14 Surprisingly Beautiful Places in Virginia You Didn’t Know Existed

Virginia is a state where history and fog-laden canopies of nature go hand in hand. You have the old historic towns lived in by figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and there are over 22 million acres of lush forests to hike through.

Driving home from university every year, I would detour just to ride through the Blue Ridge Parkway. When fall rolls around, the entire state turns yellow and red.

Whether you want to walk the cobblestone streets of Williamsburg or trek the Appalachian Trail, here are 14 of the most beautiful places in Virginia to add to your bucket list.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is an iconic road that snakes through the Appalachian Mountains. Its winding turns, and scenic overlooks make it a favorite drive for those looking to soak in the views.

You’ll encounter misty hills covered in dense forests and the occasional deer peeking out from the trees. Stop at one of the many overlooks to stretch your legs and snap a photo, or pull off at a trailhead for a short hike.

The fall season is particularly popular as the leaves turn into a vivid display of reds, oranges, and yellows.

2. Shenandoah National Park, Luray

As Virginia’s only national park, Shenandoah is a haven for anyone who enjoys being outdoors.

Encompassing over 200,000 acres, the park is crisscrossed with over 500 miles of trails, including a stretch of the legendary Appalachian Trail. Skyline Drive, the park’s main road, is a legendary road trip with great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Come in fall for the epic fall colors that draw a huge crowd every year.

3. Luray Caverns, Luray

Luray Caverns is an underground cavern famous for its impressive stalagmites and delicate stalactites, which have formed over millions of years. One of the highlights is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which uses natural formations to create music that echoes through the caverns.

The guided tour takes you through several large chambers, down mysterious passageways, and past sparkling pools.

The temperature inside the caverns stays a cool 54 degrees year-round, so bring a jacket.

4. Great Falls Park, McLean

Walk right up to the edge of the Potomac River as it crashes over a series of waterfalls. Located just outside of Washington, D.C., the falls are the main attraction of Great Falls Park, with several viewing platforms of the powerful water below.

In addition to the falls, the park has a network of trails and rock climbing on the cliffs along the river. The park can get busy, especially on weekends, so plan to arrive early to avoid the crowds.

5. Natural Bridge State Park, Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge State Park is home to one of Virginia’s most iconic landmarks. The massive limestone arch stands 215 feet tall and looks like it was taken straight out of Utah’s Arches National Park.

Legend has it that George Washington himself carved his initials into the rock when he surveyed the area.

Explore the Cedar Creek Trail, which takes you under the bridge and along the creek to a lovely waterfall. There’s also a Monacan Indian Village to learn more about the area’s Native American history. If you time your visit right, a light show will be projected onto the bridge after dark on the last Saturday night of every month, April through October.

6. Devil’s Bathtub, Fort Blackmore

Devil’s Bathtub sounds like a place you’d want to avoid, but you wouldn’t want to miss this hidden gem unless you don’t like crystal-clear blue natural swimming holes.

In a remote corner of southwest Virginia, Devil’s Bathtub is a natural pool that gets its name from the swirling currents resembling a bathtub drain.

It’s not the easiest spot to reach, as the hike is about seven miles round trip. But those who make the trek are rewarded with a dip in one of the most refreshing pools in Virginia.

7. Assateague Island, Chincoteague

Assateague Island is where wild horses roam free, and you can too. This barrier island is split between Virginia and Maryland, and it’s famous for its population of wild ponies. These horses are believed to be descendants of shipwrecked animals and have adapted to life on the island.

The Virginia side is part of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where you can encounter these majestic creatures grazing on the salt marshes. But horses aren’t the only attraction here; the island’s beaches’ unspoiled sand and gentle waves are a major draw.

Camping is only allowed on the Maryland side, but you’ll be right on the beachfront.

8. Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is where the ocean meets the city. This lively coastal town has long stretches of sandy beaches and a nice boardwalk.

The boardwalk has restaurants and entertainment options, so you’ll never run out of things to do. There are plenty of quieter stretches of sand further from the boardwalk.

Just north of the beach, First Landing State Park has hiking trails that wind through marshland and forests.

9. Williamsburg

Williamsburg is best known for Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum where you can experience life in the 18th century.

Wander through the streets and visit historic homes where costumed interpreters bring the past to life and traditional craftspeople are at work.

Beyond its history, it’s a modern town with the nearby College of William & Mary adding a youthful energy to the area.

10. Mabry Mill, Meadows of Dan

Mabry Mill is one of the most photographed spots in Virginia. This historic gristmill and sawmill are as picturesque as they come. You can almost hear the creak of the wooden waterwheel as it turns.

The mill is still operational, and you can watch demonstrations of how cornmeal is made using traditional methods. There’s also a small restaurant on-site that serves up hearty country breakfasts and delicious cornmeal pancakes.

11. Breaks Interstate Park, Breaks

Breaks Interstate Park is the “Grand Canyon of the South.” Straddling the border of Virginia and Kentucky, this park has jaw-dropping views of a five-mile gorge carved by the Russell Fork River.

Everywhere in the park, you can find a trail or an overlook with breathtaking views. For the more adventurous, go rock climbing or get wet while white-water rafting.

12. Great Dismal Swamp, Suffolk

The Great Dismal Swamp is as mysterious as it sounds, and it is one of the most unique natural areas in the state. This vast, eerie wetland stretches across southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.

Aside from over 200 species of birds, black bears and bobcats call this wilderness area home. The cypress trees are draped in Spanish moss, and the still, dark waters reflect the sky like a mirror.

You can kayak through the murky waterways or hike through the mix of dense forests and open marshes. Washington Ditch Trail takes you to Lake Drummond, a large, shallow lake that’s a hidden gem within the swamp.

13. McAfee Knob, Catawba

McAfee Knob is a bucket-list hike in Virginia, thanks to its iconic cliff edge with panoramic views. The hike to the top is about 8 8-mile round trip and moderately challenging, but the effort is rewarded with one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail.

The rocky ledge juts out into the sky, creating a perfect perch for that all-important summit photo.

14. Sand Cave, Ewing

Deep in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, the Sand Cave is one of Virginia’s best-kept secrets. This massive sandstone cave is unlike anything else in Virginia, with its colorful walls streaked in shades of pink, orange, and purple.

The cave is a bit off the beaten path, requiring a round trip hike of about 8.5 miles. The cave’s entrance is wide and inviting, and the interior is filled with fine, powdery sand that’s soft underfoot.

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