A Few Excellent Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia

The proprietor of B-Boyz, LLC, in Forest, Virginia, Ralph Beck invests in local real estate and develops land and homes. Recreationally, Ralph Beck enjoys keeping active, especially by hiking in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

One of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ great hikes, McAfee Knob is a celebrated part of the Appalachian Trail known for its beauty. Although a challenge, the trail is rewarding, particularly at sunset. For a longer trek, hikers can tack on the Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs trails to McAfee Knob.

Another great option, the 8.3-mile Devil’s Marbleyard Trail requires more than five hours to complete, especially for those who want to play around on its giant boulders. Determined hikers can tack on another hour for an Appalachian Trail side trip that offers an incredible panorama of the mountains.

For something easier, individuals can check out the Otter Creek and Otter Lake Loop trails that start at the James River Visitor Center, where hikers can learn about the surrounding area. The former trail passes by several pools and an old railroad bed before linking up with the Otter Lake Loop Trail. The complete circuit, along which visitors may see beavers, amounts to just a few miles.