As the weather turns cooler and fall colors begins to emerge, outdoor lovers will hit the trails throughout Virginia to take in the crisp air and beautiful scenery.
Charlottesville resident Michelle Prysby, a senior Extension specialist and Virginia Master Naturalist program director, has two favorite hikes this time of year.
Cole Mountain Loop Hike in Vesuvius is 5.7 miles roundtrip with approximately 1,400 feet of elevation.
“The expansive views from the open, grassy balds at the top are well worth the drive in any season of the year,” she said. “The distance and elevation gain are moderate, but the reward of the views at the top of the mountain is outstanding.”
Cole Mountain Loop Hike, Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area
- Wiggins Spring Road, Vesuvius
- AllTrails difficulty: Moderate
Prysby considers the Rivanna Trail a treasure in Charlottesville for families, on-leash dogs and mountain bikers. Some of the sections are also perfect for walkers, runners and nature observers.
“We’re fortunate here in Charlottesville to have the Rivanna Trail, a rustic walking trail that encircles the city. I’ve ‘thru-hiked’ the 20-mile trail several times, and it is a great way to get to know Charlottesville neighborhoods and parks.
“My favorite thing about the trail is that I can use it to actually get places I need to go, like the closest grocery store and my favorite bagel shop.
“In fact, because much of the trail follows the floodplains of local streams, the walk is often flatter than it would be on the roads.”
Rivanna Trail
- Riverview Park, Charlottesville
- AllTrails difficulty: Easy
Virginia Tech | Faculty share favorite hiking spots
Virginia Tech faculty members also offered suggestions in Southwest Virginia that are among their favorite spots to take in waterfalls or even spot a bald eagle.
Pandapas Pond Day Use Area
- Pond Loop
- 37°17’06.2″N 80°27’40.2″W
- AllTrails difficulty: Easy
- Recommended by John Seiler, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Forest Biology in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
- Highlights: Flat, wide, opportunity to see waterfowl, turtles, and if you are lucky, a bald eagle
Brush Mountain Trail System
- 37°17’06.2″N 80°27’40.2″W
- AllTrails difficulty: Moderate
- Recommended by John Seiler, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Forest Biology in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
- Highlights: At the top of Horse Nettle, there is a great view of Blacksburg and the Virginia Tech campus
Rock Castle Gorge
- 1670 Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd
- AllTrails difficulty: Hard
- Recommended by Jennifer Gagnon, Virginia Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
- Highlights: 10.8-mile hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, passes through hardwood forests and along Rock Castle Creek
Devil’s Marbleyard via Gunther Ridge and Belfast Trail Loop
- Petites Gap Road, Natural Bridge Station
- AllTrails difficulty: Hard
- Recommended by Jennifer Gagnon, Virginia Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
- Highlights: Giant rocks for climbing, eight-mile loop, nice views
Chestnut Ridge/War Spur Loop Trail
- 37.390878° N, -80.508156° W
- Follow Route 613 past Mountain Lake and the Mountain Lake Biological Station. Parking is on the left side of the road.
- AllTrails difficulty: Moderate
- Recommended by John Peterson, advanced laboratory specialist in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
- Highlights: Quiet and scenic overlook, creek, overlook is nice place for a picnic
Apple Orchard Falls
- 37.529464° N, 79.552938° W
- Take I-81 to Exit 168, east on Arcadia Road, which becomes Jennings Creek Road. Take a left on North Creek Road (FS 59), which ends at the trailhead.
- AllTrails difficulty: Hard
- Recommended by John Peterson, advanced laboratory specialist in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
- Highlights: Waterfall, spring flowers
Bald Knob Overlook and Mountain Lake
- 100 Hotel Circle, Pembroke
- AllTrails difficulty: Moderate
- Recommended by Stewart Scales, advanced instructor in the Department of Geography
- Highlights: Great introductory hike, perfect for sunsets
Bottom Creek Gorge: Knight, Johnston, and Duval trails or Johnson and Duval Loop
- 37.133037° N, 80.182285° W
- 2250 Bottom Creek Lane, Shawsville
- AllTrails difficulty: Moderate
- Recommended by Stewart Scales, advanced instructor in the Department of Geography
- Highlights: Virginia’s second-highest waterfall, wildlife viewing, solitude
For fans of Virginia Tech, the Hokie Hike runs from Oct. 1. to Nov. 17 and supports student outdoor recreation.
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Crystal Graham
