Birding & Wildlife

Allen Creek Nature Preserve is a 0.7-mile, family-friendly Wintergreen loop through a rare high-elevation wetland, complete with interpretive guides describing the braided streams and northern plant species that thrive there.

2.6-mile Appalachian Trail segment from VA Route 56 over the Tye River swinging bridge to Harpers Creek Shelter with laurel, rhododendron, and creekside campsites.

0.8-mile red-blazed climb on a south-facing slope showcasing mountain laurel, rose azalea, and pedlar gneiss outcrops with connections to Pedlars Edge Trail. Blackrock Trail is a steep 0.8-mile red-blazed climb over pedlar gneiss outcrops where chestnut oak, mountain laurel, and table mountain pine cling to dry slopes—rewarding hikers with rugged views each June bloom season.

Walk the restored 1850s Blue Ridge Railroad tunnel on a 2.25-mile crushed-gravel path with dramatic stone portals linking Afton and the Rockfish Valley. The Blue Ridge Tunnel, engineered by Claudius Crozet in the 1850s beneath Rockfish Gap, now lets hikers and cyclists travel nearly a mile through the historic rail bore between Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Steep 0.8-mile red-blazed climb skirting rocky cliffs with sweeping Three Ridges views, laurel thickets, and fern-covered 'rock gardens.' Brimstone Trail tackles 0.8 miles of rocky cliffs beneath Wintergreen's Plunge, mixing steep ups and downs, laurel thickets, and sweeping views toward Three Ridges—best tackled with care during icy months.

Cool, damp 0.7-mile north-facing spur paralleling Cedar Cliffs with mossy boulders, ferny slopes, and connections to the primary overlook trail.

1.1-mile yellow-red loop leaving Shamokin Gorge to traverse oak-hickory ridges, spring wildflowers, and stream crossings near Wintergreen.

Crabtree Falls features five major cascades dropping 1,200 feet—the highest vertical-drop waterfall east of the Mississippi—with paved lower overlook and a 3-mile trail to upper vistas. Crabtree Falls cascades 1,200 vertical feet across five major drops, with an accessible first overlook near the parking area and a 3-mile trail to additional viewpoints for hikers seeking panoramic Blue Ridge vistas.

0.6-mile stroll from the Blue Ridge Overlook across catoctin greenstone ledges with rock 'gardens,' birding, and views toward Pond Hollow.

Fortune's Cove Nature Preserve challenges hikers with a 5.3-mile loop that gains 1,500 feet before rewarding them with rocky glade vistas, rare plant communities, and a shorter lower loop option for quicker outings. Strenuous 5.3-mile loop managed by The Nature Conservancy climbing 1,500 feet through rocky glades and intact forest to panoramic cove overlooks.

1.1-mile red-blazed path following Fortunes Ridge stream with cascades, laurel blooms, and access points from Fortunes Ridge and Wintergreen Drive.

Hemlock Springs Loop is a 0.8-mile route known for pink and yellow lady's slippers and an old-growth hemlock stand impacted by woolly adelgid—offering a sensitive habitat best navigated with care. 0.8-mile yellow-red loop highlighting pink and yellow lady's-slipper habitat, old-growth hemlock remnants, and moderate climbs near Wintergreen.

Highlands Leisure Trail connects Wintergreen's Blackrock Village to the Wintergarden via a 0.5-mile yellow-blazed path that dips through older-growth forest and includes an overlook of the Highlands ski slopes. Half-mile connector between Blackrock Village and the Wintergarden with short climbs, older-growth forest, and an overlook of Highlands ski slopes.

Humpback Rocks rewards a short but steep 2-mile loop climb with 360-degree Blue Ridge panoramas; start from the visitor center near Parkway milepost 5.8 and plan on about 45 minutes up, 20 down. Popular 2-mile loop to the Humpback Rocks summit, ascending 740 feet for 360° Blue Ridge views near Parkway milepost 5.8.

State park along the James River with 15+ miles of multiuse trails, riverfront overlooks, boat launches, cabins, and full-service canoe livery.

Kids in Parks TRACK Trail loop along the Rockfish River featuring story walk signage, riparian habitats, and a flat one-mile family route. This is another of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation's Kids in Parks Track Trail programs of self guided outdoor opportunities for kids and families to connect with nature.

Family-friendly TRACK Trail at Piney River Depot with self-guided nature activities, flat rail-trail mileage, and prizes through Kids in Parks.

1.6-mile yellow loop sampling mountain laurel, birch, and oak-hickory forest with rocky footing and parking at Wintergreen's Lot F.

1.7-mile blue-blazed trek ending at Lower Shamokin Falls, weaving through dense forest after a jeep-road approach from Old Stoney Creek Road.

