A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Brightwood, Virginia

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Whiteoak Canyon to Upper Falls

Hike Route

Whiteoak Canyon to Upper Falls

Fall Colors
moderate
4.73 mi
+56 ft
Hawksbill Summit Loop

Hike Route

Hawksbill Summit Loop

Views
easy
3.12 mi
+745 ft
Rose River Loop

Hike Route

Rose River Loop

River/Creek
moderate
3.65 mi
+895 ft
Hawksbill Mountain Loop

Hike Route

Hawksbill Mountain Loop

Birding
moderate
2.54 mi
+766 ft
Dark Hollow Falls

Hike Route

Dark Hollow Falls

Fall Colors
moderate
1.62 mi
+607 ft
Upper Hawksbill Ascent

Hike Route

Upper Hawksbill Ascent

Family Friendly
moderate
0.07 mi
+16 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Whiteoak Canyon - Hawksbill Summit Loop

Hike Route

Whiteoak Canyon - Hawksbill Summit Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
13 mi
+3,638 ft
Nicholson Hollow

Hike Route

Nicholson Hollow

Birding
strenuous
11.09 mi
+2,234 ft
Neighbor Mountain - Jeremys Run Loop

Hike Route

Neighbor Mountain - Jeremys Run Loop

Birding
strenuous
13.49 mi
+2,485 ft
Little Devil Stairs with AT Loop

Hike Route

Little Devil Stairs with AT Loop

Views
strenuous
10.32 mi
+2,616 ft
Tuscarora to Toms Brook: Shenandoah and GW

Hike Route

Tuscarora to Toms Brook: Shenandoah and GW

Waterfall
strenuous
54.44 mi
+11,847 ft
Rivanna Trail - Full

Hike Route

Rivanna Trail - Full

Dogs Allowed
moderate
19.26 mi
+1,095 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Bear Church Rock out and back from Graves Mill

Hike Route

Bear Church Rock out and back from Graves Mill

Fall Colors
strenuous
7.35 mi
+1,961 ft
Old Rag Loop

Hike Route

Old Rag Loop

Birding
strenuous
8.95 mi
+2,505 ft
Whiteoak Canyon to Cedar Run Loop

Hike Route

Whiteoak Canyon to Cedar Run Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
7.74 mi
+2,409 ft
Hawksbill and Franklin Cliffs

Hike Route

Hawksbill and Franklin Cliffs

Views
strenuous
8.51 mi
+1,956 ft
Rose River + Dark Hollow Falls via Big Meadows

Hike Route

Rose River + Dark Hollow Falls via Big Meadows

Views
moderate
6.16 mi
+1,543 ft
Little Devil Stairs Loop

Hike Route

Little Devil Stairs Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
5.32 mi
+1,507 ft