r/VIRGINIA_HIKING

As stated, I was wondering if there’s any fun hikes on the Eastern part of VA. I’ve hiked the in Blue Ridge plenty of times and there’s not a more beautiful place on Earth this time of year, I just don’t always have the time to get out there and was curious if anyone had any recommendations.

TIA

Hi everyone, I know this is last minute but my fam wants to do a camping celebration for my mom’s retirement. This is the last time she’d be in the states and so we want to show her the beauty of New England and show her the fall foliage.

We’re considering places no farther than a 4 hour drive from Eastern Queens New York and would like to see waterfalls, mountains, and of course the beautiful fall colors. Right now Manchester Vermont is at the top of our list but we would like to hear from others. We like hiking and sightseeing, would love to eat some delicious pancakes with maple syrup too, also love fall activities.

Anyway if anyone has suggestions please drop them below; it would really help. We also need camping sites and are worried about the temperature since one of the nights will be 39°F, would a 30°F sleeping bag be sufficient for each of us? Anyway thanks everyone! I really look forward to hearing advice :).

Hello, next week I will be going up Rockytop and coming back on Big Run Loop. Planning on bringing our water the 7 miles up to the Big Run Loop. Can someone confirm the water availability (+ anything else I might want to know about this route?).

I have called the park several times and no one on the back country line has picked up or returned my voicemail. I tried the South backpacking direct number and no one picked up there either. The folks at the Bird Visitor Center in Big Meadows didn't know.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/rocky-top-and-big-run-loop

Hello,

Planning on doing the 35 mile VA Triple Crown Loop this Friday and Saturday (one night).

Wanted to lighten my packing load and not bring a tent, instead relying on sleeping in one of the shelters.

Is this a bad idea? Are the shelters along the AT typically super busy around this time of year?

Thanks

I am thinking of hiking sharp top for the sunrise. Are there typically other people there for sunrise this time of year? any tips for the hike? Are there lots of bears lol

Despite being to Grayson Highlands a dozen+ times now I have always parked at Massie Gap for backpacking. This year, that's not an option(it's full, not surprised), so I'm planning on starting late afternoon from Elk Garden, which I have never really explored. Since I will only have an hour or so of good daylight, I want to confirm that I won't have to backpack through the dark to find a decent spot.

I'm not worried about the second night and will aim for somewhere past the Shelter on the ridge.

TYIA

I know this may not entirely pertain to this group but I like to think we’re all like minded in here. My wife, our kiddo and I will be heading up to natural bridge this next weekend and Friday afternoon we’ll be looking for a nice spot to camp. Preferably by a moving water source. We have a considerably capable off-road vehicle so getting anywhere isn’t a problem. I’ve considered Rapidan WMA since I’m familiar with the area. Always open to new suggestions. We’ll be traveling from the south side so anything between Charlottesville and GW&JNF is great.

Im planning to go to old rag next weekend but unfortunately have to wait for the second batch of tickets to release early next week (fingers crossed).

If I’m unable to secure tickets, what other trails do you recommend hiking? I want good panoramic views. (Stoney man? Hawksbill?)

3 of us set out to accomplish this goal. Water was extremely scarce/non existent in many areas.

Thank you to the trail angels that had 15gallons of water at McAfee Knob parking lot. We absolutely benefited and used that to make it to our final 2crowns of McAfee and Tinker Cliffs and close out at Andy Layne Parking.

Some highlights: the trails were amazingly maintained, thanks to all volunteers who make that happen. Catawba Grocery was a key stop, people were amazing along the trail, respectful, engaging, overall just a great time in nature!