The Best Fall Hikes In Virginia

The first day of Fall has come and gone, and the leaves are slowly starting to change. If you live in Virginia there are a few must do hikes this fall. While I have not personally hiked all these in the fall, I have hiked all of them in different seasons. These are my top hikes with the best views for fall foliage. I can't wait to go hike more of them this fall!

Hikes

Spy Rock - Spy rock is located in Montebello, Virginia. If you head up the road from the Montebello fish hatchery, there is a small parking lot on the left for hikers. This is my absolute favorite fall hike. After a 3.1 (round trip) mile moderately strenuous hike you will reach the top...well almost. Once you have made it to the top it flattens out. You will approach a giant rock which you must climb up. If you are feeling adventurous you can climb up the side to reach the top. If you aren't feeling quite up to that or have children there is another way. Make your way around the back of the rock which will lead to an easier trail that will take you to the top. Once at the top, you will have a 360 degree view of the rolling hills of the central Blue Ridge Mountains. This hike is gorgeous during any season, but the fall... is breath taking.

Address

359 Fish Hatchery Lane

Montebello Va 24464

Sharp Top - If you live anywhere near The Peaks, you have heard of Sharp Top. This is definately one of the most popular hikes for locals during any season. There is a parking lot at the base of the trail by the Peaks Camp Store. There is no address for the store or trail. If you miss that parking lot you will see the Visitors center and can park there. Cross the double road from the visitors center and follow the sidewalk up to the parking lots and camp store. This is a strenuous 3 mile (round trip) hike. Once at the top, there is a really cool rock shelter in case of bad weather. If you head up the second set of stone stairs there is a small over look. Keep going up the rock stairs and you will be greeted by a 360 degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The top offers lots of boulders to climb around on and rest upon. If you go to the first overlook you'll notice a geographical marker pointing to Turtle Rock. Adjacent from the summit sits turtle rock. This is a huge boulder you can climb for a different view. With views like this you'll be here awhile.

Address

85919 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Bedford, VA 24523 (visitors center)

Mount Pleasant - Whether you enjoy hiking for the hike, or you do it for the spectacular views, Mount Pleasant should be your next stop. Tucked away in Amherst Virginia sits Mount Pleasant with its double summit viewing. This is a moderate hike with a 5.4 mile loop. To get to the trailhead you will drive up a very long, rocky/gravel road. If you feel like you've missed it, keep going. The road will end at the trailhead parking lot. Make sure you start at the blue blazed trail that looks flat. You will see another trail to the side that is much more uphill. This is the one that you will return on. This hike is gorgeous, and offers both East and Western summits you can hike a short distance between for different views. There is plenty of room to sit back and have a snack while taking in the spectacular views. The rocks create a large platform that jets off the mountain. Perfect for the more adventurous ones who want to climb and explore the rocky summit.