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{{Text hero
|title=Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Virginia
|subtitle=Virginia travel guide
|kind=destination
}}
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{{Place header
|name=Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Virginia
|image=
|alt=
|kicker=OUTDOORS IN VIRGINIA
|summary=More than 550 miles of the Appalachian Trail cross Virginia, linking national parkland, forested ridges, trail towns and the high-country scenery of the Blue Ridge and Mount Rogers.
}}
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{{Place quick facts
|label1=Region
|value1=[[Virginia's Regions|Blue Ridge and Southwest Virginia]]
|label2=Type
|value2=Long-distance hiking trail
|label3=Virginia trail mileage
|value3=About 557 miles
|label4=Managed by
|value4=[[National Park Service]] and partners
}}
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Virginia holds more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other state. The route runs from the state’s northern border to its southern line, threading through [[Shenandoah National Park]], national forests and mountain landscapes before reaching the Mount Rogers high country. You can experience it in short day hikes, overnight trips or a longer section hike; you don’t need to be a thru-hiker to enjoy the trail. Check current maps and alerts before setting out, since conditions, closures and local rules vary by location. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://appalachiantrail.org/experience/hike-the-trail/explore-by-state/virginia/ |title=Virginia |website=Appalachian Trail Conservancy |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm |title=Appalachian National Scenic Trail |website=National Park Service |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref>
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{{Book destination
|destination=VA-APPALACHIAN-NATIONAL-SCENIC-TRAIL-IN-VIRGINIA
|name=Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Virginia
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|destination=VA-APPALACHIAN-NATIONAL-SCENIC-TRAIL-IN-VIRGINIA
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== Why go ==
The Virginia section offers an unusually wide range of ways to meet the Appalachian Trail: long forest walks, ridge-top viewpoints, rocky overlooks and stretches close to welcoming trail towns. The route passes through the rolling mountains of Shenandoah National Park, follows ridges near the [[Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia]], and reaches the open balds and high-elevation terrain around Mount Rogers. In the north, hikers can connect trail time with the overlooks and other paths of Shenandoah; farther southwest, the landscape shifts toward the rugged high country near [[Grayson Highlands State Park]]. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://appalachiantrail.org/experience/hike-the-trail/explore-by-state/virginia/ |title=Virginia |website=Appalachian Trail Conservancy |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref>

The trail is also a way to explore Virginia at a walking pace. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy recognizes communities along the Virginia route, including [[Front Royal, Virginia]], [[Waynesboro, Virginia]], [[Roanoke, Virginia]], [[Damascus, Virginia]] and [[Abingdon, Virginia]]. These towns and nearby communities can help hikers connect with food, supplies and other local services; confirm what is available before relying on a particular stop. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://appalachiantrail.org/experience/hike-the-trail/explore-by-state/virginia/ |title=Virginia |website=Appalachian Trail Conservancy |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref>

== Highlights ==
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{{Place card
|title=Shenandoah National Park
|link=Shenandoah National Park
|text=Follow the A.T. through the Blue Ridge and pair a hike with the park’s other trails and Skyline Drive overlooks. The Appalachian Trail crosses 101 miles of the park.
}}
{{Place card
|title=Damascus, Virginia
|link=Damascus, Virginia
|text=The trail passes through downtown Damascus, a Southwest Virginia trail town and a convenient base for exploring the surrounding mountain routes.
}}
{{Place card
|title=Grayson Highlands State Park
|link=Grayson Highlands State Park
|text=Explore dramatic high-country scenery near the southern Virginia section of the A.T.; check park information for current access and conditions.
}}
{{Place card
|title=Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
|link=Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
|text=The A.T. parallels the Parkway in parts of Virginia, creating opportunities to connect mountain hikes with scenic-drive stops.
}}
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<h3>McAfee Knob</h3>
One of the best-known viewpoints on the Virginia section, McAfee Knob draws many day hikers. The area has specific land-use restrictions, and parking rules apply; check the latest official guidance before planning a visit.
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<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/management/statistics.htm |title=Park Statistics |website=Shenandoah National Park, National Park Service |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://appalachiantrail.org/protect/conservation/at-community-program/damascus-va/ |title=Damascus, VA |website=Appalachian Trail Conservancy |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/appa/learn/management/upload/2025-APPA-Compendium-V6-508-C.pdf |title=Superintendent’s Compendium – Appalachian National Scenic Trail |website=National Park Service |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref>

