There’s nothing like a walk in the woods. Be you sneakered day hiker or seasoned bush-whacker, Patrick County has the trail for you. Pick your path and pack a picnic. Blue Ridge Mountains, waterfalls, rhododendrons, and wildlife are waiting to welcome you in Patrick County.
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Rock Castle Gorge National Recreational Trail
Milepost 167 Blue Ridge Parkway | FLOYD, VA
This 10.8-mile loop trail may be a challenge to complete but is well worth the effort. The trail has two entry/exit points. One at the base of the mountain in Woolwine at Little Rock Castle Creek and the other at the Rocky Knob Recreation Area, at the campground. We suggest starting at the campground for an easy downhill hike for the first three miles. The trail goes through meadows, over fences, across creeks, down steep pathways, and beside abandoned mountain ruins. The lower Rock Castle Creek offers fishing opportunities as well as primitive camping and picnicking. Back toward the campground, the trail parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway with outstanding views of Rock Castle Gorge and the countryside. Looking for a shorter hike? The Rocky Knob Recreation Area also has the Black Ridge Loop Trail (3 miles) and Picnic Loop Trail (1 mile).
Trail Length: 10.8 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Amenities: restrooms, campground
Where to Stay:
Rocky Knob Campground
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Dehart Botanical Gardens Trail
11317 Jeb Stuart Hwy
Stuart, VA
This challenging 6-mile loop trail located right off route 58 on Meadows of Dan Mountain and owned by Ferrum College. Before entering the property, you need to contact Ferrum College to sign a waiver (540-365-4370). This strenuous trail rewards intrepid hikers with beautiful mountain views, large rock outcroppings, a cave, a waterfall, and historical ruins.
Length: 6 miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Where to Stay:
Stuart Hill Bed & Breakfast
Fairy Stone State Park
Uptown Suites of Stuart
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I.C. Dehart Park Trails
Mountain bikers, this trail is for you. Fifteen miles of an almost entirely tight, twisty singletract trail system challenges bikers with moderate climbs, rock gardens, and remote scenery by Little Widgeon Creek. The Woolwine East Loop is the longest ride at 8.7 miles. Those looking for a more difficult, but shorter route should opt for the 5.8-mile Woolwine West Loop. Check the map before embarking on your trip for colored blazes that lead to bailout loops. Fun fact: The USA Cycling Mountain Bike Virginia State Championship Bootlegger’s Blitz is held here annually. No worries if you didn’t bring a bike. Hike the Woolwine loops, just keep an eye out for your friends on wheels.
Length: 15 miles
Type: Single-track out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Amenities: bathroom, playground, tennis courts, soccer pitch
Where to Stay:
Rocky Knob Campground
Deer Run Campground
Fairy Stone State Park Campground
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Pinnacles of Dan Trail
6211 Kibler Valley Road | CLAUDEVILLE, VA
The 5.4-mile hike to the Pinnacles of Dan begins at the Pinnacles Hydro Plant in Meadows of Dan. Go inside the hydro plant and sign a waiver from the plant attendant before embarking. This hike is only recommended for very experienced adventurers who are skilled at navigation and don’t mind some scrambling. You will be rewarded at the top with breathtaking views of the pinnacles and surrounding mountains.
Length: 5.4 miles
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Hard
Where to Stay:
Meadows of Dan Campground
Mountain Waves Yurt
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Round Meadow Creek Trail
MP 179.3 Blue Ridge Parkway
Meadows of Dan, VA
This easy 0.3 mile, 20-minute loop trail is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, south of Meadows of Dan. It’s great for all experience levels and features a small river and a fantastic view of the massive 20th-century parkway bridge. Walk through rhododendron thickets, wildflowers, fern patches, and cool off in the creek.
Length: 0.3 mile
Route type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Where to Stay:
Primland Resort
Woodland Inn
Meadows of Dan Campground
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Trails at Fairy Stone State Park
967 Fairy Stone Lake Drive
Stuart, VA
Fairy Stone State Park features 10 miles of multi-use trails to explore. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders alike traverse the steep steps of the 4.1-mile Little Falls Trail. The small stream suddenly takes a 20-foot drop and cascades into Little Mountain Falls, delighting day trippers with an incredible sight, cool waters to splash in, and a great backdrop for a photo.
Length: 4.1 Miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Amenities: Restrooms, lake, concessions, camping available
Where to Stay:
Rent a lodge or cabin, glamp in a yurt, or bring your RV and tent to the full service campground.
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LEAF Trail at the Reynolds Homestead
463 Homestead Lane
Critz, VA
The Link to Education About Forests (LEAF) Trail is a heritage-based outdoor classroom at Reynolds Homestead. This easy trail is 1 mile long and offers beautiful views of the surrounding forests. Open throughout the year from dawn until dusk, hikers enjoy the quiet forest paths, babbling creek, walking past restored tobacco barns of the former plantation, and observing the habitat of native flora and fauna throughout the year.
Length: 1 mile
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Where to Stay:
Stuart Hill Bed & Breakfast
Fairy Stone State Park
Uptown Suites of Stuart
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Mayo River Rail Trail
108 Commerce St.
Stuart, VA
Mayo River Rail Trail follows the path of the Danville and Western Railway ("Dick and Willie") in downtown Stuart. This 1.8-mile paved trail is great for families with children, strollers and wheelchairs. The trailhead is marked by a bright red replica caboose of the Dick and Willie train and the Mayo River is almost always in view.
Length: 1.8 Miles
Route type: paved path
Difficulty: Easy
Where to Stay:
Stuart Hill Bed & Breakfast
Fairy Stone State Park
Uptown Suites of Stuart
Goose Point Campground