A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Independence, 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.

Alligator Rocks to Bluff Mountain

Hike Route

Alligator Rocks to Bluff Mountain

Dogs Allowed
moderate
0.94 mi
+367 ft
Stone Mountain Loop Trail

Hike Route

Stone Mountain Loop Trail

Birding
strenuous
4.33 mi
+962 ft
Blue Ridge Music Center Loop

Hike Route

Blue Ridge Music Center Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
3.68 mi
+578 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.

Doughton Recreation Area Loop

Hike Route

Doughton Recreation Area Loop

Views
moderate
15.9 mi
+3,366 ft
Widows Creek/MST Trail

Hike Route

Widows Creek/MST Trail

Fall Colors
strenuous
11.79 mi
+3,054 ft
Grayson Highlands: A.T. - Pine Mtn Loop

Hike Route

Grayson Highlands: A.T. - Pine Mtn Loop

Birding
moderate
11.8 mi
+2,061 ft
Grayson Highlands Backpacking Loop

Hike Route

Grayson Highlands Backpacking Loop

Views
extreme
22.51 mi
+4,045 ft
Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail

Hike Route

Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
33.22 mi
+728 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.

Wolf Rock to Stone Mountain Falls

Hike Route

Wolf Rock to Stone Mountain Falls

Birding
moderate
6.39 mi
+1,232 ft
Wilburn Ridge Loop via Pine Mountain + the Appalachian Trail

Hike Route

Wilburn Ridge Loop via Pine Mountain + the Appalachian Trail

Views
strenuous
9.86 mi
+1,694 ft
Mt. Rogers Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Mt. Rogers Out-and-Back

Birding
moderate
9.5 mi
+1,386 ft
Massie Gap to Mt Rogers Summit Out and Back

Hike Route

Massie Gap to Mt Rogers Summit Out and Back

Birding
strenuous
8.52 mi
+1,698 ft
Isaacs Trailhead to Grassy Creek/Carter Falls

Hike Route

Isaacs Trailhead to Grassy Creek/Carter Falls

Fall Colors
moderate
6.48 mi
+604 ft