== History and character ==
The Appalachian Trail began as an idea for a continuous footpath through the Appalachian Mountains. Forester and regional planner Benton MacKaye proposed it in 1921; volunteer hikers and clubs helped build the route, which was completed in 1937. The trail became part of the National Trails System in 1968. Today, the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, state agencies and volunteer trail clubs share management and stewardship responsibilities. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm |title=Appalachian National Scenic Trail |website=National Park Service |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/historyculture/at.htm |title=Appalachian Trail |website=Shenandoah National Park, National Park Service |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref>

In Virginia, the path’s character changes with the terrain. In Shenandoah, it follows the mountain crest through a national park; elsewhere it crosses forestland, passes near towns and climbs toward the high country in the southwest. Its familiar white blazes mark the route, while connecting trails lead to overlooks, roads and nearby destinations. Conditions and facilities differ from one section to the next, so a map and current local information are part of the experience, not just preparation.

== Planning a trip ==
'''Choose a section that fits your plans.''' The Virginia route is far too extensive to treat as one outing. Pick a trailhead and an out-and-back or loop hike, or arrange transport for a point-to-point section. The National Park Service’s map resources show the trail, access points and features such as shelters and campsites. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/maps.htm |title=Maps |website=Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref>

'''Check access and rules for the exact location.''' The A.T. is generally free to walk, but some parks and public lands along the route may charge fees or require permits or reservations for parking or overnight stays. Rules for camping, fires, pets and parking are not identical across the trail. Confirm requirements with the land manager for your chosen section before departure. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/fees.htm |title=Fees & Passes |website=Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref>

'''Check for current closures and detours.''' Trail conditions can change, and an alert may affect a route you had planned to hike. Review National Park Service and Appalachian Trail Conservancy updates shortly before your visit, and follow posted signs on the ground. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/index.htm |title=Plan Your Visit |website=Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://appalachiantrail.org/trail-updates/ |title=Trail Updates |website=Appalachian Trail Conservancy |access-date=2026-10-22}}</ref>

'''Pack for a mountain hike.''' Bring a trail map, water and weather-appropriate layers; mountain conditions can differ from those at your starting point. For overnight trips, check the rules and availability for shelters, campsites and any required permits. Leave no trace, stay on the marked route and avoid relying on cell service as your only navigation plan.

== Explore nearby ==
<div class="vw-place-explore-grid">
{{Nearby card
|title=Shenandoah National Park
|link=Shenandoah National Park
|text=Explore mountain trails, overlooks and Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Damascus, Virginia
|link=Damascus, Virginia
|text=Visit a Southwest Virginia community closely connected to the A.T. and other regional outdoor routes.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Grayson Highlands State Park
|link=Grayson Highlands State Park
|text=Discover high-country trails and scenery near the southern Virginia A.T.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
|link=Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
|text=Plan a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge, with trail connections and overlooks along the way.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Virginia Creeper Trail
|link=Virginia Creeper Trail
|text=Explore a well-known regional rail trail near Damascus and Abingdon; check current notices for access and repair updates.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Virginia's Regions
|link=Virginia's Regions
|text=Use the statewide guide to plan a broader trip through Virginia’s mountain regions.
}}
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'''Books and useful gear:''' [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Appalachian%20National%20Scenic%20Trail%20in%20Virginia%20Virginia%20travel%20guide%20hiking%20outdoor%20gear&tag=virginiawiki-20 Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon]
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== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.nps.gov/appa/ Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Park Service]
* [https://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/maps.htm Official Appalachian Trail maps — National Park Service]
* [https://appalachiantrail.org/experience/hike-the-trail/explore-by-state/virginia/ Virginia — Appalachian Trail Conservancy]
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[[Category:Virginia travel guides]]
[[Category:Outdoor recreation in Virginia]]

Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Virginia - Revision history

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