Are you searching for new trails to explore? Are you seeking solitude away from the hustle and bustle? Do you desire peace and quiet as you enjoy nature and wildlife viewing? Take the trail less traveled and blaze your way to new discoveries at Virginia State Parks. Be sure to plan your adventures during a weekday to avoid summer crowds, then check out these six trails to help you get off on the right foot. 

Bushey Point Trail at Leesylvania State Park

Natural Tunnel State Park: Lover’s Leap Trail and Purchase Ridge Trail

View from Lover’s Leap at Natural Tunnel State Park

Visit Natural Tunnel State Park for the unique 10-story-high tunnel carved through a limestone ridge; stay for the breathtaking trails! With only 9 trails, the longest being 2.1 miles in length, it’s possible to experience them all during your visit. While the Tunnel Trail down to the tunnel is definitely a highlight, don’t miss out on hiking above the tunnel as well. 

From the visitor center’s parking lot, follow Lover’s Leap Trail and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the tunnel at Lover’s Leap Overlook. Then, continue to Purchase Ridge Trail, which leads to Purchase Ridge Overlook. Enjoy another view of the tunnel and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains before heading back. Whether you are riding the chairlift down to the tunnel’s entrance or hiking above it, there is more than one way to marvel at the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” 

Trails: Lover’s Leap and Purchase Ridge 

Mileage: 4 miles or more (out-and-back) 

Usage: Hiking 

Difficulty: Moderate 

Holliday Lake State Park: Lakeshore Trail

Bridge and picnic table along Lakeshore Trail

Holliday Lake State Park is a hidden gem deep in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. Fishing, swimming and paddling on its lake are popular activities. However, a trek around the entire lake is a great way to explore this park for those visitors who are up for an adventure. 

Hiking this route may be lengthy, but it is not overly strenuous, with approximately 581 feet of elevation gain. Much of the trail is forested, so shade is abundant. Keep in mind, this means that bugs may be abundant as well, so be sure to bring your bug spray! Lake views, creek crossings and a neat walk across the dam provide plenty of natural beauty and fun along the way. 

Trail: Lakeshore 

Mileage: 6.5 miles (loop) 

Usage: Hiking 

Difficulty: Difficult 

James River State Park: Tye River Overlook via Cabell Trail and Dixon Trail

View from Tye River Overlook at James River State Park

With the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background and 3 miles of James River shoreline at your fingertips, this park has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. James River State Park’s 22 miles of multi-use trails are just a few of its many amenities.  

For a short, peaceful hike with big rewards, check out the Tye River Overlook via Cabell Trail and Dixon Trail. Park at the visitor center and follow Cabell Trail to the Tye River Overlook with a spectacular view of the confluence of the Tye and James rivers. Return on the same trail, or make it a loop by continuing on Cabell and then taking Dixon back to the parking lot. 

Trails: Cabell, Tye River Overlook and Dixon 

Mileage: 3 miles (loop) 

Usage: Hiking, Biking, Equestrian (No bikes or horses at Tye River Overlook) 

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate 

Natural Bridge: Skyline Trail

View from Skyline Trail at Natural Bridge State Park

While most visitors to Natural Bridge State Park are drawn to the 200-foot-tall Natural Bridge along Cedar Creek Trail, there are certainly other trails not to be missed. Take it from frequent visitor and DCR Public Relations and Marketing Specialist Starr Anderson. 

“Skyline Trail is a must-do when you’re at Natural Bridge State Park,” said Starr. “The views of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains are stunning, especially from Jefferson Point, and the fact that you get to explore the Children’s Discovery Area while you’re on the trail is a nice bonus! The trail is a little wider than most and could easily be turned into a shorter out-and-back, making it a good trail for all skill levels.” 

Trail: Skyline 

Mileage: 1.3 miles (loop) 

Usage: Hiking 

Difficulty: Moderate 

Seven Bends State Park: Bass Bight Trail, Pawpaw Hollow Trail and River Bend Rise Trail

View of Shenandoah River from River Bend Rise Trail at Seven Bends State Park

Tucked along bends in the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, Seven Bends State Park is another hidden gem offering water recreation and trails with vista views in a peaceful setting.  

The park has two entrances, and while it is possible to hike from one to the other, you don’t have to trek that far to experience scenic water views from both a riverside trail and atop Powell Mountain. The easy, flat and graveled Bass Bight Trail meanders along the river before connecting with the more difficult Pawpaw Hollow Trail, which leads into the forest and up the side of the mountain. This trail intersects River Bend Rise, and a short hike to the right on this trail delivers a bench with a view of the Shenandoah River below. From here, you have the option to continue further or turn around and head back to the parking lot. With approximately 728 feet of elevation gain on the way to this overlook, the hike back may feel like a breeze.  

Trails: Bass Bight, Pawpaw Hollow and River Bend Rise 

Mileage: 4.4 miles or more (out-and-back) 

Usage: Hiking and Biking 

Difficulty: Difficult 

Leesylvania State Park: Bushey Point Trail

Powells Creek Bridge from Bushey Point Trail at Leesylvania State Park

Nestled along the tidal shores of the Potomac River, Leesylvania State Park frequently has very high visitation on the weekends and holidays from May through September, and guests are often turned away. So, plan to visit during a weekday, put this hike on your agenda and follow in the footsteps of visitor, Haley Rodgers. 

“At sunrise on a summer weekday morning, I strolled out to Leesylvania for the first time to explore trails,” said Haley. “Most people visit Leesylvania for the water - fishing, boating, beach-lounging - but I learned they are certainly missing out if they skip the trails. I wasn't totally missing out on water views, though. I hiked Bushey Point Trail, which offers beautiful views of Powells Creek before meandering into the woods.” 

“Bushey Point Trail has multiple scenic view areas and bridge crossings that are so picturesque,” explained Haley. “During golden hour that summer morning, I enjoyed the Powells Creek Bridge glowing over the water. Another bonus of an early morning hike is that you can encounter more wildlife on the trail. I saw several frogs, many birds (red-winged blackbird, pileated woodpecker, American goldfinch, and Carolina chickadee, to name a few) and even an Eastern box turtle.”  

Trail: Bushey Point 

Mileage: 2.3 miles (out and back) 

Usage: Hiking 

Difficulty: Easy 

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Mark your calendar for National Trails Day on the first Saturday of June and check out events at parks across the state. For more information on hiking trails at Virginia State Parks, go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hiking.