Charlottesville, Virginia

Looking for the best hiking in Charlottesville? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Charlottesville. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Charlottesville

  • Lyndhurst, Virginia

    Hike to Shamokin Falls

    4.4
    2.2 mi / 950 ft gain
    Starting from the Dripping Rock Parking area at MP 10 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, head north on the white blazed Appalachian Trail (trail leading into woods from parking lot- don't cross the road). In about 20 steps the trail splits- go right. In another 20 steps or so the trail splits again but t...
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  • Lovingston, Virginia

    Fortune's Cove Via Yellow Trail

    3.0
    5.02 mi / 1486 ft gain
    Fortune's Cove via Yellow Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Lovingston, Virginia.
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  • Madison, Virginia

    Hike Bear Church Rock via the Graves Mill Trail

    3.5
    8.5 mi / 2250 ft gain
    Starting at the Graves Mill Parking area, head up the yellow blazed trail that is marked by a big cement marker. The trail will follow closely beside the gorgeous Rapidan River. Hike for half a mile until you come to the intersection of the Staunton River Trail. Turn left (do not cross the river)...
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  • Madison, Virginia

    Fly Fish on the Rapidan River

    5.0
    5 mi
    Park at the Graves Mill Parking Area. From here you can easily follow the Rapidan River up the mountain. Fishing reports inform that the lowest concentration of brookies are at the lower boundaries of the park so take some time to enjoy the trail and hike up stream. At the lower boundaries you mi...
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  • Lyndhurst, Virginia

    Backpack Three Ridges Loop

    4.6
    14.2 mi / 3960 ft gain
    From the parking area at Reids Gap, start off on the white-blazed A.T heading south as the trail begins on the left side of a clearing. You will begin climbing Meadow Mountain shortly and in .8 miles arrive at the top of the ridge, where you will continue on downhill for another .8 miles until y...
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  • Roseland, Virginia

    Backpack Reeds Gap to Rockfish Gap

    5.0
    20 mi
    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...
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  • Elkton, Virginia

    Bearfence Mountain Loop

    4.8
    1.04 mi / 220 ft gain
    This is one of my favorite hikes in Shenandoah National Park for its views, easy access to the trail, and the option to combine it with a much further hike on the AT. There is also a really fun little rock scramble at the top that scares a lot of people away, but makes for a more secluded summit,...
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  • Lyndhurst, Virginia

    Camp at Sherando Lake

    4.0
    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 ...
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  • Stanley, Virginia

    Hike to Bear Church Rock via Bootens Gap

    3.5
    9.4 mi / 800 ft gain
    The trail leads along the ridge of Jones Mountain to the gorgeous views at Bear Church Rock, and it's the perfect hike for those seeking solitude - didn't see another soul the entire time on a holiday weekend.From the parking lot, head out left on the AT northbound. In .4 miles you will come to a...
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  • Massanutten, Virginia

    Kaylor's Knob Trail

    4.0
    3.56 mi / 381 ft gain
    Kaylor's Knob Trail in Massanutten, Virginia is a moderately challenging hiking trail that spans approximately 3.56 miles. The trail is marked by a steady incline, making it a suitable choice for intermediate hikers. The trailhead is easily accessible, located near the Massanutten Resort. The tr...
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  • Stanley, Virginia

    Hike to Naked Creek Falls

    3.0
    1 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Please note that there is no trail leading to these falls.  This hike is for advanced hikers.Park your car at Naked Creek Overlook in Shenandoah National Park and walk through the field staying to the left. As you start to enter the woods you will hear the creek running on your left. Make your wa...
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  • 37.8962002590409,-79.0456008911133, Virginia

    White Rock Falls Trail

    4.0
    2.82 mi / 558 ft gain
    White Rock Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Montebello, Virginia.
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  • Vesuvius, Virginia

    Hike to White Rock Falls

    3.5
    2.4 mi
    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...
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  • Rapidan, Virginia

    Hike to Historical Rapidan Camp in Shenandoah National Park

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 890 ft gain
    For this hike park at the Milam Gap parking lot located at mile 52.8 on Skyline Drive. Once parked you will cross Skyline Drive to reach the trail.  Hikers will follow the blue blazes along the trail and creek. After you have crossed the creek twice you will come to a larger waterfall. At this po...
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  • Stanley, Virginia

    Big Meadows Loop

    4.7
    1 mi / 30 ft gain
    Big Meadows is home to many types of wildlife and is a great location to photograph many different types of animals. The best time to see the wildlife in the meadow is near dawn and dusk. White-tailed deer and a variety of local birds are the most common animals seen in the meadow, and because o...
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  • Stanley, Virginia

    Lewis Falls via Lewis Spring

    3.0
    1.71 mi / 607 ft gain
    Lewis Spring is the source of Hawksbill Creek which forms Lewis Falls (also known as Lewis Spring Falls) and eventually flows through the town of Luray and joins the Shenandoah River. The waterfall starts with 2 streams before hitting rock halfway down and fanning out. During dry seasons and summ...
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