Hiking day trip destinations in Virginia

For those looking for an adventurous fall day trip, here are some hiking and sightseeing suggestions below!

Fall. The time when the weather starts to cool, pumpkins are picked, and piles of leaves are jumped in. Fall is also the time when nature enthusiasts look for the best places to hike, to smell the crisp air and watch the trees turn into a reflection of the sunset. Since we have so many people at Regent from all over the country, not everyone may know good places to go hiking. Below are some wonderful places within a six hour (or less) drive for a hiking (and sightseeing) day trip in the Virginia Mountains. I have looked at each of these places on Google maps to get an idea of overall mileage and time it takes to travel from Regent. Below is the list from closest to furthest in proximity to Regent University.

Crabtree Falls, Montebello

About 3 ½ – 4 hour drive from Regent, roughly 215-220 miles away.

Natural Chimneys Park, Mount Solon, Augusta County

About 3 ½ – 4 hour drive from Regent, roughly 220-230 miles away.

This is one unique sight worth seeing!

Luray Caverns, Luray, near Shenandoah National Park

About 4 hour drive from Regent, roughly 215 miles away.

Although this isn’t exactly a hike, the caverns are a beautiful sight to see!

Peaks of Otter, Bedford

About 4 ½ hour drive from Regent, roughly 230-270 miles away.

McAfee Knob, Catawba

About 4 ½ hour drive from Regent, roughly 250-290 miles away.

Mill Mountain Park, Roanoke

About 4 ½ – 5 hour drive from Regent, roughly 270-290 miles away.

Dragon’s Tooth, Catawba

About 4 ½ – 5 hour drive from Regent, roughly 280-300 miles away.

Cascade Falls on the Cascade National Recreation Trail, Jefferson National Forest

About 5-6 hour drive from Regent, roughly 320 miles away.

For those who are looking for a longer trip, consider taking a drive along either Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah’s (Northwest Virginia), or the Blue Ridge Parkway (connected to Skyline Drive and goes through Southwestern Virginia into North Carolina). This option gives explorers the opportunity to stay in cabins and lodges, hike numerous trails, and truly find a peaceful place to rest and relax. (Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles long.)

And for those who would like to stick closer to the Hampton Roads, the Great Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, which is about 30 minutes from Regent (about 21-24 miles away) would make a nice local trip. If you’re one for walking through sand instead of rock, Sandbridge Beach in Virginia Beach is about 35 minutes from Regent (20 miles away) close to all kinds of outdoor amenities. First Landing State Park near Oceanfront has numerous trails spanning woods, swamp, and beach; the longest trail, the Cape Henry trail, is six miles one way.

Virginia is a beautiful place to explore, so this fall if you’re feeling ready for an adventure, go and explore.



Abby Trivett is a staff writer for the Daily Runner.

 

 

 

Abby Trivett

Abby Trivett

Abby Trivett is the former senior editor for The Daily Runner and is a current Regent masters student.