By james art 
As one of the oldest states in the country, Virginia has always been a destination for history buffs, but it is also a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. From Shenandoah National Park to the Appalachian Trail, visitors to The Old Dominion State don’t have to travel far to discover the natural wonders of the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Shenandoah River. Many small towns in the state have become jumping off points for explorers to discover Virginia’s wild and alluring wonder.
Big Stone Gap
Outdoor enthusiasts love Big Stone Gap. With its location among the Appalachian Mountains, including the famous Appalachian Trail, which runs through lush forests through scenic hiking trails to breathtaking views, you can quickly blend in with nature. However, the trail is not the only attraction for nature lovers, as you can also reach the Jefferson National Forest nearby. Bird watching, hiking and wildlife photography are popular with visitors.
Do you enjoy fishing? You’ll get your fill at Big Cherry Lake. Its calm waters bring together catfish, perch and trout. For memorable views of nature, you should head to Powell Valley Overlook for scenic views and the perfect sunset. The tour of the area’s indomitable charm continues with what many have called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Natural Tunnel State Park.
an orange
The Piedmont region is home to Orange. Local nature lovers know all about this must-visit destination nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of Northern Virginia. Its proximity to Shenandoah National Park makes it one of the most visited destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, as 200,000 acres of wilderness are too tempting not to explore. The famous Appalachian Trail is accessible here, allowing hikers to enjoy unique views of waterfalls and wildlife.
The National Park is not the only place where you can experience the abundance of nature, as you can also appreciate the forests and meadows that make up the Montpelier Estate, home of former US President Madison. For visitors looking for more recreation to enjoy Virginia’s natural wonders, take part in kayaking or fishing on the Rapidan River. You can also take a short detour to Barboursville Vineyards to get sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you tour the grounds.
Galaxy
Galax and its location near the Blue Ridge Mountains has often been a typical stop for nature lovers passing through Virginia. From the stunning scenery that the city offers to the rich natural beauty from the foothills to the peaks, the opportunity for adventure is abundant. One must-see is the New River Trail State Park, which has 57 miles of trails for explorers of all types, whether on horseback, on foot, or by mountain bike. The views are incredible as you look out over lush forests and farmland, not to mention communing with some of Virginia’s wildlife.
Conservation properties such as Grayson Highlands State Park also attract visitors to Galax. Nature lovers appreciate the incredible sights and sounds of Virginia’s abundant wilderness, which encompasses meadows and dense forests. These meadows have become famous for wild ponies, giving visitors an incentive to stay a while and explore.
Bristol
Bristol straddles the Tennessee-Virginia border and has become one of the Old Dominion State’s premier destinations for exploring and discovering nature. Nestled in the Appalachians, the area is home to an abundance of hiking trails and wildlife. But around the base of these mountains aren’t the only places for widely used trails and hiking trails, as just a short drive away visitors can experience the Mendota Trail and its soothing meadows or the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, for to appreciate Virginia’s nature and wildlife to the fullest.
Anglers from across the state test their skills at the prize in South Holston Lake, including rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. The lake is a great day trip destination that allows you to participate in several levels of recreation such as kayaking, boating, and hiking.
Front Royal
Shenandoah National Park is one of Virginia’s top attractions for nature lovers. Located to the north, Front Royal has become the gateway to this national treasure. At this north entrance, visitors can access Skyline Drive, an attraction designed to provide breathtaking views of the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains that make up the Old Dominion State’s natural landscape. This national park has more than 500 miles of trails, allowing guests of all abilities to appreciate the diverse ecosystems and attractive foliage in all seasons.
Once you’re done with the national park and all it has to offer, you can consider the recreational opportunities for adventurers along the Shenandoah River. This river runs right through Front Royal, providing a quick access point to launch kayak and canoe expeditions and a steadily productive hub for fishing the teeming river.
Abingdon
Abingdon is located in the Appalachian Mountains. The stunning views and backdrops of this iconic landscape alone attract nature lovers, but while they’re here, they’ll probably stop by the Virginia Creeper Trail. This multi-use trail is more than 34 miles long, crossing dense forests and foothills and paralleling tranquil river views. Explorers enjoy the trail because there are so many access points along this stretch, allowing them to see a variety of natural wonders and Virginia wildlife, such as deer, wild turkeys, and even bears on occasion.
The nearby Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is home to Virginia’s highest peak, which means it’s home to some of the more challenging hiking and climbing trails in the state. Explorers from all over the country arrived to test their mettle in these challenging summit trails.
Luray
Luray has become synonymous with many potential avenues for outdoor enthusiasts to tackle. Not only is this place the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley, but the town is famous for its namesake caves, featuring miles of natural wonder for explorers of all types. The community is also at the mouth of the Shenandoah National Park, meaning guests can access miles of hiking trails like the Stony Man Trail or famous natural formations like Dark Hollow Falls.
More outdoor fun exists for adventurous nature fans, starting with the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway. Here, community visitors can experience a two-mile loop for walking, jogging and biking. There is an abundance of wildlife along this trail, including deer and a variety of birds. Between the caves, the famous national park, and the well-maintained greenway, there’s plenty to see and do in Luray.
Damascus
One of the exciting things that makes Damascus such a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts is that so many of Virginia’s famous trails converge at this point. The municipality has become affectionately known as “Trail Town USA”. It features a connection point for the Appalachian Trail, the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, and the Iron Mountain Trail. These trails feature expansive and memorable views of nature, from overlooks to the tranquil flow of Whitetop Laurel Creek.
The anglers in your party can appreciate the abundance of potential catch in Beaverdam Creek, which features pristine, clear waters. Plenty of fishing, kayaking and canoeing opportunities are also available on the trails that converge in the community. Damascus is also very close to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, allowing adventurous visitors to challenge themselves on the summit trails to reach Virginia’s highest peak.
Cape Charles
Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. From the beautiful scenery to the recreational opportunities, there is something to keep visitors busy for days in Cape Charles. Located on the Chesapeake Bay, guests of the city have a convenient launching point for paddle boarding, swimming and kayaking. In good weather, fishing and crabbing are popular local crafts and recreational opportunities.
Visitors should be sure to take a short jaunt to the Eastern Shore of the Virginia National Wildlife Refuge to explore the state’s conservation efforts and embrace diverse ecosystems that support countless species. There are over 300 species of birds in the sanctuary alone. In addition, travelers can explore Kiptopeke State Park for additional access to an abundance of fishing holes and a breathtaking monarch butterfly migration site.
Marion
Marion is a prominent small town along the Appalachian Trail with the famous mountains as the community’s backdrop. Nature lovers can flock to this location for easy access to the famous trail crossing the towering peaks of the Appalachians and the stunning growths of wildflowers and flora among the trail’s bends through the valley. Perhaps even more abundant than life along the Appalachian Trail is Hungry Mother State Park nearby, featuring a 108-acre lake suitable for kayaking and water recreation. The park also has miles of hiking and biking trails.
Those looking for a relaxing day of fishing can check out the South Fork Holston River. This waterway is teeming with trout, giving you a good chance of pulling dinner out of the river while enjoying the peaceful riverside views.
Nature is easy to find in the Appalachians. Whether you want to explore trails like the thirty-four mile winding trail known as the Virginia Creeper Trail from the Damascus Confluence, or you want to go fishing in the Chesapeake Bay from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, there is always something exciting to explore in The Old Dominion State. With thousands of acres of uninhabited national park and refuge space, explorers can appreciate the full wonder and majesty of Virginia’s indomitable allure.