of the Interior. The park parallels 39 miles of the New River, which is one of the world's oldest rivers and among a handful of rivers flowing north Park Size: 765 acres. Width averages 80 feet; length from Galax to Pulaski, 51.5 miles; Fries Branch, 5.5 miles; the total length is 57 miles.

Washington County

No matter whether you're a novice hiker or veteran ridge runner, the Appalachian Trail offers unparalleled opportunities to explore, experience and connect with nature in Southwest Virginia. From the Highlands of Mount Rogers, across the edge of Burkes Garden, through the valley in Bland, to the mountains of Giles County, there's a hike available for every level of experience. Whether you hike the Appalachian Trail for an afternoon, a weekend, or a season, a little planning will go a long way in ensuring your hike is enjoyable and safe.

Grayson County

No matter whether you're a novice hiker or veteran ridge runner, the Appalachian Trail offers unparalleled opportunities to explore, experience and connect with nature in Southwest Virginia. From the Highlands of Mount Rogers, across the edge of Burkes Garden, through the valley in Bland, to the mountains of Giles County, there's a hike available for every level of experience. Whether you hike the Appalachian Trail for an afternoon, a weekend, or a season, a little planning will go a long way in ensuring your hike is enjoyable and safe.

Tazewell County

No matter whether you're a novice hiker or veteran ridge runner, the Appalachian Trail offers unparalleled opportunities to explore, experience and connect with nature in Southwest Virginia. From the Highlands of Mount Rogers, across the edge of Burkes Garden, through the valley in Bland, to the mountains of Giles County, there's a hike available for every level of experience. Whether you hike the Appalachian Trail for an afternoon, a weekend, or a season, a little planning will go a long way in ensuring your hike is enjoyable and safe.

Smyth County

No matter whether you're a novice hiker or veteran ridge runner, the Appalachian Trail offers unparalleled opportunities to explore, experience and connect with nature in Southwest Virginia. From the Highlands of Mount Rogers, across the edge of Burkes Garden, through the valley in Bland, to the mountains of Giles County, there's a hike available for every level of experience. Whether you hike the Appalachian Trail for an afternoon, a weekend, or a season, a little planning will go a long way in ensuring your hike is enjoyable and safe.