Virginia's Appalachian Trail
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Virginia’s Appalachian Trail is a long, varied mountain route: a day-hike destination, a thread through national parks and forests, and part of a much longer journey from Georgia to Maine. The National Park Service reports 554 miles in Virginia, more than in any other state along the trail. Visitors can choose a short walk to a viewpoint or plan a multi-day backpacking trip; check current access, trail conditions and regulations before setting out.[1][2]
The Virginia route
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is a marked footpath through the Appalachian Mountains, managed through a partnership that includes the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, state agencies and volunteer organizations.[3] In Virginia, the route crosses a wide stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with trail experiences ranging from wooded ridges to open overlooks and high-elevation meadows.
A useful way to explore is to choose a specific area and hike a section rather than treating the whole Virginia distance as one trip. The trail passes through Shenandoah National Park and runs near sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Virginia’s route also reaches the Grayson Highlands and Mount Rogers Recreation Area region in the southwest.
Places to experience the trail
Shenandoah National Park
The A.T. crosses the park for 101 miles, meeting other trails and passing through landscapes shaped by both the trail’s history and the park’s changing forests. The route was relocated in places during construction of Skyline Drive; today, hikers can plan shorter outings or connect A.T. sections with other park trails.[4]
Blue Ridge Parkway
Several A.T. segments are accessible from Parkway-area trailheads. Near Humpback Gap, the National Park Service lists a 2-mile strenuous A.T. hike toward Humpback. Use the Parkway’s current trail information to check access and conditions before driving to a trailhead.[5]
Grayson Highlands
In the southwest, the A.T. passes through the high-country setting of Grayson Highlands State Park, with views toward Virginia’s highest peaks and the chance to see the area’s well-known wild ponies. Check park and trail information for current conditions and rules before visiting.[6]
McAfee Knob and the Roanoke area
McAfee Knob is one of the A.T.’s best-known Virginia viewpoints and a popular place for photographs. For a hike here or elsewhere near Roanoke, Virginia, check the relevant land manager’s current trail and access information; conditions and parking arrangements can change.
A trail with a long history
The Appalachian Trail grew from Benton MacKaye’s 1921 proposal for a continuous route along the Appalachian mountain crests. Hiking clubs and volunteers built and maintained the trail in the 1920s and 1930s; the National Park Service says it was completed in 1937.[7]
In the Shenandoah region, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club was founded in 1927 to work on mid-Atlantic sections. As Skyline Drive was built, much of the original A.T. route along the Blue Ridge crest was moved lower on the slopes. The Civilian Conservation Corps helped build the relocated trail and associated structures from 1933 to 1942.[8]
Planning a hike
Start with the distance, terrain and time available to your group. Even a short segment can involve steep or rocky ground, and trail conditions can change with weather, fallen trees or other hazards. Carry water and suitable clothing, allow enough daylight, and use a current map. The National Park Service recommends detailed topographic maps for longer backcountry hikes in Shenandoah.[9]
For a day hike near the Parkway, NPS suggests choosing a route suited to your experience, checking trail conditions and bringing essentials such as water, rain protection and a first-aid kit.[10] On the A.T., white blazes mark the main route; side trails use other blaze colors, so follow signs and your map at junctions.[11]
Overnight trips and access
For overnight backpacking in Shenandoah National Park, review the park’s current backcountry planning guidance before choosing a route. The park describes steep terrain and campsite planning considerations, and directs visitors to its permit information; rules and procedures may differ elsewhere along Virginia’s A.T.[12]
Shenandoah’s main visitor access is via Skyline Drive and its four entrance stations, while trailheads and access points elsewhere vary by location. Confirm directions, road status, closures, parking and any fees with the land manager before travel. The A.T. is open year-round at many locations, but seasonal weather and local restrictions can affect an individual visit.[13][14]
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, October 12, 2018. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Virginia Hiking Trails, Blue Ridge Parkway, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ National Park Getaway: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, October 12, 2018. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Maps, Shenandoah National Park, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Hiking, Blue Ridge Parkway, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Stony Man: The Appalachian Trail, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Backcountry Trip Planning, Shenandoah National Park, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Directions, Shenandoah National Park, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-24.