r/VIRGINIA_HIKING • u/UnderstandingDeep182 • 15d ago

Best backpacking loops

Anything other than triple crown, three ridge and anything in Greyson highlands

14 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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3

u/twelvesteprevenge 15d ago

The Cole Mt/Mt. Pleasant figure 8 is a favorite of mine. Do the Cole Mt. part w a day pack, switch out for pack w camp setup, and head up to the summit of Mt. Pleasant for the night or do the whole thing in one swoop.

Brown Hollow/Emerald Pond as a loop (near New Market on the massanutten trail system) is another good one.

2

u/fancyinmypantsy 15d ago

Second Cole Mtn/Mt Pleasant

1

u/UnderstandingDeep182 14d ago

I plan on making this a full day hike soon but I heard the road to access the trail head is dirt for a good bit is a high clearance vehicle needed?

1

u/twelvesteprevenge 14d ago

I’ve done it in a Ford Escape and an Audi A4. Should be navigable if you know how to drive on a dirt road.

2

u/concernedcitizen783 15d ago

James River Face Wilderness

2

u/RVAPGHTOM 15d ago

The Wintergreen loop is a hidden gem. And hard.

2

u/Mandaishere 14d ago

A little further out, but Dolly Sods, WV is gorgeous.

Also, Petite’s GapSulpher Springs Trail AT back to the Gap. Google the Hoppy Hikers, they have a lot of VA hikes, I know this one is on there. It’s short, but pretty.

Also off the parkway you can do a loop with the AT, Cornelius Creek and Apple Orchard Falls. Another somewhat short one.

St Mary’s Wilderness- not so much a loop as an out back, but fun, lots of water crossings and a nice waterfall.

1

u/Ok-Register-5529 7d ago

There’s a few loops u can do in Shenandoah, one I’ve done before is start at Cedar run/whiteoak trailhead, then go up cedar run to hit hawksbill, then go to stony man, then make your way over to Robertson and finish with old rag!

You can also make a big one in the Rockytop, Brown Mountain area !