2024's 10 Most Scenic Virginia Towns
As one of the oldest states in the country, Virginia has always been the destination of history buffs, but it is also a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. From the Shenandoah National Park to the Appalachian Trail, visitors to The Old Dominion State do not have to travel far to find the natural wonders of the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Shenandoah River. Many small towns in the state have become launching points for explorers to discover Virginia's wild and enticing wonder.
Big Stone Gap
Outdoor enthusiasts love Big Stone Gap. With its placement among the Appalachian Mountains, including the famed Appalachian Trail, which weaves through abundant forests across scenic hiking paths to breathtaking views, you can quickly become one with nature. However, the trail is not the only attraction for nature lovers, as you can also reach the Jefferson National Forest nearby. Bird watching, hiking, and wildlife photography are popular among its visitors.
Enjoy fishing? You will find your fill at Big Cherry Lake. Its tranquil waters team with catfish, bass, and trout. For memorable views of nature, you should head to the Powell Valley Overlook for scenic vistas and the perfect sunset. The tour of the area’s untamed charms continues with what many have dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Natural Tunnel State Park.
Orange
The Piedmont region is home to Orange. Local nature lovers know all about this must-visit destination sandwiched among the beautiful rolling hills of northern Virginia. Its proximity to Shenandoah National Park makes it one of the most heavily visited destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, as the 200,000 acres of wilderness are too tempting not to explore. The famous Appalachian Trail can be accessed here, allowing hikers to experience once-in-a-lifetime views of waterfalls and wildlife.
The national park is not the only place to experience the abundance of nature, as you can also appreciate the forests and meadows that make up the Montpelier Estate, home to former U.S. President Madison. For visitors looking for more recreation to get them infused with the natural wonders of Virginia, partake in kayaking or fishing on the Rapidan River. You can also take a brief detour to the Barboursville Vineyards to get a sprawling view of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you tour the grounds.
Galax
Galax, and its placement near the Blue Ridge Mountains, has often been a quintessential visiting spot for nature enthusiasts passing through Virginia. From the stunning landscapes the town provides to a rich natural beauty from the foothills to the summits, the opportunity for adventure is abundant. One of the must-dos is the New River Trail State Park, which features 57 miles of trails for explorers of all types, whether that be on horseback, on foot, or a mountain bike. The views are amazing as you look over lush forests and farmlands, not to mention communing with some of Virginia's wildlife.
Protected properties like Grayson Highlands State Park also attract visitors to Galax. Nature lovers appreciate the incredible sights and sounds of the abundant nature of wild Virginia, which spans meadows and dense forests. These meadowlands have become famous for wild ponies, giving visitors an incentive to stay awhile and explore.
Bristol
Bristol is on the Tennessee-Virginia border and has become one of the premier destinations in the Old Dominion State for nature exploration and discovery. Nestled amid the Appalachian Mountains, the area is home to an abundance of hiking trails and wildlife. But around the bases of these mountains are not the only locations for widely used trails and hiking paths, as only a short drive away, visitors can experience the Mendota Trail and its calming meadows or the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area to appreciate Virginia’s nature and wildlife to the fullest.
Anglers from all over the state try out their skills on the bounty within South Holston Lake, including rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. The lake is a great day trip destination, allowing you to partake in several levels of recreation, such as kayaking, boating, and hiking.
Front Royal
Shenandoah National Park is one of Virginia's top attractions for nature enthusiasts. Located to the north, Front Royal has become the gateway to this national treasure. At this northern entrance, visitors can access Skyline Drive, an attraction designed to provide breathtaking views of the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains, making up the natural landscape of the Old Dominion State. This national park features more than 500 miles of trails, allowing guests of all skill types to appreciate diverse ecosystems and attractive foliage in all seasons.
Once you are done with the national park and all it has to offer, you might consider the recreational opportunities for adventurers on the Shenandoah River. This river flows right through Front Royal, providing a quick access point for launching kayaking and canoeing expeditions and a steadily productive hub for fishing from the teeming river.