Three-mile Mau-Har connector through the Three Ridges Wilderness linking with the Appalachian Trail past cascades, rock scrambles, and shelters.

Half-mile nature walk beside Montebello's former fish hatchery stream with fern-lined banks, benches, and steady bird activity.

Protected wilderness spanning The Priest and Three Ridges with rugged Appalachian Trail miles, dramatic elevation changes, and backcountry solitude.

Follow Route 666 past Dickie Brothers Orchard and into George Washington National Forest for shady picnics beside the river.

Moderate-to-difficult grades reward hikers with Shenandoah Valley vistas and quiet, historic tread. 3.3-mile former Appalachian Trail alignment with greenstone ledges, Shenandoah Valley overlooks, and spring wildflowers across multiple access points.

Paul's Creek Trail is a 0.6-mile blue-blazed family favorite that follows a lush valley to smooth rock chutes and a series of cascading waterfalls near Crawford's Knob. Pack water shoes and a camera—the polished boulders and cool pools are irresistible on summer days.

1.6-mile difficult red trail paralleling Blackrock with pedlar formation geology, open powerline birding, and wildflower-rich edge habitat.

One-mile red-blazed route along a geologic fault line with displaced boulders, varied plant communities, and bobcat-friendly habitat. Pond Hollow Trail is a demanding 1-mile route threaded through a geologic fault line littered with house-sized boulders and prime bobcat habitat.

Restored soapstone quarries transformed into 40-acre native plant gardens with two miles of trails, habitat galleries, and guided ecology tours.

0.5-mile yellow loop through mixed forest with wildflower displays, solitude, and access from White Oak Drive or Wintergreen Drive. Ravens Roost Park offers a half-mile yellow-blazed wander through deep forest to a favorite Skyline Drive overlook for sunrise, sunset, and wildflower spotting.

Flat four-mile network skirting the Rockfish River and Reid's Creek with birding hotspots, interpretive signage, and farm-country views. Rockfish Valley Loop Trails span about four flat miles of mowed paths that trace the Rockfish River and Reid's Creek, blend history with birding, and frame constant Blue Ridge views.

0.3-mile preserve loop protecting high-elevation wetlands with braided streams, northern plant species, and easy access for families.

Spruce Creek Park anchors the Rockfish Valley Loop Trail system at Route 151, offering sunrise-to-sunset access to TRACK trails, a native plant garden, butterfly walk, geology trail, and the Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center.

Spy Rock's soaring granite dome remains open via a 6.5-mile round-trip hike from Meadows Lane (SR 826) after the fish hatchery lot closure. Alternative 6.5-mile round-trip route to Spy Rock via Meadows Lane featuring sustained climbs, rocky scrambles, and sweeping summit panoramas.

Community linear park in Stoney Creek with creekside walking path, new picnic areas, benches, and easy terrain for families.

Short yellow access spur to Blackrock featuring steep pedlar gneiss formations, panoramic overlooks, and a signature family photo spot. The Plunge is a short, steep 0.2-mile connector to Blackrock Trail that packs in pedlar gneiss rock formations, dramatic overlooks, and prime family photo spots.

The 13.3-mile Three Ridges loop is one of Virginia's premier backpacking routes, delivering waterfalls, rocky knife-edge climbs, and big Appalachian vistas south of Wintergreen. Expect strenuous terrain, overnight camping zones, and bragging rights after tackling this rugged circuit.

Trillium Field is a pocket-sized 0.1-mile stroll where thousands of white and pink trillium bloom in early May on the corner of Wintergreen Drive and Devils Knob Loop. Easy 0.1-mile stroll where thousands of trillium bloom each May along Wintergreen Drive and Devils Knob Loop, with wildflowers through summer.

Upper Shamokin Falls Trail is a gentle 0.4-mile walk that follows the sound of tumbling water to fern-draped cascades—perfect for all ages. Stay on the marked path and off the slick rock edges, but don't forget the camera for this signature Wintergreen scene.

Challenging 0.8-mile red trail in the Upper Shamokin Gorge with stream crossings, lush understory, and links to the Appalachian Trail.

White Oak Trail serves up a half-mile of shady solitude, spring wildflowers, and birdwatching between White Oak Drive and Wintergreen Drive. 0.5-mile moderate yellow trail offering bird-friendly woods, wildflowers, and a quiet loop accessible from White Oak or Wintergreen drives.

White Rock Falls is a 2.5-mile moderate hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway that showcases an impressive gorge, a wading-friendly waterfall, and northeast-facing mountain views on the climb out. 2.5-mile moderate waterfall hike with natural wading pools, gorge views, and options to extend via the Slacks Overlook loop on the Parkway.