The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia are the perfect backdrop for family hiking adventures. Hiking is a great way to spend family time outdoors enjoying nature in any season. With plenty of hiking trails just steps from the your car, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers East Coast families a perfect getaway destination and an easy way to stay active in any season.
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway stretches between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. There are multiple easy access points within an hour's drive of Lynchburg, including off Route 43 near the Peaks of Otter in Bedford, off Route 501 near Big Island, off Route 60 near Buena Vista, and off Route 130 past Elon.
Check out these favorite Blue Ridge Parkway hikes. Whether your children are toddlers, 'tweens, or teens, there's a hike that's just right for your family. Click on any of the pink links for more detailed information about the hikes.
One of the most popular hiking areas in Central Virginia is the Peaks of Otter, where there are several hikes ranging from easy to strenuous.
Read about hikes at the Peaks of Otter in this article.
This article offers more tips on enjoying the Blue Ridge Parkway with your family!
Check the Blue Ridge Parkway closures website for updates and any weather or work-related closures.
Easy Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes
Mountain Farm Trail at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center at MP 5.9 offers a self-guided walk through a model pioneer farm. Kids and grown-ups can learn a lot about farm life by reading the signs.
Ravens Roost at MP 10.7 provides an overlook with fantastic views from the parking area. You may also find rock climbing and people flying kites at this overlook.
Big Spy Mountain at MP 26.3 offers long-range views from a short hike to the top of the mountain. There's a bench for relaxing at the top of the mountain.
Yankee Horse at MP 34.4 is perfect for young hikers. A short hike in the woods takes you to a logging railroad exhibit and small waterfall.
Indian Gap at MP 47.5 is a favorite stop for kids. A 10-minute hike in the woods brings you to the Indian Rocks, giant boulder formations perfect for family photos.
Otter Lake at MP 63.1 is a small fishing lake. Walk down the stairs in the parking area and you'll find a shallow creek to hike across using stepping stones. A short hike up the trail brings you to a kid-sized cave. Retrace your steps or continue on the loop trail around the lake.
Take the James River Trail at the James River Visitor Center at MP 63.6 for an easy walk across a long bridge over the James River to the restored James River and Kanawha Canal Lock exhibit.
Thunder Ridge Trail at MP 74.7 rewards your short hike with excellent views of Arnold Valley from a scenic rock overlook. This is a perfect location for family photos during any season.
Abbott Lake Trail at MP 85.7 and Elk Run Trail at MP 85.9 are both located near the Peaks of Otter. Enjoy an easy hike around Abbott Lake or a wooded hike on Elk Run Trail.
Roanoke River Trail at MP 114.9 is an easy self-guided loop trail with nice views of the river. For a more difficult hike, take the Fisherman's Trail down to the river.
Mabry Mill at MP 176.2 is one of the top destinations on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Kids of all ages enjoy taking a trip back in time along the trail. Visit the historic gristmill, sawmill and blacksmith shop and learn about life in rural Virginia.
Moderate Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes
Otter Creek Trail begins at MP 60.8 at the Otter Creek Campground. The 3.5-mile hike follows the creek from the campground through the woods to the James River Visitor Center.
The Trail of Trees begins near the James River Visitor Center at MP 63.6. Signs along the trail identify many species of trees and shrubs native to the valley.
Access the Fallingwater Cascades National Recreation Trail from either the Fallingwater Cascades parking area at MP 83.1 or the Flat Top parking area at MP 83.5, both just north of the Peaks of Otter. The scenic loop trail offers views of the falls, benches along the trail, footbridges and lots of photo opportunities.
Johnson Farm Loop Trail begins at MP 85.9 at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Follow the signs through the woods to the restored Johnson Farm, which offers seasonal living history demonstrations.
Take the 4-mile scenic Roanoke Mountain Loop Road off the Parkway at MP 120.3 to the top of Roanoke Mountain. Enjoy great views from the overlooks along the roadway. The trailhead for the Roanoke Mountain Summit Trail is located at the top parking area. Take a short detour at the Mill Mountain exit at MP 120 and visit the Mill Mountain Star. From the overlook, you can see the city of Roanoke and the mountains of the Roanoke Valley.
Smart View Loop Trail at MP 154.5 is very popular with bird watchers. The 3-mile loop trail passes through woods and across a stream. Be sure to stop at Trails Cabin, built in the 1890s.
Strenuous Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes
Humpback Rocks Trail is a favorite on the north end of the Parkway at MP 6.0. The 2-mile trail takes you to spectacular views from the Humpback Rocks at the top. Teens love scrambling among the rocks.
Apple Orchard Falls Trail at MP 78.4 is a National Recreation Trail starting at Sunset Field Overlook and leading to Apple Orchard Falls. The views of the falls are well worth the hike. Although the hiking distance is relatively short, the return trip is all uphill so pace yourselves.
Sharp Top Trail is one of the most popular hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Start at MP 86.0 for the 1.5-mile hike to the top of Sharp Top Mountain, where you'll enjoy 360-degree panoramic views. If you're feeling adventurous, climb on the giant boulders. There's a shelter near the top of the mountain for overnight hikers.
Rock Castle Gorge Trail at MP 167.1 is 10.8-mile loop trail from the Rocky Knob Campground into the Gorge. Be sure to allow enough time for this all day hike and bring plenty of water and snacks.
There are also many hiking opportunities available from the 105-mile Skyline Drive, which takes you through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. The Skyline Drive has four entrances between Front Royal and Waynesboro. You'll receive a basic park guide when you purchase a day or annual pass to enter the Skyline Drive. Here are our favorite hikes in Shenandoah National Park.
***Note -- Some portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive close for snow and ice in the winter. The Parkway is a wonderful hiking destination any time of year. So bring the family and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic areas and scenic overviews located along the roadside. Happy Trails!
Hiking is an awesome way to spend time together as a family in any season while building your child's self-confidence. So pick a hike and go! Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® in Central Virginia!
