Washington, Virginia
Looking for the best backpacking in Washington? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Washington. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Washington
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Rileyville, Virginia
Hike to Overall Run Falls
5.06.1 mi / 1700 ft gainStart at the Hogback parking lot at MP 21.1 on the Skyline Drive. Take the Appalachian Trail south for 0.8 miles, and turn right onto the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. After 0.5 miles you will come to another intersection-keep right to stay on the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. A final intersection...Read more -
Rileyville, Virginia
Backpack Jeremy's Run Trail, Shenandoah NP
3.310 miThis hike is best done as a two-day, one-night backpacking trip, however it can be done as a day hike if you don't wish to backpack.Jeremy’s Run is a beautifully forested 10 mile roundtrip hike with numerous stream-crossing. The trailhead starts at the Elkwallow Picnic area, at about mile 24 of S...Read more -
Luray, Virginia
White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls
4.84.28 mi / 866 ft gainBetween mile 42 and 43 of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is the trailhead for WhiteOak Canyon. Begin at the trailhead from the parking lot and cross the Limberlost Trail in .3 miles. Continue on and you will cross your first footbridge shortly. After another mile you will cross the s...Read more -
Stanley, Virginia
Backpack Rose River Loop
5.04 mi / 900 ft gainThe trail can be found on Skyline Drive. Though it is a little challenging to locate, you should park at Fisher’s Gap Overlook (mile marker 49.4), and then walk over across the road and find the trail. You'll spot it by looking over the side of the road and then hiking down. The Rose River Loo...Read more -
Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia
Camp at Sky Meadows State Park
5.02 miCamping at Sky Meadows State Park is a great location to backpack with young kids or if you are new to backpacking. The campground has 18 primitive walk-in campsites located 1.03 miles from the overnight parking lot at the park entrance. Reservations can be made online. After checking-in and park...Read more -
Stanley, Virginia
Hike to Bear Church Rock via Bootens Gap
3.59.4 mi / 800 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Wardensville, West Virginia
White Rocks Loop, George Washington NF
4.59.26 mi / 1690 ft gainThe trail begins near the upper parking area next to a closed gate. If you park in the lower parking area, you'll have to walk about .3 miles up the road to get to this gate. Start out on the forest service (FS) orange-blazed trail, following it for about a quarter mile. From there head onto Old...Read more -
Wardensville, West Virginia
Tibbet Knob via Wolf Gap
5.03.17 mi / 702 ft gainPark for free at Wolf Gap Campground and cross the road where you will pass some picnic tables and campsites. Follow the signs to the yellow-blazed Tibbet Knob trail. In half a mile, there is a little path to a summit on your left where you can catch a glimpse of Mill Mountain and Big Schloss. ...Read more -
Bluemont, Virginia
Hike to Raven Rock
4.35 mi / 1000 ft gainStarting at a small parking lot right off of Route 7 (wuick right onto Pine Grove Road) this hike takes you North on the Appalachian Trail in a very hilly/rocky part of the trail. Expect to gain and lose 300 feet+ multiple times! It's about 2.5 miles each way so budget at least a few hours to go ...Read more -
Bluemont, Virginia
Hike to Bears Den Overlook
4.41.31 mi / 164 ft gainBears Den is a collection of rocks and boulders that overlooks the Shenandoah Valley in northern Virginia, just off the Appalachian Trail. You have two options to access this overlook: park at the bottom of the mountain and hike up to the overlook via the trail, or drive to the top and access the...Read more -
Basye, Virginia
Orkney Springs Trail
4.94 mi / 1440 ft gainEasy to get to from Bryce resort, Orkney Springs Trail is a moderate to challenging trail. It starts with an easy trail through the woods but does get very steep in mile 2 in what seems like a very rocky dried-out river bed. There is a spectacular view around mile 2. If that's what you’re after y...Read more -
Elkton, Virginia
Rocky Mount Trail Loop
3.29.58 mi / 2513 ft gainThe trail begin 0.1 miles north of Two Mile Run Overlook at milepost 76.2 on Skyline Drive. You can park at this overlook for the night, just make sure you fill out a (free) wilderness permit and walk the short way on Skyline Drive to the trailhead. Immediately climb a wooded knoll before headin...Read more