Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Virginia (2025 Guide)

Joyful,Cocker,Spaniel,Sits,In,A,Backpack.,Concept,Of,Hiking_Aleksey Boyko_ Shutterstock

Virginia is home to several dog-friendly hiking trails. No matter where you are in the state, there is probably a scenic hiking trail near you that you can explore with your canine. Some trails are short and easy, while others are nearly 12 miles long. Therefore, there’s something for every experience level.

Below, we’ve picked out 10 of our favorite dog-friendly hiking trails in Virginia.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Virginia

1. Hawksbill Loop Trail

️ Address: Upper Hawksbill Trail, Luray, VA 22835
Open Times: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: $30 per vehicle or $15 per person for a 7-day pass
Off-Leash: Yes, in some areas
  • Circuit hike to Shenandoah’s highest peak with a 360-degree view of the valley and the mountains
  • Rocky and steep, requiring a moderate level of fitness
  • Popular trail that can get crowded; plan accordingly
  • Trail can get icy in the winter, when it may be hard for dogs to climb

2. Bear’s Den Park Trail

️ Address: 18393 Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Bluemont, VA
Open Times: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in some areas
  • Easy 1.7-mile hike with a scenic overlook
  • Wooded trail that follows a section of the Appalachian Trail
  • Trail ends with a panoramic view of the mountains
  • Can be a bit crowded, especially on the weekends

3. Turkey Run and Potomac Heritage Trail

️ Address: Turkey Run Park, West McLean, VA
Open Times: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Moderately difficult 3.3-mile loop
  • Mostly wooded and follows the Potomac River
  • Trail passes by waterfalls, rapids, and historical sites
  • Can get slippery and muddy after rain
  • Trail is part of Turkey Run Park, which has picnic areas and a playground

4. James River North Bank and Buttermilk Loop Trail

️ Address: Tredegar Iron Works, 500 Tredegar Street, Richmond, VA
Open Times: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in some areas
  • Moderately difficult 6.2-mile loop hike
  • Follows the James River, passing by rapids, bridges, and historical sites
  • Mostly dirt and rock with significant elevation gain and loss
  • Train crosses river twice using a pedestrian footbridge
  • Trail is often busy on the weekends

5. River Trail Mini Loop

️ Address: Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA
Open Times: 7 AM to 30 minutes after sunset
Cost: $20 per vehicle or $10 per person for a 7-day pass
Off-Leash: Yes, in some areas
  • Easy 1.6-mile loop hike
  • Spectacular views of Great Falls and Mather Gorge
  • Trail is mostly flat and paved, with stairs and boardwalks
  • Three overlooks along trail
  • Part of Great Falls Park, which offers a picnic area, restrooms, and a playground

6. Devil’s Marbleyard via Belfast Trail

️ Address: Petites Gap Road, Natural Bridge Station, VA
Open Times: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in some areas
  • 3.2-mile out-and-back trail that’s fairly difficult
  • Steep and rocky, requiring high levels of fitness
  • Passes some streams and a large field of boulders
  • Offers views of the valley and mountains
  • Trail can be extended by following the Appalachian Trail to “Helicopter Pad”

7. Riverbend Park to Great Falls Overlook

️ Address: Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA
Open Times: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in some areas
  • 3.5-mile out-and-back hike that offers views of the falls and river
  • Mostly paved and flat with stairs
  • Trail passes rapids and bridges as it follows the river
  • Part of Riverbend Park, which has a visitor center, restrooms, and a playground

8. Pyrite Mine Loop Trail

️ Address: Pine Grove Trailhead, 18100 Park Headquarters Road, Triangle, VA
Open Times: 7 AM to 30 minutes after sunset
Cost: $20 per vehicle or $10 per person for a 7-day pass
Off-Leash: Yes, in some areas
  • Easy, 7-mile loop that explores an old pyrite mine
  • Most dirt and rock, though there are some paved sections
  • Trail passes by a campground, creek, and lake
  • Part of the Prince William Forest Park

9. Mount Trashmore Park

️ Address: Mount Trashmore Park, 310 Edwin Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
Open Times: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Easy, 2-mile loop around a former landfill that’s been turned into a park
  • Trail is mostly flat and paved
  • Trail passes by several attractions, including a playground, fitness stations, and a skate park
  • Area is popular and often crowded

10. Crozet Railroad Tunnel

️ Address: 186-196 Afton Depot Lane, Afton, VA
Open Times: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No, dogs must be on a leash
  • Easy, 4.6-mile trail that goes through an abandoned railroad tunnel
  • Mostly flat and paved, though there are some gravel sections
  • Trail is part of Crozet Tunnel Greenway, which also has picnic tables and restrooms
  • Very popular trail that can get crowded

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Final Thoughts

There are many unique and exciting dog-friendly trails in Virginia. From the Crozet Railroad Tunnel to the Devil’s Marbleyard, there are many areas for you to explore. Virginia is one of the more dog-friendly states, and dogs are allowed at most state parks.

