Virginia's Ultimate Payoff Hikes: Stunning Trails with Nearby Craft Breweries
Breathtaking summit views can inspire any hiker to conquer Virginia’s premier trails. For extra motivation, pair your adventure with a visit to a nearby craft brewery, where you can unwind with a refreshing, well-earned beer.
Stony Man Overlook or Mary’s Rock
Photo Credit: Joel Mulbah & Alyssa Gilbert
For a rewarding short hike with panoramic vistas, try Stony Man Trail in Shenandoah National Park. This 1.6-mile out-and-back features a steady ascent to a rocky summit overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley.
Nearby, Mary’s Rock offers two routes: a 3.7-mile path from Panorama on Skyline Drive or a 2.8-mile option from Meadow Spring parking. Both are moderately strenuous with exceptional park views.
The Brewery: Hawksbill Brewing Company in Luray is just 17 miles from Stony Man and 11 miles from Mary’s Rock.
Old Rag Circuit
Photo Credit: Nate Dennison
Ideal for seasoned hikers, the Old Rag 8.8-mile circuit in Shenandoah National Park culminates in a thrilling rock scramble and stunning summit. Note: Pets are not permitted.
The Brewery: Pen Druid Brewing in Sperryville is approximately 12 miles away.
Devil’s Marbleyard
This challenging 8.3-mile trail earns its name from a boulder-strewn scramble. Extend it by 3 miles along the Appalachian Trail for epic Virginia panoramas.
The Brewery: Great Valley Farm Brewery is about 13 miles from the trailhead.
Cascade Falls
Photo Credit: Divergent Travelers
In Jefferson National Forest, the beginner-friendly 4-mile Cascade Falls trail follows a shaded creek to a 66-foot waterfall, with minor moderate sections.
The Brewery: Rising Silo Brewery in Blacksburg is roughly 22 miles away.
Tinker Cliffs
One of Virginia’s Triple Crown hikes (with Dragon’s Tooth and McAfee Knob), this 3.8-mile ascent to Tinker Cliffs offers pristine Roanoke Valley views. Not for novices.
The Brewery: Olde Salem Brewing is about 17.7 miles from the trail.
Dragon’s Tooth or McAfee Knob
Photo Credit: Joseph Mesite
McAfee Knob’s 8.3-mile trail leads to an iconic Appalachian Trail viewpoint with 270-degree vistas of Catawba Valley. Dragon’s Tooth (4.1 miles) is steeper and rockier, topping Cove Mountain.
Photo Credit: Shannon Terry
The Brewery: Parkway Brewing Company in Salem is 7 miles from McAfee Knob and 11 miles from Dragon’s Tooth.
Crabtree Falls
Home to the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi (1,200 feet total drop), the 3.3-mile Crabtree Falls trail starts with easy overlooks. Extend to Spy Rock via 3.8-mile Crabtree Meadows.
The Brewery: Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub is 15 miles away.
Raven Rocks
Just an hour from D.C., this 5.5-mile moderate out-and-back Raven Rocks trail ends at a rocky overlook on the Virginia/West Virginia line, gazing into Shenandoah Valley.
The Brewery: Dirt Farm Brewing in Bluemont is only 5 miles from the trailhead.
Eagle Rock
Photo Credit: Robert Harris (@robertharris)
On the Tuscarora and Appalachian Trails along the VA/WV border, Eagle Rock offers a 7.2-mile out-and-back or family-friendly 2.1-mile loop with fewer crowds than nearby Big Schloss.
The Breweries: Winchester Brew Works and Alesatian Brewing (23 miles); Escutcheon Brewing (24 miles).
Humpback Rocks
Off the Blue Ridge Parkway near I-64, the 1-mile steep Humpback Rocks trail has rest benches. Return the same way or add 2 miles on the Appalachian Trail for easier descent.
The Brewery: Basic City Beer Co. is a quick 15-minute drive.
Buttermilk Trail, Richmond
For an urban escape, the pet-friendly 4.5-mile Buttermilk Trail follows the James River. Extend by 2 miles with the North Bank Trail.
The Brewery: Legend Brewing Company is just 0.5 miles from the trailhead.
Peaks of Otter
Photo Credit: Nicholas Moore (@moore.ns)
Explore Sharp Top (2.6 miles, 360° views), Flat Top (4.8 miles), or Harkening Hill (3.3-mile loop)—all strenuous with rewarding summits.
The Brewery: Beale’s Brewery is 11 miles from Peaks of Otter Lodge.
High Bridge Trail
Photo Credit: Big Orange Frame
This flat, 31-mile rails-to-trails path (hiking/biking, pet-friendly) features a 2,400-foot bridge over the Appomattox River—perfect for families.
The Brewery: Third Street Brewing in Farmville is adjacent to the trail, 0.3 miles from the trailhead.
