September 26, 2023 - Virginia Hiking and Camping Adventures

Backpacking, Hiking, & Camping in Virginia & West Virginia. Allegheny Mountains, Appalachian Trail, Blackwater Falls State Park, Old Dominion, Chesapeake Bay, James River Park, Jefferson National Forest, Mountain Bike Trails, Shenandoah National Park, Tidewater Region, Virginia’s Three Ridges and more.

Hiking Virginia: A Guide to the Area’s Greatest Hiking Adventures

Inside readers will find full-color photos, detailed color maps, accurate route profiles showing the ups and downs of each hike, tips on equipment, trip planning, hiking with dogs and children, accurate directions, difficulty ratings, trail contacts, and more.

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Backpacking Virginia: The Definitive Guide to 40 Can’t-Miss Trips from Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Ocean

Enjoy hiking destinations from Cumberland Gap in southwest Virginia to the New River Valley, the heart of the Blue Ridge, and Shenandoah National Park, and all the way out to the Atlantic coast.

Virginia’s Cumberland Gap National Historic Park: Pinnacle Overlook

Timberland Men’s Anti-Fatigue Hiking Waterproof Leather Mt. Maddsen Boots

Best Tent Camping: Virginia

For beginning adventurers and seasoned veterans alike, Best Tent Camping: Virginia is the key to enjoying the great natural beauty of the Virginia landscape.

Hike Virginia North of US 60: 51 Hikes from the Allegheny Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay

Explore 51 of Virginia’s best options for short walks, hiking excursions, and backpacking adventures!

From the craggy summits of the Allegheny Mountains to the soft shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia north of US 60 is an unparalleled region. The area is diverse and beautiful, and the plants and wildlife are varied and abundant. To truly see and appreciate the land’s natural wonders, a person should travel on foot.

In the eastern coastal plain, walk for miles upon quiet beaches, and see herons and egrets as they fish in swamps, ponds, and slow-moving streams. Upon the rolling piedmont of central Virginia, pass between grassy meadows with open views and mixed hardwood forests. Trails in the Blue Ridge and Massanutten mountains descend past waterfalls into valleys and coves. The mountains of western Virginia are the least populated. Here you’ll find the most isolated and quiet hiking and have the best chance of viewing the state’s abundant wildlife. Plus, hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Trail create opportunities for backpacking.

Backpacking & Exploring Virginia’s Waterfalls

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Hiking Waterfalls Virginia

This guide will take you through state and national parks, forests, monuments and wilderness areas, and from popular city parks to the most remote and secluded corners of the area to view the most spectacular waterfalls.

Timberland Women’s Norwood Mid Waterproof Boots

Hike Virginia South of US 60: 51 Hikes from the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Coast

In the east, walk for miles upon quiet beaches or hike across Tidewater lands preserved for migrating birds. Upon the rolling piedmont of central Virginia, discover historic sites from the days of the Civil War, as well as hikes around lakes both large and small. To the west, negotiate the ups and downs of the Blue Ridge region, where the rewards are well worth the effort. Gaze at wave after wave of Southern Appalachian ridgelines and at dozens of waterfalls that gush down steep slopes.

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Easy Day Hikes: Blue Ridge Parkway

Concise descriptions and detailed maps for 34 easy-to-follow trails from the southern end of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

Thirty-minute strolls to full-day adventures
Hikes for everyone, including families
Great hikes featuring waterfalls and wildflowers; great hikes for dogs
Mile-by-mile directions and clear trail maps
Zero-impact tips

Venture Pal Ultralight Backpack

Timberland Kids Mt. Maddsen Leather Hiking Boots

Waterfalls of Virginia & West Virginia: 174 Falls in the Old Dominion and the Mountain State

Waterfalls create a feeling of serenity, a sense of restrained power. Their grandeur takes our breath away. Their gentle sounds complement periods of meditation. The informative guidebook pairs professional photographs of every waterfall with all the information you need, including directions, distance, hike difficulty, and more.

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How to Hike the Appalachian Trail

A Comprehensive Guide to Plan and Prepare for a Successful Thru-Hike.

