When I moved to Central Virginia, I had no idea just how wild and beautiful my backyard really was. These days, when I’m itching for a hike, I’m often flipping a mental coin: Should I head to Skyline Drive or take the Blue Ridge Parkway? Both are iconic routes that weave through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, and both offer incredible access to trails that restore my peace and stretch my legs.

If you’re local (or passing through), you don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.

Skyline Drive: Shenandoah’s Crown Jewel

Skyline Drive runs 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, tracing the ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s dotted with scenic overlooks and trailheads that’ll tempt you to stop every few miles, and honestly, you should.

With over 500 miles of trails in the park, there’s something for everyone. You can choose a quick leg-stretcher or go all in for a full-day trek.

A few personal favorites:

• Blackrock Summit (1.4 miles round trip): Short and sweet, this one packs a serious view. You’ll hit a rocky outcrop where you can sit and soak in the sweeping mountain landscape, it’s especially magical at sunset.
• Rip Rap + Wildcat Ridge Loop (9.8 miles): This one’s a commitment, but it rewards you with solitude, waterfalls, and some of the most varied terrain in the park. I usually take it slow and let the forest do its thing.

Blue Ridge Parkway: The Slow Road to Wonder

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, 469 miles of curve-hugging beauty. The Central Virginia stretch is one of my go-tos when I want quiet woods and fewer crowds.

There are over 200 miles of hiking trails along the Parkway, and plenty of them are beginner-friendly with big payoffs.

Some trails I keep going back to:

• Humpback Rocks (Milepost 5.8): A short but steep 700-foot climb will get your heart pumping, and then comes that jaw-dropping view of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys. I’ve hiked it in fog, in golden hour light, and once during snow flurries. It never disappoints.
• White Rock Falls (Milepost 18.5): The out-and-back route is only about 0.9 miles, but I like to link it with White Rock Gap and Slacks Trails to make it a ~4.7-mile loop. You get forest paths, stream crossings, and the soft sound of the waterfall waiting at the end.

Planning Your Hike

Whether you’re heading out for a mellow morning or a full-day trek, keep these tips in mind:

• Check trail difficulty. Pick something that matches how you’re feeling that day, no shame in starting small and working your way up.
• Know the season. Weather in the mountains shifts fast, especially in early spring or late fall. I like to check for road or trail closures through the National Park Service site, and I’m signed up for Skyline Drive’s text alerts so I don’t get caught off guard.
• Pack for more than you think you’ll need. Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, layers, and a small first-aid kit go in my pack every time, even for short hikes. Better to have it and not need it.
• Permits. Some trails or camp areas require permits—especially if you’re backpacking—so it’s worth doing a quick search before you go.

Helpful Links

• National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/
• Appalachian Trail Conservancy: https://appalachiantrail.org/
• Virginia Tourism Corporation: https://www.vatc.org/

Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway aren’t just scenic drives, they’re gateways to some of the best hiking in Central Virginia. Whether you’re seeking waterfalls, wide-open views, or just some quiet time with the trees, you’ll find it here.

Already hiked a few of these trails? Let me know your favorite spot, I’m always looking for my next adventure.