TOP 30 Nature trails with scenic overlooks in Virginia

Overlook East Park is a serene oasis located in Brambleton, Virginia, United States. This beautiful park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, walking trails, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking to relax in nature, go for a leisurely stroll, or have a fun day out with family and friends, Overlook East Park has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in the heart of Brambleton.

Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park is a hidden gem located in Leesburg, Virginia. This park offers winding nature trails, historic buildings, and a variety of native plants and wildlife. Visitors can climb to the overlook for a stunning view of the Potomac River. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and visitors are reminded to follow all park signs and take their trash with them when they leave. Additionally, the park offers a ropes course called Climb UPton, with 90 different elements and three levels of difficulty. Summer camps and employment opportunities are also available through NOVA Parks. Explore the beauty and adventure that Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park has to offer.

River Bend Nature Center is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located in Great Falls, Virginia. Situated at 8700-8814 Jeffery Road, this nature center offers visitors the opportunity to explore the beauty of the outdoors and learn about the local wildlife and ecosystems. With walking trails, scenic overlooks, and educational programs, River Bend Nature Center is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Whether you're looking to hike, birdwatch, or simply relax in a tranquil setting, this institution provides a unique and immersive experience in the heart of Virginia's natural landscape.

Voorhees Nature Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 250-398 Bristol Mine Road in Colonial Beach, Virginia, United States. Visitors can enjoy four miles of wooded trails and scenic views of the Rappahannock River. The preserve was donated to TNC in 1994 by Alan M. and Nathalie Voorhees and provides excellent habitat for bald eagles and other wildlife. Thanks to the support of volunteer Jeff Wright, Voorhees is now open year-round and features a new parking area, entrance trail, and overlook spots. The preserve is part of the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail, with abundant bird species such as bald eagles and ospreys. Visitors can explore the mature hardwood forest, flowering wetland plants, and unique natural features like the two kissing trees. By becoming a preserve steward, visitors can support TNC's ongoing work to protect and preserve these natural treasures for future generations.

Overlook Trail is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located on Daughter of Stars Drive in Bentonville, Virginia, United States. This scenic trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike through the lush forests and meadows, taking in the beauty of the rolling hills and diverse wildlife. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun adventure, Overlook Trail is the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.

The Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail Piney River Trailhead is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 3124 Patrick Henry Highway in Piney River, Virginia, United States. This trailhead serves as the starting point for the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or simply taking in the scenic views, this trailhead is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Plan your visit today and experience the beauty of the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail Piney River Trailhead.

Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve is a stunning park located at 891 State Park Road in Honaker, Virginia, United States. This preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area, with its diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife. Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and educational programs are available for visitors to enjoy and learn more about the importance of conservation and preservation. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve is the perfect destination to connect with the natural world.

Franklin Cliffs Overlook is a popular tourist attraction located in Stanley, Virginia, United States. Just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands, visitors can explore and discover the diverse wildlife that call the park home, including deer, songbirds, and black bear. At Franklin Cliffs Overlook, visitors can hike to the summit of Old Rag and learn about the experiences of African Americans in Shenandoah National Park during segregation through interactive exhibits. Campground reservations for the 2024 season are now being accepted, allowing guests to plan their stay up to six months in advance. The Shenandoah National Park Association offers a great selection of hiking books, maps, and nature guides for those looking to explore the park further.

The Tuscarora Trail/Pinnacle Overlook Trailhead is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 199 Timber Ridge Trail in Winchester, Virginia, United States. This trailhead serves as the starting point for the Tuscarora Trail, a popular hiking route that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike along the trail, taking in the natural beauty of the area. The Pinnacle Overlook Trailhead is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers looking to explore the scenic landscapes of Virginia.

Gooney Run Overlook is a popular tourist attraction located on Skyline Drive in Front Royal, Virginia, United States. Just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers visitors a chance to explore over 200,000 acres of protected lands filled with cascading waterfalls, stunning vistas, and diverse wildlife. From hiking to the summit of Old Rag to exploring the park's history of segregation, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Campground reservations for the 2024 season are now being accepted, and visitors can also browse a selection of hiking books, maps, and nature guides at the Shenandoah National Park Association. As the official philanthropic partner of the park, Gooney Run Overlook is the perfect starting point for your Shenandoah adventure.

