Camping On The Appalachian Trail In Virginia

Walk under the geologically captivating Guillotine. Continue ridgetop hiking, entering big James River Face Wilderness at Petites Gap. Undulate through the heart of the wilderness, scanning for views of the James River down below, then make the long descent to the James River, saddling alongside gurgling Matts Creek. Reach the James River, where an impressive hiker footbridge spans this mighty Virginia waterway. Being Virginia, there’s always a little history added to the mix. There’s also a parking lot .2 miles away from which campers may hike with gear to the campground.

One of my favorite nights was on top of Mt. Bromley. It is used for skiing in winter and has wide mowed down sections leftover from the routes in summer. There is a gondola perched on top and a small hut that is open for thru-hikers to sleep in. The stars were particularly bright that night and we stayed up for hours watching them by the fire. Expect several bear sightings and a beautiful wildlife sanctuary. The Trail wraps around the perimeter of the grassy sanctuary.

Hike Along Basin Creek In Doughton Park

When trying to plan out where to boondock in Virginia, start with the Appalachian Trail. You can find numerous locations along the 544 miles of the Appalachian Trail running through the state. The national forests also hold other great options for free camping in Virginia. There are unique places to camp in the wildlife management areas as well.

It’s easy to visit a ranger on your way into a national park or forest, where you can pick up a few recommendations about the best spots. When in doubt, double-check the rules, and you won’t have to worry about your dispersed camping trip. The Appalachian Trail, or AT for short, is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, extending across 14 states between Mount Katahdin in Maine and Springer Mountain in Georgia. Shenandoah National Park and these two huge national forests are definitely our number one recommendations for dispersed camping in Virginia. However, the prime benefit of dispersed camping is the huge freedom to choose your camping spot.

This fun circuit in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area cruises up the gorgeous Whitetop Laurel Creek Valley on the famed Virginia Creeper Trail. A steady but very mild grade takes you to meet the Appalachian Trail. Climb to the crest of Straight Mountain, where partial views can be had before reaching Saunders trail shelter and a second night’s camping option. Take the AT back to the trailhead, switchbacking downhill off Straight Mountain. One of the best perks of primitive camping is the privacy. When you feel the need to get away from it all and get back to nature, then consider one of these awesome primitive campgrounds at Virginia State Parks.

Get Your App Trail Passport

Next, cross Passage Creek, climbing Massanutten Mountain. Traverse the narrow ridge, then descend to historic Elizabeth Furnace, where you can view the remains of this former forge. The backpack traverses a variety of terrain, from dry rocky ridges to boulder-strewn creeks to piney slopes.

This means campers also have no limit on what they can bring along, making the experience a little less like “roughing it”. This style of camping is a great option for RV campers, as long as they can go without hookups. Shenandoah State Park offers just under 200,000 square acres of fantastic Virginian landscapes. Soak up phenomenal views and fresh mountain air on a peaceful dispersed camping trip to this national park. By definition, dispersed camping is camping in a national forest somewhere else that a designated campsite.

Thunder Ridge, James River Face Wildernesses

In the New Market Taproom, order up a craft cocktail or glass of local wine to celebrate your day in the park. Beyond hiking, Skyland Stables is located just off Skyline Drive at milepost 42.5. Book a one-hour or 2.5-hour guided horseback trail ride to see the Shenandoah Valley from a new perspective. As in, from atop a horse as you trot across an old apple orchard along verdant trails. Hand-guided pony rides are available for small children. Ideal for first-timers, this campground is rich with amenities, including showers.

Head north, crossing the Catawba Creek Valley then rising to Catawba Mountain, where McAfee Knob awaits, the most photographed spot on Virginia’s Appalachian Trail. Continue onward, circling Carvins Cove Reservoir, coming to the Tinker Cliffs, a long stone vertical dropoff that will leave you dashing from view to view. Lastly, pass huge angular Hay Rock, as well as more geological wonderments before ending the adventure at I-81 near Daleville. The park offers access to 2.43 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The park is a three-day hike from Harper’s Ferry, W.Va., and two days from Shenandoah National Park.

Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club

If New Hampshire is rugged peaks, then Maine is rugged trail. Every step and foot placement takes a little more consideration in Maine. The Southern states are known for well maintained trail. Similar to New Hampshire, Maine has some unforgiving and steep climbs with minimal switchbacks. You are able to see the New York City skyline off in the distance for a small section.

If you miss the parking area, it’s not easy to turn around. It’s also more challenging to enter the lot from the opposite direction. Worse, the turn-off road to the parking area dips steeply so you can’t even see the lot from Blue Ridge Mountain Road. This end-to-end backpack encompasses the three most desired vista points for Western Virginia Appalachian Trail adventurers. Start with a climb up to reach the AT, then head southbound doing a modicum of rock scrambling to reach Dragons Tooth, with 360° panoramas.

Take the Rhododendron Trail up the ridge to connect with the AT, keeping an eye out for wild ponies in the Massie Gap area as they like to hang out here. Some of these ponies may approach close enough to get a great photo, but please help keep them wild by resisting the… Turn left onto the northbound section of Appalachian Trail. You will reach the summit of The Priest in 1.2 miles. From here, it’s a 4.5-mile hike to The Priest parking area.

This will also allow you to break in your hiking shoes and increase your fitness level. For your exercise routine, we recommend building a combination of hiking, cycling, swimming or rowing to get your heart rate up three times a week. You can also make a trip into Buena Vista if you would like to resupply. If you need to resupply make a trip into Daleville along the way today. The Virginia section of trail begins in Damascus, Virginia and ends in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. There isn’t a convenient way to take public transportation between the two towns.

Jefferson National Forest And George Washington National Forest

In management jargon however, primitive means there are no services such as running water, heat, lights, etc. Overnight sites are a large part of hiking the AT. It should be part of a seamless whole, and as much as possible look like it relates to its surroundings. Backpacking hammocks can offer more flexibility in choosing a site and can be low-impact in areas where dispersed camping is allowed. However, in the more typical scenario of a designated shelter site or campsite, it may actually be harder to find a spot where suitable trees are spaced the right distance apart. To learn about the pros and cons of using a backpacking hammock on the A.T., click here.

There’s no actual shelter here anymore, but there’s a water source and you can camp. Keep an eye out for black bears while hiking through the park. Have a short hike into Waynesboro and relax for the day. Keep in mind that the park has “waysides” everyday where you can buy meals and snacks.

Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club

Descend along the blue-blazed spur trail into the leafy forest. Backpack the North District of Shenandoah National Park. Travel the once-populated Thornton Hollow and take a walk through history. Visit Bolen Cemetery and hike up Keyser Run Fire Road into the high country. Overnight at the headwaters of the Piney River and complete your loop on a pleasant stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Trout anglers and history buffs will especially enjoy this backpacking adventure.

New River Paddle is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Glendale Springs, North Carolina. Gentry Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee. Twin Pinnacles Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. Massie Gap and Wilburn Ridge Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. Area Visitor Center on Main St also has guest services information available.