Abingdon
Abingdon sits among the Appalachian Highlands. The stunning views and backdrops of this iconic landscape alone are a draw for nature enthusiasts, but while they are here, they will likely stop by the Virginia Creeper Trail. This multi-use trail is more than 34 miles long, cutting through thick forestry and mountain foothills and positioned parallel to serene river views. Explorers enjoy the trail because there are so many access points along this stretch, allowing them to see different wonders of Virginia’s nature and wildlife, such as deer, wild turkeys, and even bears on occasion.
The nearby Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is home to Virginia's highest peak, meaning that it is home to some of the state’s more challenging hiking and climbing trails. Explorers from all over the country arrived to test their mettle against these challenging summit pathways.
Luray
Luray has become synonymous with many potential pathways for outdoor enthusiasts to get their fix. Not only is this location the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley, but the town is famous for its namesake caverns, featuring miles of natural wonder for explorers of all types. The community is also at the mouth of the Shenandoah National Park, meaning guests can access miles of hiking trails like the Stony Man Trail or famous natural formations like the Dark Hollow Falls.
More outdoor fun exists for the adventurous fan of nature, beginning with the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway. Here, visitors to the community can experience a two-mile loop for walking, jogging, and biking. Wildlife is abundant along this trail, including deer and various birds. Between the caverns, the famous national park, and the well-maintained greenway, there is much to see and do in Luray.
Damascus
One of the exciting things that makes Damascus such a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts is that so many of Virginia's famous trails converge at this one point. The municipality has affectionately become known as “Trail Town USA.” It features a connection point for the Appalachian Trail, Virginia Creeper Trail, Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, and the Iron Mountain Trail. These paths feature extensive and memorable nature views, from overlooks to the serene flow of the Whitetop Laurel Creek.
Your group's anglers can appreciate the bounty of potential catches in Beaverdam Creek, which features pristine, clear waters. Multiple fishing, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities are also available along the trails converging in the community. Damascus is also very close to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, allowing adventurous visitors to challenge themselves on summit paths to reach the highest peak in Virginia.
Cape Charles
Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. From the beautiful scenery to the recreational opportunities, there is something to keep visitors busy for days in Cape Charles. Positioned on the Chesapeake Bay, guests to the town have a convenient launch point for paddleboarding, swimming, and kayaking. During the favorable weather, fishing and crabbing are popular local trades and recreational options.
Visitors should be sure to take the small ride to the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge to explore the state's conservation efforts and embrace different ecosystems supporting countless species. There are over 300 varieties of birdlife alone within the refuge. In addition, travelers could check out the Kiptopeke State Park for further access to plentiful fishing holes and a breathtaking monarch butterfly migration site.
Marion
Marion is a prominent small town along the Appalachian Trail with the famous mountains as a backdrop of the community. Nature lovers can flock to this location for easy access to the renowned path cutting through the towering peaks of Appalachia and stunning growths of wildflowers and flora among the trail’s turns through the valley. Perhaps even more abundant than life along the Appalachian Trail is Hungry Mother State Park nearby, featuring a 108-acre lake primed for kayaking and water recreation. In addition, the park features miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Those looking for a relaxing day with a fishing pole can check out the South Fork Holston River. This waterway teems with trout, giving you a fair chance at pulling dinner from the river while you take in the serene sights of the river’s shoreline.
Nature is easy to find in Appalachia. Whether you want to explore trails like the thirty-four miles of winding path known as the Virginia Creeper Trail from the convergence point in Damascus, or you want to take in fishing on the Chesapeake Bay from Virginia’s Eastern Shore, there is always something exciting to explore in The Old Dominion State. With thousands of acres of uninhabited national parkland and refuge space, explorers can appreciate the full wonder and majesty of Virginia’s untamed appeal.