Hogwallow Flats Overlook is a popular tourist attraction located in Huntly, Virginia, United States. Situated along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, this overlook offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Skyline Drive is a scenic 105-mile road that runs through the park, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the beauty of the natural surroundings. The drive is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Along the way, travelers will find mileposts that help guide them through the park and highlight points of interest. Wildlife such as deer, black bear, and wild turkey can often be spotted crossing the road, so drivers are advised to proceed with caution. Additionally, visitors should be aware of the speed limit of 35 mph and the limited options for gas and charging stations along the route. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely drive or embark on a hiking adventure, Hogwallow Flats Overlook is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Bull Run Occoquan Trail is a breathtaking park and tourist attraction located at 12619 Old Yates Ford Road, Clifton, Virginia, United States. Visitors can book cabins and camping at Bull Run and Pohick Bay Regional Parks, or cottages at Algonkian Regional Park. This incredible trail spans over 5,000 acres of scenic woodlands, perfect for hikers and horseback riders. Rich in history, the trail features various battle points and land features from the Revolutionary to the Civil War era. Open from dawn to dusk, the trail offers a serene sanctuary protected by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Visitors can observe abundant wildlife and vegetation, including whitetail deer, bald eagles, and box turtles. Volunteers can assist with trail maintenance and improvement projects through the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

Upper Shamokin Falls Trail is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located in Roseland, Virginia, United States. This stunning trail offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Whether you're an avid hiker looking for a challenging adventure or just looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll in nature, Upper Shamokin Falls Trail has something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this hidden gem in the heart of the Virginia countryside.

Hanging Rock Overlook Trail is a picturesque park located in Paint Bank, Virginia, United States. This stunning trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the iconic Hanging Rock formation. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike through the lush forests and rocky terrain, with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting along the way. The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Virginia countryside. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a challenging adventure, Hanging Rock Overlook Trail has something for everyone to enjoy.

Dragon's Tooth Trail is a stunning hiking destination located along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Catawba, Virginia, United States. This park offers visitors the opportunity to embark on a challenging and rewarding hike up to the iconic Dragon's Tooth rock formation, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. With its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, Dragon's Tooth Trail is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous adventure, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors at Dragon's Tooth Trail.

The Roanoke River Trail is a park and tourist attraction located in Roanoke, Virginia, United States. Situated on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Roanoke River Overlook offers views of the Roanoke River and the Niagara hydroelectric dam, although trees may obstruct some of the scenery. Visitors can also explore the Roanoke River Trail, a moderate .5-mile loop trail with a spur trail to the river overlook. The trail is hilly and offers a chance to see various plants and trees along the way. For a better view of the river, visitors can walk towards the nearby bridge and enjoy a pedestrian sidewalk with views of the powerhouse building and dam. The Fisherman's Trail, a steeper path leading down to the river, is also accessible from the main trail. Overall, the Roanoke River Trail provides a scenic and moderately challenging hiking experience for nature enthusiasts.

Roaring Branch Trail is a challenging 14.2-km out-and-back trail located near Appalachia, Virginia. It takes an average of 4 hours and 21 minutes to complete, offering a popular spot for birding, hiking, and walking. Despite its popularity, visitors can still find solitude during quieter times of the day. The trail offers beautiful scenery with running water along the first few miles, leading to a stunning overlook at High Butte. However, the trail is not well-marked and may require navigation skills, with reports of bear sightings and snakes along the way. Trail maintenance is recommended due to fallen trees and overgrowth, but the rewarding views make the challenging hike worthwhile. Visitors are advised to wear pants and use a trail map, as cell service may be limited. Overall, Roaring Branch Trail offers a rugged adventure through nature's beauty, with potential for off-grid camping and wildlife encounters.

Stumpy Lake Natural Area, located at 4797 Indian River Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a beautiful park spanning 1,422 acres. The park features a 278-acre lake with a raised ADA-compliant overlook, a 174-acre golf course, and over 970 acres of undeveloped, forested land surrounding the lake. Visitors can enjoy 1.65 miles of soft shared-use trails perfect for hiking, fishing, bird watching, nature observation, and photography. Acquired by the City of Virginia Beach in 2001, Stumpy Lake Natural Area is a valuable aesthetic resource offering opportunities for passive recreational activities. A canoe/kayak launch is available near the entrance to the Stumpy Lake Golf Course, designed for non-motorized vessels and fully ADA-compliant. There is also a small picnic shelter nearby, along with parking spaces for 12 cars and two trailers.

Osmanthus Trail is a serene and picturesque park located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. This beautiful park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering visitors a peaceful and tranquil environment to enjoy nature. The trail is surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, with winding paths that lead to scenic overlooks and picnic areas. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll, a challenging hike, or a quiet spot to relax and unwind, Osmanthus Trail has something for everyone. Come and explore this hidden gem in Virginia Beach and experience the beauty of nature at Osmanthus Trail.

