Best Hiking Trails in George Washington National Forest

Overview

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests stretch across Virginia and West Virginia, encompassing a huge swath of forest and home to over 300 miles of the Appalachian Trail. It's also dog-friendly and free to hike, with no fees or permits required.

Getting Started

Less crowded than nearby Shenandoah National Forest, George Washington National Forest has hundreds of miles of trails throughout the park area. These trails are not always as well marked, and there is limited to no cell service throughout most of the park, so be mindful to download map data before you head out.

It's a big forest out there, so figure out which part of the forest you're most interested in visiting. As information can be difficult to find for the various parts of the forest, it's advisable to reference the color-coded district map to determine your area of interest, and then contact the district office for more information. Get their contact details, here.

With so many miles of trails and great options over a huge expanse of forest, peruse our “best hiking trails” section below for a list of popular hikes near you. If you're looking for a multi-day classic, check out the Chimney Rock Loop Trail, over approximately 23 miles of beautiful wooded terrain. The forest also have a number of excellent day hikes ranging in difficulty level.

When to Go

Visit year-round, though April through September offer the best hiking conditions. October is also a gorgeous time to plan a hike and enjoy the fall foliage.

Note that big game hunting is allowed in parts of the forest, so hikers visiting during hunting season (fall-winter) should take care and have some hunter orange visible.

Permits

There are no passes or fees required to hike in this National Forest.

Backcountry or dispersed camping is permit-free. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, except in specially designated areas. Camping is not permitted in developed recreation areas, administrative areas,active timber sale areas, and other areas that are signed as closed to camping. You can legally camp for up to 21 consecutive days. Fires are generally allowed, but contact the local district office to confirm. During the summer dry season, fires may be banned to prevent forest fires.

Developed recreation areas often have drive-in camping available. Some of these sites allow for reservations but many are first-come first-serve. Most require a fee, ranging between $5 and $50 depending on recreation area, utility hookups, and amenities. Amenities range from full bathrooms to simple pit toilets depending on site. Visit here for more information. Please note many of these recreation area are only open from May-September.

Dog Info

Though pets are allowed on leash, be aware that they can also attract bears, which are prolific in the area.