Why the Length of the Appalachian Trail Is Always Changing
Ever since it was first declared "completed" in 1937, the Appalachian Trail has never stopped changing. Discover some of the reasons why.
Read MoreWelcome to Virginia
Virginia has more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other state — nearly a quarter of the Trail’s entire length! The A.T. travels through the history-filled, rolling mountains of Shenandoah National Park, the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, and parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just south of Roanoke, the Trail crosses the Great Valley of Virginia, climbs into the Allegheny Range, passes through serene mature forests and occasional meadows, and culminates in the scenic balds of the Mount Rogers High Country.
557.0
A.T. Miles in State
61
Shelters
650'–5,500'
Elevation Range
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Did You Know?
The A.T. in Virginia features dozens of views from overlooks that reveal pastoral scenes with a mix of forest and farmland. Virginia’s McAfee Knob is the most photographed spot on the entire A.T. Situated on Catawba Mountain, the tallest mountain in the area, it offers gorgeous, panoramic views of the Catawba Valley.
In the southwest corner of the state, the Trail passes through the Grayson Highlands, which offers stunning, panoramic views atop 4,000+ foot ridges of Virginia’s highest peaks and the sweeping grandeur of broad, high elevation meadows. This breathtaking area is home to a rare flora and fauna, including southern spruce-fir forest, and extra care should be taken by visitors to Leave No Trace.
Virginia is also home to one of three ATC visitor centers. The Damascus Trail Center sits just a few steps away from where the A.T. goes through downtown Damascus. Known as “Trail Town USA,” the A.T. Community of Damascus is the second town heading north that the Trail passes directly through.
Need to Know
Campfire Restrictions
The A.T. in southwest Virginia sustained severe damage in Fall 2024 from Hurricane Helene. We strongly encourage hikers not to have campfires in the Grayson Highlands due to all of the downed trees from the storm, which create the perfect fuel for wildfire to spread quickly. Forgoing a campfire can help protect this fragile environment from further damage.
McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Service
Roanoke County has partnered with Ride Source to provide a shuttle service to the McAfee Knob Appalachian Trail trailhead in Virginia, providing easier parking options for your visit. McAfee Knob is the most photographed place on the A.T. and is an extremely popular hike. Taking the shuttle helps reduce trailhead congestion and can make your visit to this iconic Trail spot seamless!
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Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park, with approximately 100 miles of well-maintained Trail and climbs rarely exceeding 500 or 1,000 feet, is great for beginners. Remember, though, that backcountry permits are required when camping in the park. Permits must be obtained in advance.
Get Your PermitVirginia Clubs & Partners
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC)
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) has enhanced the mid-Atlantic outdoor experience since 1927, including 240 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The PATC maintains trails, shelters and cabins, and they make maps and guidebooks for outdoor adventurers.
Visit PATC Website
Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club
The Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club (ODATC) is an organization of individuals and trail-related organizations who meet to recreate in the outdoors in various ways as well as act as stewards of a portion of the Appalachian Trail and the public lands it runs through. Our recreational endeavors focus on hiking in Virginia but includes biking, paddling and touring as well.
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Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club
The Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club (TATC) is an energetic group, open to individuals and families, whose primary purpose is to maintain a 10+ mile section of the Appalachian Trail (AT). The Club is centered in Norfolk, VA, and draws membership from Hampton Roads and the surrounding areas.
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Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club
Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club (NBATC) is a volunteer based hiking club that provides opportunities for recreational hiking on the Appalachian Trail(A.T.) and other trails in central Virginia. NBATC volunteers maintain over 90 miles of the A.T. as well as other hiking trails in central Virginia for the benefit of current and future hikers.
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Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech (OCVT)
The Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech is a diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts comprised of undergraduate, and graduate students and other members of the Blacksburg community. The goal of the club is to get our members outside and active both physically and socially. The A.T. north of Pearisburg (including Rice Field / Peters Mountain) is maintained by OCVT.
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Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club
The members of the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, founded in 1932, are avid hikers and backpackers. We love the outdoors and we get out and hike and enjoy the trails of western Virginia as much as possible. Our club also maintains 120 miles of the Appalachian Trail as well as 16 shelters along the trail. We welcome guests to come along on our hikes. We usually have two group hikes each week. The A.T. south of Pearisburg (including Angels Rest / Pearis Mountain) is maintained by RATC.
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Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers
Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers, is a nonprofit trail club that maintains a section of the Appalachian Trail in southwest Virginia. PATH’s members live in North Carolina and Virginia, with the majority living between Charlotte, NC and Raleigh, NC. PATH also offers hiking and outreach opportunities.
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Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club
The Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club maintains 59.4 miles of the Appalachian Trail from the TN/VA line north to the South Fork of the Holston bridge, Rte. 670, in Teas, VA. The club welcomes guests on Trail work trips and recreational hikes.
Learn MoreA.T. Communities in Virginia
There are 19 communities along the Appalachian Trail in Virginia that have been recognized by the A.T. Community™ program. These towns are assets for everyone visiting the A.T. and nearby public lands, providing restaurants, supplies, recreation, historic resources, and much more!
Culture & Inspiration
Day Hikes on the A.T. in Virginia
Take a look at these popular day hikes to explore in Virginia
Report an Incident
While the Appalachian Trail is a relatively safe place to visit, that does not mean that there are not potential dangers while you are hiking or camping. If you see something, say something — this will help us keep the A.T. as safe as possible for our visitors.
Incident Reporting