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Appalachian Trail: Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland [Map Pack Bundle]

The map and trail profile provide a step-by-step visual guide to hiking the trail. Along the bottom of each page is a trail profile that shows the distance between shelters, camping areas, and trail access points.

Identifying Trees of Virginia: A Simple Identification Guidebook To Identify Tree Leaves, Bark, Seeds, Fruits, and Flowers

Hiking West Virginia

From rugged Appalachian ridges to verdant river valleys, this guide details 50 of the very best hiking trails in the state. Inside you’ll find detailed maps, mile-by-mile trail descriptions, backpacking tips, and informative details about landmarks and natural history.

Hiking Backpack with Rain Cover

Columbia Men’s Redmond V2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Hiking Shoes

Best Tent Camping: West Virginia

A guidebook for tent campers who like quiet, scenic, and serene campsites.

Weekend Camping Cookbook: Over 100 Delicious Recipes for Campfire and Grilling

Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway: The Ultimate Travel Guide to America’s Most Popular Scenic Roadway

There has never been a better time to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway! This updated edition of Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway is ideal for anyone who uses the Parkway as a portal to the Southern Appalachian experience. It includes the best trails in the national forests, state parks, and private preserves that line the 469-mile roadway—from the southern end of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

SKYSPER Hiking Backpack

Hiking Activity Book for Kids: 35 Fun Projects for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Hiking is an amazing way for kids to explore the great outdoors and learn new things about the world around them. This book is filled with 35 hands-on hiking projects that encourage kids to get outside, gain important skills, and discover all the awesome lessons nature can teach them.

Timberland Kids Hiker Boots

Virginia Nature Set: Field Guides to Wildlife, Birds, Trees & Wildflowers

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Hiking Waterfalls Virginia

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Camping Virginia and West Virginia: A Comprehensive Guide to Public Tent and RV Campgrounds

Coleman Skylodge Camping Tent

Elegear 2-Person Camping Mat

Campfire Stories Deck: Prompts for Igniting Conversation by the Fire

A collection of 50 cards with storytelling prompts to help people of all ages find engaging and meaningful ways to connect with family and friends. While the glow of a campfire is the iconic setting for intimate stories, these cards can be used anywhere—on a camping trip, in the backyard, around the dining room table, or even an online hangout—to spark a story.

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Roanoke and the New River Valley: 40 Spectacular Hikes in Virginia’s Southern Appalachians

The guide includes an array of treks reflecting the area’s superlative scenery, from wild waterfalls in the New River Valley to highland wildernesses of the Jefferson National Forest, historic paths along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and waterside strolls beside Smith Mountain Lake.

Timberland Men’s White Ledge Waterproof Hiking Boots

Timberland Women’s Ellendale Hiking Boots

Hiking with Kids Virginia: 52 Great Hikes for Families

Virginia is home to tumbling falls, scenic vistas, geological wonders, tidal marshes and majestic mountains, and this guide describes many family-friendly hikes across the state that allow children to fall in love with the outdoors. Detailed maps for 50+ easy-to-follow hikes in Virginia that allow families to spend time together in nature.

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Top Trails: Shenandoah National Park

With its roaring waterfalls, secluded canyons, diverse plant and animal life, and rich cultural history, Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park offers boundless outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll to stretch your legs, a full-day adventure, or a rewarding backpacking trip into the back of beyond, Top Trails: Shenandoah National Park puts the backcountry majesty of Shenandoah at your fingertips.

Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park

Wandering the Wilds of West Virginia

This is not intended as a guidebook, yet as you read, you will experience every single sight and smell and will feel as if you’ve been to these places. You will adventure through the woods with cascading creeks, over high plains covered in sun bleached boulders and through meadows of flowing grass.

Family Camping, Hiking, and Backpacking

Are you looking for a fun family activity your kids will remember for years? What could be better than escaping the city and getting into nature to clear your mind and have experiences that make you feel alive? BUY NOW: The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Most Memorable Family Experience in the Great Outdoors

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National Parks of the United States

National Geographic’s wide-ranging travel guide to recreation areas, trails, historic sites, nature hikes, seashores, camping, and campgrounds is geared to everyone who loves outdoor recreation.

