Unmissable Mountain Destinations in Virginia: Your Ultimate Guide
Virginia's majestic mountain ranges are world-renowned for challenging hiking trails, scenic winding drives, and the rich musical heritage of Appalachia. From spring blooms to winter snows, these peaks welcome visitors year-round. Reserve time to simply pause and absorb the breathtaking beauty of Virginia's rolling landscapes. Explore why Virginia's mountains capture hearts and inspire endless adventures.
Virginia's Iconic Mountain Ranges
Virginians often refer to their mountains as the Appalachians—a name that's spot on, though this vast chain stretches along much of North America's eastern coast. More precisely, Virginia's portion features two primary ranges: the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains.
Stunning Mountain Highlights
Virginia's mountains offer endless iconic sites, but these visitor favorites stand out for their beauty and adventure.
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
This Southwest Virginia treasure is famed for wild ponies, rugged yet stunning terrain, and Mount Rogers—Virginia's highest peak. Popular activities include hiking, horseback riding, biking, and camping.
Mabry Mill
The most photographed site on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mabry Mill offers tours featuring traditional Appalachian crafts like milling, blacksmithing, and spinning.
McAfee Knob
A rewarding 4.5-mile hike leads to McAfee Knob, the Appalachian Trail's most photographed spot, boasting panoramic views of Catawba Valley, Tinker Cliffs, and Roanoke Valley.
Shenandoah National Park
One of America's premier national parks, Shenandoah National Park delivers countless overlooks revealing majestic mountains and sweeping valleys below.
More Must-See Mountain Destinations
Scenic Drives with Jaw-Dropping Views
Experience mountain vistas from the comfort of your car on these legendary routes—no strenuous hikes required.
Back of the Dragon
Route 16, dubbed the "Back of the Dragon" for its thrilling curves, spans 100 miles through Southwest Virginia in about six hours. A motorcyclist's dream, it's scenic for all drivers.
Blue Ridge Parkway
This 469-mile route winds from northern Shenandoah Valley to North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains, showcasing Virginia's premier mountain scenery.
Skyline Drive
Linking to the Blue Ridge Parkway's northern end, Skyline Drive covers 105 miles along the Blue Ridge with over 75 roadside overlooks of Shenandoah Valley. Fall foliage explodes in vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows.
More Mountain Drives for Unbeatable Scenery
Premier Hiking & Biking Trails
Virginia's mountains are a hiker's and biker’s paradise. Nearly a quarter of the Appalachian Trail traverses the state, with Blue Ridge side trails leading to epic views. Advanced mountain biking awaits at spots like the Spearhead Trails in Southwest Virginia.
Popular Hiking Spots:
- Cold Mountain
- Old Rag
- Whiteoak Canyon
- Dragon’s Tooth
- Crabtree Falls
- Sharp Top
More Popular Mountain Hikes
Popular Mountain Biking Locations:
- Carvins Cove
- Flag Rock
- Southern Traverse
- George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
- Douthat State Park
More Mountain Biking Destinations
The Legacy of Mountain Music
Virginia's vibrant music scene thrives statewide, but the mountains hold a special heritage. Legends like the Carter Family and Dr. Ralph Stanley shaped Appalachian sound here. Follow the Crooked Road, Virginia's Heritage Music Trail, to immerse yourself in this tradition.
More about Virginia Mountain Music
Charming Mountain Towns
Virginia’s mountains are dotted with welcoming towns offering authentic local life.
Roanoke
Larger than most mountain towns, Roanoke blends urban amenities—restaurants, hotels, events—with outdoor pursuits. Roanoke Valley Greenways' 26 miles of trails lead to Mill Mountain's iconic star. Nearby Appalachian Trail access includes Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs.
Damascus
This spirited Southwest Virginia town in the Blue Ridge has the Appalachian Trail running down its main street. Join Trail Days festivities, bike the Virginia Creeper Trail, or visit nearby Mount Rogers for wild ponies.
Luray
Adjacent to Shenandoah National Park in the Shenandoah Valley, Luray provides easy Skyline Drive access via Thornton Gap Entrance. Explore the subterranean wonders of Luray Caverns beneath the mountains.
More Picturesque Mountain Towns
Wineries, Breweries & Craft Beverages
Nestled amid Virginia's mountains are exceptional wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Elevate your trip with these scenic sips.
Mountainrose Vineyards—Wise
Mountain-grown grapes yield wines with subtle, aromatic flavors at Mountainrose Vineyards. The outdoor views of surrounding peaks are equally captivating.
Sugar Hill Brewing Company—St. Paul
Perfect after Spearhead Trails ATV adventures, this craft brewery offers crisp pilsners, unique IPAs, and robust stouts like Irish dry.
Big Fish Cider Co.—Monterey
Using local apples and time-honored methods, Big Fish crafts ciders from dry and crisp to semi-sweet varieties.
Davis Valley Distillery—Rural Retreat
Rooted in Appalachian distilling tradition, this spot produces flavored corn whiskey moonshines (Apple, Peach, Cherry Pie), grain vodka, and forthcoming whiskeys and bourbons.
More in the Blue Ridge Highlands—More in the Heart of Appalachia—More in the Shenandoah Valley—More in the Virginia Mountains
Farms & Orchards
The mountains' cool climate and fertile soil produce exceptional fruits and veggies. These spots offer hands-on fun like picking your own or meeting animals.
Graves’ Mountain Apple Orchard—Syria
Pick apples straight from trees or buy pre-picked ones, plus fresh cider, apple butter, fall pumpkins, and gourds.
Seven Springs Alpaca Farm—Lebanon
Interact with alpacas, learning about them while petting their luxurious fleece.
Chiles Peach Orchard—Crozet
Harvest tree-ripe peaches, strawberries, apples, and pumpkins seasonally. The market stocks fresh produce, jams, crafts, plus ice cream and bakery treats.
More Interactive Farm Tours and You-Pick Orchards
Where to Stay in the Mountains
Choices abound from cozy cabins to luxury resorts tailored for every traveler.
Resorts:
These feature luxury amenities and year-round pursuits like zip-lining, hiking, and spas.
- Wintergreen Resort—Wintergreen
- Massanutten Resort—McGaheysville
- Bryce Resort—Bayse
- The Omni Homestead Resort—Hot Springs
- Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection—Meadows of Dan
Find More Mountain Resorts
Cabins:
Private cabin rentals offer serene escapes amid the peaks.
- Eagle’s Lookout—Wintergreen
- Fariss Farms Cabin—Allisonia
- Dancing Bears Cottage—Middlebrook
More Cabins in the Mountains
Virginia’s mountains promise endless beauty and adventure. What's your favorite spot?
