Getting outdoors is good for the soul. Everyone knows it, and science has confirmed it. Whether you’re a mountain hiker, a dockside sitter or a sun-loving beach lounger, Virginia has a bounty of places and adventures to suit year-round.
The beauty of Virginia is legendary. From the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the calming Chesapeake Bay and the rolling green hills between, the state has the kind of landscapes that elicit oohs and aahs in equal measure.
It’s stunning, and there’s much more to Virginia to explore. Virginia’s outdoor highlights also include wineries and breweries, vibrant small towns, luxury resorts, comforting cabins, serene campgrounds, impressive hiking and biking trails, and every type of paddling imaginable.
In short, pack your outdoor gear because you’ll love being out in nature exploring everything Virginia has to offer!
What kind of outdoor lover are you?
No matter what kind of outdoor lover you are, Virginia abounds with options. You can spend every day hitting the trails. Or if glamping is more your style, you can hang out in a yurt and spend the day revelling in laid-back luxury under a shady tree.
With adventures galore, there are plenty of ways to fill your cup. Plus, it’s home to a quarter of the Appalachian Trail, where enthusiasts can conquer the wilderness for almost nine hundred kilometres!
Do you love the outdoors but more in a hide-and-seek way, searching for the quieter trails and hidden gems? Whether it’s a wow-worthy waterfall or a path-less travelled that feels like it’s just you and the world, head to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
Coastal charms
If you’re looking to get active in the water or flop-n-drop on the beach (watching other people getting active in the water), Virginia has a ton of waterfront destinations to entice. With over twenty-five beaches, plus scenic rivers and lakes, it’s never too far to reach the big blue.
For thrilling ocean waves that are ideal for surfing and body boarding, head to Virginia Beach. If you love the gentle lap of calm waters, the famous Chesapeake Bay soothes the soul. It doesn’t have to be all chill, though; the water adventures are as varied as the landscape.
If this sounds a bit too tame for your kind of outdoor holiday then the 160km-long Seaside Water Trail or the New River Water Trail in Giles County afford ample paddle activities. Choose from kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding, either way, you’ll do it against a postcard-perfect backdrop of craggy mountain peaks.
Still not thrilling enough? Virginia’s capital city, Richmond has America’s only urban whitewater kayaking on exhilarating class IV rapids!
On yer bike (or get in yer car)!
Virginia offers over 5,000km of scenic roadways winding through mountain vistas, coastal beauty, quaint small towns, and peaceful countryside. And if you’re into more relaxed outdoor activities, there are plenty of ways to soak up the state’s beauty at a leisurely pace.
Road-tripping Virginia is idyllic. From the panoramic views atop Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park to the winding route to reach the magnificent Luray Caverns, it’s a journey of “quick, pull over” for countless selfies and panoramic shots. Plus, you can tour ‘America’s Favourite Drive’, the Blue Ridge Parkway, considered some of the USA’s most amazing scenery.
There are Virginia bike trails, too! Doesn’t matter if you’re a keen cyclist with a wardrobe full of padded lycra shorts, a novice ready to get back in the saddle, or planning a family trip with cycling on the agenda, Virginia has something for every skill level.
There are easy-going rides along paved pathways right through to the challenging curves of the Blue Ridge Parkway. For a sometimes white-knuckle ride, adrenalin-lovers can take on the rugged trails in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. To give you a hint on how good it is, it’s America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital!
Year-round wows
Virginia is brimming with activities that not only match a traveller’s adventurous spirit but elevate it with the state’s breathtaking backdrops. Whether travelling in summer, winter, autumn or spring, there’s a hike, bike, drive, paddle, or waterfront view to enjoy.
There’s no denying, Virginia is for outdoor lovers!
Discover more Virginia
Have we whet your appetite for travel to Virginia? Then you’ll definitely want to check out insights about Virginia’s bountiful heritage and culture.
Plus agents, it’s not too late to enter the Time of Your Life fam where you can WIN a trip to Virginia for a Dirty Dance weekend! Register right here, pronto.
Discover more about why Virginia is for Lovers here.
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