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5 hikes worth the drive from Richmond

From rushing waterfalls and majestic rock formations to stunning overlooks, the hikes in Virginia’s Blue Ridge live up to the hype.

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Scenes from hikes around Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Did you know? Roanoke is the largest city on the Appalachian Trail, so you can’t go far without finding a trailhead.

Photos by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge

With 1,000+ miles of scenic trails, Virginia’s Blue Ridge is an exciting destination for hikers of all levels. Grab your sturdy shoes for these travel-worthy treks:

Roaring Run | 1.7 miles | Take in cascading waterfalls and streams along this leisurely, family-friendly trail. Pro tip: Bring a picnic.

Sharp Top | 3.1 miles | The 360-degree views at the summit are worth the steep journey.

Read Mountain | 3.9 miles | Hike to Buzzards Rock to experience one of the best views of the Roanoke Valley.

Hay Rock | 7.7 miles | Walk along the Appalachian Trail for a stunning overhead look at the Carvins Cove reservoir.

Triple Crown | 35 miles | This challenging trek combines Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs. You can hike from point to point in one day or complete the full loop over multiple days (plan for two nights of camping).

6 more bucket list hikes

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