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Featured National Recreation Trails - Hosted by AmericanTrails.org

Map of Virginia Algonkian Regional Park Sanctuary Trail Located in Sterling, this 2-mile loop trail runs through more than 30 acres of wetlands on Lowe's Island along the Potomac River. These wetlands support a variety of flora and fauna, and allow trail users to observe wildlife, such as Bald Eagles, in a unique setting. This trail is a spur of the Potomac Heritage Trail and will eventually include observation platforms and interpretive signage to enhance the trail user experience (designated 2004).

Buffalo Creek Nature Area This three-mile trail system is known as both a recreational and educational resource. The unique setting is ideal for educating visitors about native plant species, such as the dwarf ginseng which has qualified for registry with the Virginia Native Plant Society and the Society of American Foresters. The area also includes a looping trail system which is ideal for year-round walking and hiking activities.

photo of old railroad bridge
The New River National Recreation Trail

DeHart Mountain Trail Located on the north side of DeHart Mountain, this backcountry hiking trail extends over 5 miles, connecting ancient footpaths, waterfalls, caves, and an isolated pioneer homesite. Hosting more than 400 plant species, this pristine setting is ideal for hiking and wildlife observation. In addition to its scenic and cultural features, the trail is used for environmental education tours, which draw school children from throughout the area.

Fairfax County Cross County Trail This 41-mile urban trail/rail-trail serves as the county's primary multi-use north/south trail and allows trail users to travel through a variety of landscapes while enjoying activities such as hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding (designated 2007).

The Massanutten Mountain Trail runs 71 miles through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests' Lee Ranger District. The trail is steeped in history, and offers a rich diversity of eastern wildflowers and animals in the area of Virginia between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Great North Mountain to the west (designated 2003).

New River Trail State Park See more photos of the trail This 57-mile linear state park passes through 4 counties in Southwest Virginia and follows the historic New River, the second oldest river in the world. The rail-trail provides a link to a number of nearby recreational areas, such as Shot Tower State Historical Park, and allows for a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and natural and human history interpretation (designated 2002).

Rivanna Trail This 20-mile trail provides recreational and educational opportunities to numerous community groups including schools, scout troops, and senior citizens. The trail is home to diverse habitats and historic resources and has been nominated as a Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. In addition, the trail provides recreation for people who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife observation (designated 2002). See some great photos of young people at work and hiking on the trail.

Virginia Capital Trail This 8-mile urban trail and greenway is part of the planned 50-mile pedestrian and bicycle facility that will parallel the oldest inland transportation route in North America and connects Williamsburg to Richmond in a unique way (designated 2007).


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Updated July 2, 2007 page end graphic

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