Some of Virginia’s most rewarding hikes are not the ones drawing the biggest crowds.

Among them are 5 Shenandoah National Park hikes that deserve more attention, from the quiet overlooks of Mount Marshall to the crowd-free climb up Robertson Mountain.

The same is true for the Blue Ridge Parkway, which boasts quiet hikes featuring valley views, balancing rocks, peaceful meadows, even the remains of a 1960s plane crash.

In this week’s newsletter:

⛰️ 5 underrated Shenandoah hikes with fewer crowds

🌄 5 (more) Blue Ridge Parkway trails worth exploring

🧭 Ranger-led state park hikes happening this weekend

Here’s to your next great hike. I’ll look for you on the trail.

—Erin Gifford 🥾

P.S. If you like what you see, please follow me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Shenandoah National Park is known for favorites like Old Rag and Dark Hollow Falls, but some of its quieter trails are every bit as memorable.

These five hikes deliver sweeping overlooks, rocky summits and peaceful forest scenery—often without the crowds found on the park’s best-known trails.

Choose a short hike to North and South Marshall overlooks or tackle a challenging 13.8-mile loop through quiet forest, rocky terrain, and rewarding mountain views.

This peaceful 2.8-mile hike follows the Appalachian Trail to burbling Ivy Creek, with seasonal mountain views and a scenic Skyline Drive overlook at the trailhead.

This 2.1-mile loop combines rock scrambles, creek crossings, and sweeping overlooks. Hike counter-clockwise to reach an east-facing viewpoint that would be tops at sunrise.

Continue past Blackrock Summit for a quieter climb to a rocky overlook with big views. This moderate 6.9-mile hike delivers a rewarding payoff without the usual crowds.

This steep climb begins near Old Rag but quickly escapes the crowds. An unmarked summit spur leads to panoramic views from one of the park’s lesser-known peaks.

I shared six of my favorite Blue Ridge Parkway hikes in my May 19 newsletter, but Virginia’s 217-mile stretch has plenty more to explore.

These five Blue Ridge Parkway hikes deserve a spot on your go list:

This 3.8-mile loop features sweeping Rockfish Valley views from Glass Hollow Overlook and remains from a 1960s plane crash hidden along an unmarked spur trail.

Follow the Appalachian Trail for 2.8 miles through quiet forest to two scenic overlooks. The second viewpoint, reached at 1.4 miles, makes a natural turnaround point.

Beginning at Thunder Ridge Overlook, this easy hike follows the Appalachian Trail toward Apple Orchard Mountain, with an optional spur to the Thunder Hill Shelter.

Choose a 2.8-mile out-and-back or 3.2-mile loop to reach sweeping summit views and two unusual balancing rock formations near this quieter Peaks of Otter trail.

The Fisher Peak Loop and High Meadow trails combine for a peaceful 3.1-mile lollipop hike through forest and meadow near the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax.

Many Virginia State Parks host ranger-led hikes on weekends. Most programs are free, though standard parking fees may apply.