If you live in or near Richmond, there are many hikes you can take that are fairly close to your home. Sometimes, though, you may want to explore more of Central Virginia and travel to new places. Here are a series of hikes that combine a road trip with an excellent nature hike. We have chosen hikes that will be well worth the extra travel time, and have also identified a few nearby attractions that you can visit before or after the hike.
Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve – 3.4 miles – Stafford County
This preserve is located in Stafford County, sandwiched between the Potomac and Accokeek creeks. Crow's Nest has been referred to as a "biological gem". According to state biologists, "Overall, Crow's Nest supports one of the finest—if not the finest—upland hardwood forests remaining in the Virginia Coastal Plain." Your hike will lead through an old growth forest down to the edge of a tidal marsh and back. It offers the opportunity to experience the diverse habitats in the preserve and view many huge trees. These pristine environments contain abundant wildlife and the serenity of a truly wild place.
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Other places to visit nearby include Aquia Landing Park for swimming and relaxation, the Stafford Civil War Park for history and walks, and other places in Stafford County. If you are coming from Richmond, the City of Fredericksburg is on the way. There, you can visit the Fredericksburg National Battlefield for more Civil War history, the historic district for sights and shopping, or visit one of the many restaurants.
Ragged Mountain – 5.8 miles – Albemarle County
The Ragged Mountain Natural Area near Charlottesville, Virginia, is a beautiful 980-acre forest of mature oak, hickory, poplar, pine, and maple trees with a lake that serves as part of the community water supply. Trails lead through majestic forest, along rugged terrain, and through areas rich with wildlife. This area offers a unique opportunity for wilderness hiking within minutes of Charlottesville. It provides the experience of a mountain walk without driving to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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Charlottesville is a dynamic city with many things to do. The most visited attractions include Monticello, Carter Mountain Orchard, Highland, the downtown street mall, and the University of Virginia. Here’s a link to Tripadvisor to help you decide.
Hickory Hollow – 3.5 miles – Lancaster County
Hickory Hollow is a Virginia Natural Area Preserve. Hickory Hollow's 254 acres of mixed pine-hardwood forest, ravines, and wetlands form an important habitat for songbirds and plants of various kinds. Cabin Swamp, in particular, is an exceptional quality wetland community that supports a very high diversity of flora - perhaps 500 plant species - including several plants usually found only in the mountains. A hike in April or May can be especially productive for finding the natural treasures here. Many wildflowers will be blooming, and migratory birds (especially warblers) will be evident.
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While you are in the area, you can visit the small town of Kilmarnock. Also nearby is Belle Isle State Park, with bicycle and boat rentals, fishing, hiking, and more. To explore the wider region, go here.
Holliday Lake – 2.6 miles – Appomattox County
Holliday Lake State Park is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Fishing, swimming, and boating are possible in the lake, and its location in the deep forests of the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest provides for abundant wildlife and quiet walks in the woods. This out-and-back hike travels along the lakeshore, with a particular emphasis on finding wildflowers in the spring, which are numerous and diverse. Other hikes are also possible here – consult the trail map. Note that some of the other trails may need maintenance, so check with the park office first (434-248-6308).
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The main State Park activity center is located next to the trailhead. Here, you can rent a boat for fishing or a paddle, as well swim at the beach area. More trails are available in the surrounding Appomattox Buckingham State Forest (Hunting Allowed in Season). The Appomattox Court House National Historic Park is a short drive away. It is preserved village where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at the end of the US Civil War. If coming from points east, a stop in Farmville can be fun.
Grandview Nature Preserve – 3.3 Miles – City of Hampton
Grandview Nature Preserve is a local park in the City of Hampton. It covers over 475 acres of salt marsh, tidal creeks, and Chesapeake Bay beachfront. The Preserve is a great location to beach comb, observe migratory birds, and discover the wonders of wetlands. The hike follows a wide path for a half mile through a salt marsh before ending up at the beach. From there, you can walk almost 2 miles along a narrow strip of shoreline facing the Chesapeake Bay. On the other side of the shoreline dune is an extensive salt marsh. This is an out-and-back hike - walk as far as you like on the beach and return.
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In the summer time, nearby Buckroe Beach is a good place to swim in the Chesapeake Bay and relax on the beach. Completed in 1834 and named in honor of President James Monroe, Fort Monroe is recognized as the largest stone fort ever built in the United States. For a slice of urban living and waterfront commerce, visit Downtown Hampton.