Devils Den Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 77 Cemetery Road in Fancy Gap, Virginia, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore lush forests, serene meadows, and captivating wildlife. With hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks, Devils Den Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Come and experience the natural beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in the heart of Virginia.

The Indian Punch Bowl is a popular tourist attraction located along the scenic Rappahannock River Heritage Trail in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This historic site is known for its natural beauty and cultural significance, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the area's rich Native American history. The Indian Punch Bowl is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the beauty of Virginia's outdoors and learn more about the region's fascinating past. With its picturesque location and intriguing historical significance, the Indian Punch Bowl is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Located in Bedford, Virginia, the Sharp Top Mountain Trailhead is a park that offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. One of the popular trails is the Johnson Farm Trail, a loop that takes you past a restored mid-1800s farm. For a shorter hike, you can start at the Peaks of Otter Lodge parking lot and take the 1-mile loop trail around Abbott Lake. The Falling Water Cascades Trail is a moderate 1.4-mile hike that leads to a series of cascades on Fallingwater Creek. For a more challenging hike, you can tackle the 3-mile round trip to the summit of Sharp Top Mountain. If you prefer not to hike, a shuttle bus operated by the Peaks of Otter Lodge can take you to the top for a fee. The park also offers educational nature trails, including a .8-mile loop trail that showcases the forest at Peaks of Otter.

Georgetown Waterfront Park is a beautiful outdoor oasis located in Washington, D.C. Situated along the Potomac River at 3303 Water Street Northwest, this park offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, relax on the grassy lawns, or take in the sights from one of the park's many benches. With its lush greenery, walking paths, and scenic overlooks, Georgetown Waterfront Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city or a picturesque spot for a picnic, this park has something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this hidden gem in the heart of the nation's capital.

Ford's Landing Park is a picturesque waterfront park located at 99 Franklin Street in Alexandria, Virginia. This beautiful park offers stunning views of the Potomac River and is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic with family and friends, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings. With its lush greenery, walking paths, and benches overlooking the river, Ford's Landing Park provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or get some exercise in a scenic setting, Ford's Landing Park is a must-visit destination in Alexandria.

Rippon Landing Park is a beautiful and serene park located at 15125 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge, Virginia, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers stunning views of the Potomac River and provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, fishing, and birdwatching in this peaceful oasis. The park also features walking trails, playgrounds, and scenic overlooks, making it a great destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun day out with family and friends, Rippon Landing Park is the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.

Morris Farm Community Pool is located at 14463 Broadwinged Drive in Gainesville, Virginia. This community pool is part of the Meadows at Morris Farm, a beautiful neighborhood offering 268 acres of common area and 4,000 square yards of walking trails. The pool is a 25-meter outdoor pool available for homeowners, residents, and their guests to enjoy. Overlooking a natural conservation space and situated at the entrance to one of the community's trails, the pool provides a relaxing and scenic environment for swimming and recreation. In addition to the pool, Meadows at Morris Farm features three large playgrounds for residents to enjoy. The neighborhood is rich in history, with the original farmhouse built in 1857 still standing as a prominent part of the community. Residents can take advantage of over 4,000 square yards of asphalt walking paths and nature trails, as well as the nearby Broad Run Creek.

Lake Birchwood is a serene park located at Beaver Crossing Square in the charming town of Brambleton, Virginia. This beautiful park offers a picturesque setting with a tranquil lake surrounded by lush greenery and scenic walking trails. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, whether it's for a leisurely stroll, a picnic with family and friends, or simply to relax and unwind in nature. With its idyllic setting and peaceful ambiance, Lake Birchwood is the perfect destination for those looking to reconnect with the great outdoors.

Poplar Tree Park is a charming green space located at 4718 Stringfellow Road in Fairfax, Virginia. This popular tourist attraction offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its lush poplar trees, meandering walking paths, and scenic picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, take in the sights and sounds of nature, or simply relax and unwind in this peaceful oasis. Whether you're looking for a place to exercise, have a family outing, or just enjoy the great outdoors, Poplar Tree Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

East Potomac Park is a beautiful green oasis located on Ohio Drive Southwest in Washington, D.C. This park is a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the Potomac River and the city skyline. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, have a picnic on the grassy lawns, or play a round of golf at the park's public golf course. With its peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings, East Potomac Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the heart of the nation's capital.

River Mill Park is a charming riverside park located in the historic Occoquan District of Virginia, United States. Situated at 407 Mill Street, this beautiful park offers a peaceful retreat for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the Occoquan River. With its lush greenery, walking paths, and picnic areas, River Mill Park is the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll or a family outing. Whether you're looking to unwind by the water, take in the natural surroundings, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment in nature, River Mill Park is a must-visit destination in Virginia.