Appalachian Trail in Virginia
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The Appalachian Trail crosses Virginia for roughly 550 miles, passing through national parks, national forests, small towns and long stretches of quiet mountain country. Its character changes along the way—from the ridges of Shenandoah National Park and the overlooks of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia to the high-country balds near Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. You can experience it on a short day hike or plan a longer journey; check current maps, closures and local rules before setting out.[1]
The trail across Virginia
Virginia has more Appalachian Trail mileage than any other state. The route moves through the Blue Ridge Mountains, follows ridgelines and forested slopes, and passes through a varied patchwork of public lands. The National Park Service describes the A.T. as a footpath conceived in 1921, built by private citizens and completed in 1937; today it is managed through a partnership that includes the NPS, U.S. Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, public agencies and volunteers.[2]
Rather than one continuous Virginia park, the trail passes through different management areas and communities. In Shenandoah National Park, the A.T. runs for about 101 miles, while elsewhere it crosses or connects with national forest and Blue Ridge Parkway lands.[3]
What to see along the way
Shenandoah National Park
A long, accessible-to-plan section of the route follows the park’s ridges and links with the wider network of trails. Skyline Drive provides access to many trailheads, but park entry, road conditions and backcountry rules can affect a visit.
The Triple Crown near Roanoke
McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs and Dragon’s Tooth are prominent destinations in the Roanoke-area section. The NPS identifies McAfee Knob as one of the A.T.’s popular photography locations; trail access and parking conditions should be checked before you go.[4]
Blue Ridge Parkway crossings
The A.T. parallels or intersects the Parkway at points along its Virginia route. NPS trail listings include A.T. hikes near Humpback Gap and in the Peaks of Otter and Roanoke areas; the Parkway’s milepost pages help identify nearby trail access.
Mount Rogers high country
In far southwestern Virginia, the route reaches the high-country landscape around Mount Rogers. Nearby communities such as Damascus, Virginia and Abingdon, Virginia can help orient a visit to this part of the state.
Choosing a hike
For a short outing, choose a trailhead and distance that suit your group rather than treating the A.T. as a single uniform hike. Parkway listings describe several Virginia A.T. segments, including a strenuous two-mile route from Humpback Gap toward Humpback and shorter sections near overlooks farther south.[5]
In Shenandoah, the Appalachian Trail is one part of a much larger hiking network. The park’s terrain can be steep and rocky, so allow time for climbs and descents and use a detailed map for longer trips. Overnight backcountry trips in Shenandoah require planning under park rules, including obtaining the required permit.[6]
Plan your visit
The A.T. itself has no general entrance fee or trail-walking permit, but the lands it crosses have different rules. Some parks and public lands may charge for entry or parking, or require permits or reservations for overnight stays. Confirm the rules for the specific trailhead and land manager before travel.[7]
Use the NPS interactive map to locate the treadway, side trails, parking areas, shelters, campsites and scenic vistas. The NPS describes it as a general reference; pair it with current conditions and a suitable map, and follow posted signs. Closures and detours can change, so check the official alerts and trail updates close to your visit.[8][9]
For an overnight trip in Shenandoah, consult the park’s backcountry planning guidance and current permit requirements. For other sections, check with the relevant park, forest or land manager. Be prepared for changing weather, carry water and navigation, and follow local guidance on food storage and camping.
Nearby places
The A.T. can be a starting point for exploring Virginia’s mountain communities and public lands. Consider pairing a hike with a visit to Roanoke, Virginia, Waynesboro, Virginia, Front Royal, Virginia, Damascus, Virginia or the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Trail towns and access points vary along the route, so plan transport and any return shuttle before beginning a one-way hike.
Related books: Browse related Virginia books on Amazon
References
- ↑ National Park Getaway: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Park Statistics, Shenandoah National Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Hiking Trails, Blue Ridge Parkway, National Park Service. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Backcountry Trip Planning, Shenandoah National Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Fees & Passes, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Maps, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Alerts & Conditions, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service. Retrieved October 22, 2026.