With so many excellent trails spread throughout the state, we hope you found at least one trail near you.

Related read:


Featured Image Credit: Aleksey Boyko, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt? Vet-Reviewed Common Reasons & Facts

We may love them with all our hearts, but catching our beloved canine companions destroying the garden and eating dirt can be disturbing...

Can Dogs Eat Ice Cubes? Vet-Verified Facts, Fun Ideas & Precautions

Few things are more refreshing on a hot summer day than a tall glass of ice water. It lowers our core body temperature...

Vizsla vs Redbone Coonhound: The Differences (With Pictures)

While Vizsla and Redbone Coonhounds are extremely similar, there are some slight differences between them. These differences can determine which dog is better...

25 of the Newest Dog Breeds: Info, Pictures, Origin & More

The leading dog registries in the United States are the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). The UK equivalent...

More related

Truffle Hunting Dogs: How Do They Work? Facts & FAQ

As far back as the 15th century, pigs have traditionally been used to hunt truffles. Pigs are natural foragers with a strong sense...

15 Teddy Bear Dog Breeds: Info, Pictures & History

Teddy bear dogs are hugely popular with people from all walks of life. They’re often little with soft facial features and wavy or...

150+ Havanese Names: The Best & Most Popular in 2025

Bringing home your Havanese puppy is one of the most exciting things you can experience. Even though you are busy buying supplies, puppy-proofing...

Can Dogs Eat Rye Bread? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Sharing food comes naturally to us. It doesn’t matter if it’s our family or a friend; it’s a bonding experience. Therefore, it’s not...

Keep reading

8 Best Dog Foods for Maltese in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Maltese are affectionate, curious, and fearful companions. As one of the oldest breeds in the world, this toy dog is relatively easy to care for. They’re people-pleasers at heart, but they’re also spunky little pups that aren’t afraid of a...

little dog maltese eating food from a bowl at home

Thanksgiving Food for Dogs: Safe Options & What to Avoid (Vet Verified)

Thanksgiving is an important holiday for many families and friends in various countries. Since we count our dogs as members of our families, it’s only natural that we want to include them on this special day. For most families, Thanksgiving...

family-with-dog-celebrating-thanksgiving

Can You Freeze Fresh Pet Dog Food? Facts & Storage Tips

Fresh Pet is a popular dog food brand with a variety of different flavors and recipes, but can you freeze Fresh Pet dog food? Fresh Pet recommends storing their food in the fridge and feeding it directly from the refrigerator...

fresh Pet Dog Food Chicken Recipe

Can Dogs Eat Pigs’ Feet? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Dogs are glad to try any meaty snack you wave in their faces, but it can be tricky to tell what exactly they can and can’t eat. For instance, can dogs eat pigs’ feet? Yes, dogs can eat pigs’ feet,...

Can Dogs Eat Pigs’ Feet

Can Dogs Eat Meatloaf? Vet-Verified Facts & Healthy Diet Tips

Meatloaf is a household staple in the United States. You can prepare this ground meat mixture in several ways that are delicious and satisfying. It’s loaded with protein, easy to make, and smells heavenly when you pull it from the...

Can Dogs Eat Meatloaf

Where Is Taste of the Wild Dog Food Made? Manufacturing Locations

With growing concerns surrounding the safety of pet food and some countries lacking laws that apply to the regulation of pet food manufacturing, a lot of United States-based pet owners are on the hunt for foods that are manufactured right...

brown dog eating its food

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

We’ve all run by our favorite drive-thru on a busy day to grab food we shouldn’t be eating. There are even times we buy frozen foods at the grocery store so we don’t have to cook when we’re tired. One...

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets

Victor vs Taste of the Wild Dog Food: 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

Victor and Taste of the Wild are two comprehensive dog food companies that offer a premium variety of excellent recipes. Similar to one another, both lines of food offer grain and grain-free high protein, fiber-rich, fat-dense recipes. These companies set...

Dogster_Dog Food Victor VS Taste of the Wild