The Virginia Piedmont’s rolling hills offer elevation changes up to 1,000 feet, creating perfect walking and hiking terrain. Here are five standout trails:
Belle Isle Trail, Richmond: A 1.3-mile urban loop around the James River. Flat, beginner-friendly with river access points.
Riverwalk Trail, Lynchburg: 3.5 miles along the James River. Paved, accessible, popular with bikers and wildlife watchers.
Ragged Mountain Trail, Charlottesville: Popular 6.6-mile moderate loop around reservoir. Great winter alternative when mountain trails are inaccessible.
Tobacco Heritage Trail, South Hill: 22.7 miles through Southern Virginia’s historic tobacco country. With 17 trailheads, this developing rail-to-trail showcases picturesque rural landscapes.
High Bridge Trail, Rice: 32.2 miles of converted rail bed through a 1,200-acre state park. Features the spectacular High Bridge—2,400 feet long and 125 feet above the Appomattox River.
This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2025 issue.
