Neabsco Creek in Woodbridge is a great pick for a June hike.
Hello,
National Trails Day is Saturday (6/6), and the only proper way to celebrate is with a hike—or several. Naturally.
From must-do hikes for June to trail festivals worth the drive (even with these gas prices!), there’s plenty lined up to get outside. Let’s get going.
In this week’s newsletter:
Where to hike every week in June (plus my free 52-week hike planner)
Outdoor festivals worth planning around
Ranger-led state park hikes happening this weekend
Time to lace up and see what Virginia’s trails are up to.
—Erin Gifford 🥾
Great Channels of Virginia
Your June Trail Calendar
National Trails Day is the first Saturday in June, and that’s reason enough to get outside.
And, if you haven’t grabbed my free hike planner with 52 hikes mapped to every week of the year, there’s no better time than now.
For June, here’s what I love for you:
The Channels is a labyrinth atop Clinch Mountain featuring narrow sandstone passages, rock formations, and ridge views after a rewarding climb to the top. This one is a winner.
Wind through tidal marshes on an accessible elevated path featuring herons, turtles, and peaceful waterfront views. This one is for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
This 3-mile out-and-back hike follows the North Fork Moormans River through Sugar Hollow, with wide, shallow swimming holes, including the sought-after Blue Hole.
This kid-friendly hike along the Potomac River in Mclean delivers with rocky stream crossings, natural water slides, and a massive set of wooden stairs. Five stars.
Hiking with Kids Virginia (available on Amazon)
📚 Make Every Hike a Family Adventure
Virginia is full of waterfalls, scenic vistas, tidal marshes, and mountains just waiting to be explored.
Hiking with Kids Virginia: 52 Great Hikes for Families highlights 50+ kid-friendly trails across the state, complete with full-color photos, maps, and details on distance, difficulty, and terrain.
Each hike is designed to keep children engaged, curious, and excited about the outdoors.
I might be biased, but this book is a must-have for your next family adventure!
The Appalachian Trail in Loudoun County, Virginia
This Weekend: 3 Festivals Worth the Hike
National Trails Day is the perfect excuse to get outside—but in Virginia, it’s also a reason to head into town. There are some festivals you’ll want to check out, too.
From Appalachian Trail celebrations packed with live music and hiker perks to wildlife festivals in the Blue Ridge, here’s what’s in store for you:
🏔️ Hiker Fest (Waynesboro)
On Saturday (6/6), Waynesboro goes full trail-town celebration with live music, free yoga, trail talks, food trucks, vendors, tie-dye stations, and tarot readings.
Thru-hikers are especially welcome with free breakfast, camping, shuttle service from Rockfish Gap, and downtown hospitality that keeps the A.T. spirit front and center.
🏔️ Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival (Hillsboro)
This celebration on Saturday (6/6) honors the A.T. and the surrounding communities. Come for live music, hiking talks, nature crafts, a climbing wall, and art displays.
It’s part reunion, part outdoor showcase, and a chance to connect with the A.T. corridor right in Northern Virginia’s backyard.
🏔️ Virginia Black Bear Festival (Stanardsville)
This festival on Saturday (6/6) blends mountain culture and outdoor fun, featuring wildlife education, food trucks, and hands-on activities like rock climbing and slacklining.
With a focus on the Blue Ridge, Shenandoah National Park, and the Appalachian Trail, it’s a spirited celebration of the region’s wild side.
Virginia Summits (available on Amazon)
📚 Reach New Heights with Virginia Summits
Virginia’s most breathtaking views are waiting at the top.
Virginia Summits: Hiking 40 Stunning Peaks guides you to the state’s best summit hikes, from iconic climbs like Old Rag to lesser-known high points, like Terrapin Mountain.
With full-color photos, maps, and detailed trail info, this guide helps you plan unforgettable peak experiences.
If you love big views and rewarding climbs, this book belongs in your pack.
Chippokes State Park in Surry, Virginia
State Park Hikes This Weekend
Many Virginia State Parks host ranger-led hikes on weekends. Most programs are free, though standard parking fees may apply.
Friday (6/5)
Hungry Mother: Early Morning Bird Hike, 9–10:30 a.m.
Leesylvania: Lee’s Woods History Hike, 6:30–7:45 p.m.
Natural Bridge: Lookin’ for Lightning Bugs Sunset Walk, 8:30–9:30 p.m.
Saturday (6/6)
Belle Isle: Colors of Nature Hike, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Chippokes: Summer Tree Hike, 1–3 p.m.
Clinch River: National Trails Day Hike, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Clinch River: Sugar Hill Guided Hike, 10–11:30 a.m.
Claytor Lake: Claytor Lake Overlook Hike, 4–5 p.m.
Grayson Highlands: Wilbur Ridge Rock Hop, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Hayfields: Eagle’s Rest Hike, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Hungry Mother: Fairy House Hike, 1–3 p.m.
Hungry Mother: Molly’s Knob Hike, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
James River: History Hike, 10–11:30 a.m.
James River: Stewardship Stroll, 10–11:30 a.m.
Lake Anna: Trail Hero Hike, 10–11 a.m.
New River Trail: Walk With a Ranger, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Powhatan: Guided Hike: Pollinator Habitats, 9–10 a.m.
Sky Meadows: Eco Hero Trail Walk, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Smith Mountain Lake: Owl Prowl Night Hike, 8–9:30 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum: Flora and Fauna Hike, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Staunton River: Nature Hike, 1–2:30 p.m.
Westmoreland: CCC Hike, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
York River: Hognose Hike, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Sunday (6/7)
Hayfields: Tree ID Hike, 2–3 p.m.
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