Welcome to
Virginia
Virginia has the distinction of having more miles of the A.T. than any other state—nearly a quarter of the Trail’s entire length. The Trail also travels through the history-filled, rolling mountains of Shenandoah National Park. Outside of the park, the A.T. is mostly within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, but also skirts the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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.
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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Photo courtesy of Roanoke County, Virginia
Cool to Know
More of the A.T. passes through Virginia than any other state, and views from overlooks reveal pastoral scenes that are a mix of forest and farmland. In Shenandoah National Park, you can cross the A.T. more than 30 times without getting out of your car.
In the southwest corner of the state, the Trail passes through the Grayson Highlands, which are home to the state’s highest peak. The Trail through this section rides 4,000+ foot ridges and takes hikers past stunning, panoramic views. This breathtaking area is home to a rare southern spruce-fir forest, and extra care should be taken by visitors to Leave No Trace.
Need to Know
The A.T. in southwest Virginia sustained severe damage in Fall 2024 from Hurricane Helene. Learn about current conditions, closures, and important safety information before heading out to the Trail in this section. We strongly encourage hikers not to have campfires in the Grayson Highlands. All the downed trees from the storm create the perfect fuel for wildfire to spread quickly. Forgoing a campfire can help protect this fragile environment from further damage.
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 on Recreation.gov.
Virginia Image Gallery
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Grayson Highlands State Park
Blackrock Summit Spur, Shenandoah National Park
Spy Rock in Winter. Photo by Brent McGuirt Photography
McAfee Knob
The A.T. "Green Tunnel" near Roanoke, Virginia. Photo by Horizonline Pictures
Rice Field
A.T. Hiker on Cole Mountain
An A.T. hiker travels through a Virginia field near Roanoke, Virginia. Photo by Horizonline Pictures
Thunder Ridge near Buchanon, Virginia. Photo by Brent McGuirt Photography.
Get Involved
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
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. Learn more and become a member today at patc.net.
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. Learn more and become a member today at olddominiontrailclub.onefireplace.org.
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. Learn more and become a member today at tidewateratc.com.
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. Learn more and become a member today at home.nbatc.org.
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.
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.
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. Learn more and become a member today at path-at.org.
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. Visit www.mratc.org for schedule and more information.
ATC Volunteer Program
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor centers and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.
Discover More
Hiking Tips
What to Know Before You Go
Wide-open views, crisp air and solitude make for a cool hike, but when winter hiking, being prepared is key.
By Marina Ritchie
Wild Skyway
Wherever you are on the Appalachian Trail, birds offer sweet companionship. Yet, as hiker numbers soar, bird populations tumble.
By Jennifer Pharr Davis
Scenic Views
Wide-open vistas beyond the footpath offer respite and are essential to the Wild East.