7 Great Hikes in the Greater Blacksburg Area

Blacksburg is surrounded by gorgeous trails and great views all located in and around the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. With the warm weather coming, now is the perfect time to get outside and hit the trail for some hikes. Hiking is a great way to get off the computer and get exercise too. 

1. Buffalo Mountain Trail

Located in Wills, Virginia, a little over an hour away from Virginia Tech, is the Buffalo Mountain Trail. This is a 2.2 mile out and back trail that goes up over 560 ft of elevation. There are views of the ridges along the trail as it goes up the mountain. The trail is rated as moderate on all trails and is also dog friendly. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/buffalo-mountain-trail

     2. Kelly Knob (via Appalachian Trail)

This 4.8 mile out and back trail is located near New Castle, Virginia. The trailhead for this loop is only 30 minutes from Virginia tech. Over the course of the hike, there is a 944 foot elevation gain. This is a relatively rocky hike but has a lot of green areas. This hike features many wildflowers during certain seasons and plenty of overlooks. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/kelly-knob-via-appalachian-trail

      3. John’s Creek Mountain 

Located in New Castle, Virginia, John’s Creek trail will have you walking through forests and green patches. The trail is a 6.5 mile out and back trip that gains 1,650 feet of elevation. This area is also known for bird watching especially and the trail is dog friendly. Wildlife sightings are common on this trail. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/johns-creek-mountain-trail–2

      4. Angel’s Rest (via Appalachian Trail) 

This intense hike is located near Pearisburg, Virginia and is a 5.6 mile out and back trip. It starts with an uphill climb and overall gains 1,843 feet of elevation. The hike passes through many rocky spots surrounded by greenery. The top of the mountain is a rock ledge that looks out to the beautiful valley of the Pearisburg area. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/angels-rest-via-appalachian-trail

      5. Tinker Cliff (via Andy Layne Trail)

Tinker Cliff is 7.3 mile out and back loop and part of the Virginia Triple Crown. This hike is located near Troutville, Virginia and is in the McAfee Knob area. This hike is rated as Hard on AllTrails and gains 1,945  feet of elevation. The hike features a river and many camping spots. Portions of this hike are on the Appalachian Trail and there is a AT shelter on the trail for thru hikers. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/tinker-cliffs-via-andy-layne-trail

      6. Cascades Falls Trail

The Cascades is popular for Virginia Tech students as it is only 30 minutes away from campus and features a 66 foot waterfall. The trail is a heavily trafficked 3.8 mile trail located in Pembroke, Virginia. The trail is a steep down and back that goes along the flowing stream and the trail also features other beautiful views. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/cascades-falls-trail

      7. Dragon’s Tooth Trail

This out and back trail is 4.1 miles and is located in Catawba, Virginia. Dragon’s tooth is part of the VA triple crown which also includes Tinker cliff and Mcafee’s Knob. The hike gains 1,227 feet of elevation throughout a rocky hike to the top of the ridge. The hike features plenty of views and fun rock scrambling. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/dragons-tooth-trail

All trails can be found on Alltrails.com