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Appalachian Trail — Virginia Sections — Hiker standing on a rocky Appalachian Trail overlook above layered Blue Ridge mountains at sunrise

Hiking · Damascus to Harpers Ferry, Virginia

Appalachian Trail — Virginia Sections

About 550 miles of the AT across Virginia, split into planned sections with shelters, water, and towns.

Official trail page
Distance
550 mi
Elevation gain
Not yet verified
Difficulty
Difficult
Typical time
Not yet verified

About this route

Virginia carries more Appalachian Trail mileage than any other state. Rather than treating it as one route, this directory breaks the Virginia AT into planned sections with access points, shelters, water sources, resupply, and shuttle notes.

Use the Appalachian Trail guide for section-by-section detail. Distances and facility information change; always confirm against the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the managing agency before a trip.

Why this difficulty rating: Ranges from gentle valley walking to sustained rocky climbs. Difficulty depends entirely on the section chosen.

Highlights

  • Longest state section of the AT
  • Shelters roughly every 8-12 miles
  • Excellent trail towns

Map and trailheads

Approximate locations for orientation only. Carry an offline map — cell service is unreliable on much of this network.

Know before you go

Route type
Point to point
Surfaces
Dirt, Rocky
Setting
Mountain, Ridgeline, Forest
Amenities
Camping
Parking
Not yet verified
Restrooms
Not yet verified
Water
Spring reliability varies by season and section. Treat all water.
Fees
Not yet verified
Permits
Backcountry camping rules differ by managing agency. Shenandoah National Park requires a backcountry permit for overnight trips.
Hours
Not yet verified
Dogs
Dogs allowed on leash
Accessibility
Not yet verified
Stroller friendly
No
Good with kids
No
Seasonal notes
Not yet verified
Weather exposure
Not yet verified
Cell service
Not yet verified
Emergency
Not yet verified

Hazards and wildlife

  • Remote terrain
  • Lightning on exposed ridges
  • Rapid weather change
  • Water scarcity in late summer

Black bears throughout. Use proper food storage every night.

Read the Virginia wildlife and safety guide

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