16 Hiking Trails near Charlottesville, VA
first prev 1 next lastShowing Hiking Trails within 50 miles Distance miles of Charlottesville, VA, USA City, Zip, or Address
Mint Springs Valley Park
Crozet, Virginia
14.3 miles WTwo small lakes with sandy beaches, miles of forested hiking and mountain biking trails, a sand volleyball pit, and a playground — all in an eight-acre valley park near Crozet, Virginia.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim 15.7 mi
Sugar Hollow
Crozet, Virginia
16.9 miles NWAn 11-mile loop starting and ending at Sugar Hollow Reservoir, passing Blue Hole and Rip Rap swimming holes — a hiker's way to combine challenge with a cool dip in Shenandoah.
Hike, Swim 6.1 mi
Rip Rap Hollow
Crozet, Virginia
18.7 miles NWA 50-foot, mountain-fed swimming hole on a difficult 10-mile Shenandoah Valley loop that also passes Chimney Rock and a scenic waterfall — cold, clear, and worth the effort.
Hike, Swim
Pauls Creek
Nellysford, Virginia
22.6 miles WA quick 1.2-mile hike along Paul's Creek leads to a cascading waterfall and a natural water slide — stones smoothed by the water let visitors slide right into the swimming hole below.
Hike, Swim 0.3 mi
Big Rock Falls
Syria, Virginia
32.3 miles NA moderately challenging 1.5-mile trail follows Mill Prong River to a beautiful cascading waterfall with a swimming hole that fills up nicely at higher water levels.
Hike, Swim
Rose River
Syria, Virginia
34.0 miles NA moderately difficult 4-mile forested loop in Shenandoah National Park descending to the Rose River and a stunning 67-foot waterfall — wading is possible in some spots.
Hike, Swim
St. Mary's Falls
Raphine, Virginia
34.6 miles WBlue-green water and unique low rock formations set the scene at this cascading waterfall swimming hole in St. Mary's Wilderness — a 4.4-mile out-and-back hike through George Washington National Forest.
Hike, Swim
Fridley Gap
Keezletown, Virginia
34.7 miles NA small, chest-deep swimming hole at the halfway point of a beautiful George Washington National Forest loop — cold all year and only 0.5 miles from the trailhead.
Hike, Swim 2.8 mi
Cedar Run Falls
Oldrag, Virginia
35.9 miles NSix waterfalls, a natural waterslide, and a deep swimming hole reward experienced hikers who tackle this strenuous 8-mile, 2,794-ft-elevation Shenandoah trail.
Hike, Swim
Bear Creek Lake State Park Beach
Cumberland, Virginia
36.4 miles SSand beach on the 40-acre lake at Bear Creek Lake State Park, tucked inside Cumberland State Forest between Richmond and Lynchburg, with camping, cabins and 30 miles of trail.
Camp, Hike, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Swim
Whiteoak Canyon
Syria, Virginia
37.5 miles NA Shenandoah hike featuring both a two-tiered lower waterfall and a classic single-drop upper falls — with cool wading spots along the trail for a well-earned break before the 1,040-foot climb back.
Hike, Swim
Natural Chimneys
Mount Solon, Virginia
40.1 miles NWTowering vertical limestone formations draped in trees and vines, with shallow river swimming holes, 2.5 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a well-equipped 135-site campground.
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
Nicholson Hollow Trail
Morning Star, Virginia
40.8 miles NAn 8-mile moderately strenuous Shenandoah hike past stream crossings, small cascading waterfalls, shaded forest, and the historic Corbin Cabin — wading is possible in low-flow conditions.
Hike, Swim 5.2 mi
Hazel River Falls
Sperryville, Virginia
42.1 miles NA 5.3-mile moderate hike in Shenandoah National Park leading to two moss-covered waterfalls, a wading and swimming pool, flat sunbathing rocks, and small caves to explore.
Hike, Swim
North River Gap
Mount Solon, Virginia
43.5 miles NWA free recreation area with an easy 2.4-mile river gorge hike through lush forest, a wading and swimming spot in the North River, and primitive campsites for $5 a night.
Camp, Hike, Swim
Piney River
Sperryville, Virginia
48.3 miles NMultiple swimming holes along Piney River — including one beneath a small waterfall — reached by following Cumberland Trail through the forest near Sperryville.
Hike, Swim