The RV Camping Bible

Find the perfect spot for your RV stay, whether you prefer amenities or a more rustic experience. Discover the countless benefits of The RV Camping Bible. It’s time to take action and start your journey towards a lifetime of extraordinary experiences. Your dream adventure awaits. It’s time to hit the road!

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Guide to Multi-Use Trails in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia

All across the country, unused railroad corridors have been converted into public multiuse trails. Level and accessible, these paths are ideal for a brisk fitness walk, bike ride, or stroll with the family. Many rail-trails are paved and run through the most scenic parts of town. Others, such as the 34-mile Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, traverse dense forests, open fields, and lush waterways.

Guide to Hiking, Camping and Exploring West Virginia’s Blackwater Falls State Park

Cast-Iron Camping Cookbook: Easy Skillet Recipes for Outdoor Cooking

There’s nothing better after a day of hiking and exploring than a hot meal at your campsite. The 75 fast, easy, and creative recipes in this cast iron cookbook will make your camp kitchen the place to be. With one-skillet meals designed for fast prep, simple cooking, and quick cleanup, you’ll always have something delicious for everyone—and more time to enjoy the outdoors.

Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Cookware Set

10.5″ Griddle, 8″ Skillet, 10.25″ Skillet, 10.25″ Dutch Oven, and Lid

Fodor’s Virginia & Maryland: With Washington, D.C.

Find choices for every traveler, from hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains to boating the Chesapeake Bay to touring Civil War battlefields.

Blue Ridge Parkway Map

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a winding route that traverses some of America’s most picturesque scenery. The Parkway is America’s most visited National Park unit and when combined with Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park, also covered in detail on this map, a travel experience of over almost 600 miles is created. The Blue Ridge Parkway starts in the south at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains and runs along the Blue Ridge through several National Forests from North Carolina and into Virginia.

Hiking the Humpback Rocks: Blue Ridge Parkway

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Day Hikes New River Gorge, West Virginia

Explore West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Recreation Area with a little help from Johnny Molloy. His guidebook, packed with 20 easy day hikes and useful tips, and information will help you on your way to exploring the region.

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Compact, agile and ready to face any adventure head-on.

Best of the Appalachian Trail: Overnight Hikes

From Maine to Georgia, the nearly 2,200-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail is an iconic destination. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or a casual explorer, let Best of the Appalachian Trail: Overnight Hikes guide you along the way. Traverse Virginia’s Three Ridges, enjoy North Carolina’s Mount Cammerer Loop, and summit Vermont’s Killington Peak. Appalachian Trail experts Leonard M. Adkins and Victoria and Frank Logue have carefully selected their top 64 hikes―ranging from 10 to 30 miles―and present them for you to experience and enjoy.

Coleman Evanston Screened Camping Tent

Eastern Shore Road Trips: One-Day Adventures on Delmarva

Fun excursions along the back roads, into the quaint towns, and out to the sweetest scenes and sandiest beaches on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and in Delaware.

Waterfront Hikes from the Delmarva Peninsula to Virginia’s Tidewater Region

Hikes will highlight birding and wildlife viewing hotspots, local history and heritage, and bucket-list outdoor gems.

DeLorme® Virginia Atlas

Timberland Men’s Euro Sprint Hiking Boots

Best Easy Day Hikes Shenandoah National Park

SKYSPER Hiking Backpack

Five-Star Trails: Tri-Cities of Tennessee & Virginia

From high mountains to the east and south to the historic walks in Tennessee, the Tri-Cities of Tennessee and Virginia are a hiker’s nirvana. This region offers hundreds of miles of trails to explore in and around Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, as well as the surrounding areas of Abingdon, Elizabethton, Greeneville, and Rogersville. Drawing from a wealth of trails on vast public lands and encompassing the Cherokee, Jefferson, and Pisgah national forests, the mosaic of hikes reflects the wide variety of terrain. State parks preserve beautiful places to visit, and urban parks provide quick, easy nature escapes. The Appalachian Trail, the most heralded and hiked footpath in our country, curves within range of the Tri-Cities for nearly 70 miles.

Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike

Backroads & Byways of Virginia: Drives, Day Trips, and Weekend Excursions

Scenic drives, day trips, and longer adventures for the whole family.

