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.
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Virginia
1. Hawksbill Loop Trail
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.
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Featured Image Credit: Aleksey Boyko, Shutterstock
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Virginia