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Corps of Engineers Camping: Directory of 942 Camping Areas in 35 States

These areas offer recreational opportunities at campgrounds, lakes and marinas across the country.

Camp Cookbook: Gourmet Grub for Campers, Road Trippers, and Adventurers

Coleman RoadTrip Portable Grill

RV Camping in National Parks: Camping Guide to the Top National Parks and Lakes of North America

The National Parks Cookbook: The Best Recipes from (and Inspired by) America’s National Parks

Feast on the flavors of America’s national parks with more than 70 delicious recipes inspired by their iconic lodges, landscapes, and chefs—including savory dishes, cocktails, and desserts.

The Great Smoky Mountains: Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park

Extending from Virginia to northern Georgia, the Blue Ridge Mountains include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the 469-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway, and Shenandoah National Park, which includes the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive. Within this region are the world-renowned Biltmore Estate, Luray Caverns, Natural Bridge, and Grandfather Mountain. The Blue Ridge range contains the highest mountains on the East Coast, with 125 peaks above 5,000 feet in elevation.

The scenic roadways, spectacular overlooks, and numerous rocky crags offer magnificent views of layer after layer of mountains rolling off into the distance. Hiking trails lead to wild mountain summits, valley streams, and waterfalls. Each season offers a fresh perspective, from fall colors and winter snow and ice to spring and summer flowers and storms. In addition, numerous homes, barns, schools, churches, and mills have been protected and preserved throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a picturesque look at Appalachian life in past centuries. To appreciate the wonders of this region through the lens of a well-known master photographer is like exploring it for the first time.

UGG Men’s Biltmore Hiker Boots

UGG Women’s Classic Short II Boots

Things to Do in the Smokies with Kids

The Smoky Mountain region is an amazing vacation destination: majestic views, wonderful wildlife, thrilling rides, and relaxing walks are all to be found and enjoyed. Activities include relaxing, hiking, shopping, people watching, crafting, backpacking and more.

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Richmond: Including Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, and Charlottesville

A perfect blend of popular trails and hidden gems, the selected trails transport you to scenic overlooks, wildlife hot spots, and historical settings that renew your spirit and recharge your body.

Explore the urban wilderness of the James River Park System in the heart of the city. Trek across the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Walnut Creek Park. Marvel at the pristine shores of the Potomac at Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve. Immerse yourself in Civil War history at Richmond National Battlefield Park. Admire views of the Appomattox River from the High Bridge trestle.

James River State Park Hiking Adventures

AMC’s Best Day Hikes Near Washington, DC: Four-Season Guide to 50 of the Best Trails in Maryland, Virginia, and the Nation’s Capital

This guide offers 50 of the best hikes in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia that can be completed in less than a day. From the ancient rock faces of Calvert Cliffs State Park to the bountiful meadows of northern Virginia, from Chesapeake watersheds to the shores of the Potomac River, visitors and residents alike will delight in the richness of trail experiences in and around D.C.
Hikes range from easier strolls past some of the city’s iconic historical monuments and famous cherry trees, to the gorgeous and challenging Harpers Ferry. Each trip includes a detailed map, plus summaries of time, distance, and difficulty level. The book’s at-a-glance trip planner highlights the best hikes near public transportation, for kids, and for canine companions.

Virginia Map

National Geographic’s Virginia Guide Map is an unparalleled and expertly researched guide to the “Old Dominion.” The main map shows the road network, with clear designations for free access and toll highway; interstate, state and country routes; other paved and unpaved roads; and scenic drives with their waysides stops. Major highways are shown with mileage markers.

Pinpointed are hundreds of points of interest, national and state recreation areas, visitor centers, ski areas, hospital and airports. Inset maps cover some of the largest cities and metropolitan areas, including the Washington DC area, Richmond, Charlottesville, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Colonial National Historical Park and Hampton Roads. Visitor information and inset maps are shown for Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drive.

Exploring Virginia’s Jefferson National Forest

Wine Country Hiking and Wine Tasting Adventures

Guides to Your Next Road Trip Adventure

Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains

Backpacking, Camping, Hiking New England

Guides to Hiking New York and New Jersey

Hiking and Camping in Virginia