It's probably impossible for one hike to encompass all of Virginia's stunning geography. The state has a jaw-dropping coastline, soaring Blue Ridge Mountains, sloping green valleys, and gushing waterfalls. Most of the land is forested, and several of Virginia's spectacular trails snake through the millions of acres of hardwood trees. On the Shamokin Falls trail near Wintergreen Resort, Virginia, hikers can enjoy several elements of the state's iconic geography, including beautiful mountains, forests, and a magnificent waterfall.

The Shamokin Falls trail is a 2-mile loop trail and takes about 80 minutes to complete. The hike starts at a higher elevation, around 3,000 feet, and steadily declines to around 2,500 feet. It passes a large waterfall, Upper Shamokin Falls, where hikers can enjoy the water sounds and sprays. The waterfall is a great photo opportunity. From the falls, hikers trek back up to the trail's starting point on Chestnut Place. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, but smaller dogs may face difficulty in rocky and steep areas.

The trail is moderately challenging, and hikers note that muddy, slippery, and rocky areas add to its difficulty. Rainy or wet conditions can also enhance the trail's difficulty. The elevation changes—up and down—pose challenges throughout the hike. Appropriate footwear to aid in climbing and prevent slipping is extremely important on the trail.

The Wintergreen Resort area of Virginia, where this trail is located, harbors diverse wildlife. The forests are home to many birds known for their springtime songs. Salamanders live in damp areas, like underneath rocks or beside creeks.

Several other hikes are in the area, including Cliffhanger Overlook, an easy 0.7-mile trail, and the Water Tank, Dam, Lakeside, and Cliff Trail Loop, a moderately difficult 2.1-mile trail. The Humpback Mountain and Humpback Rocks via Appalachian and Albright Loop is a long and challenging trail; it's over 12 miles and offers hikers stunning mountaintop views.

For more details, visit the Shamokin Falls trail listing on AllTrails.

The Shamokin Falls trail is about an hour from Lexington, Virginia, a charming small town of only about 7,000 residents. It's a beautiful fall destination with breathtaking fall foliage and unique historic sites. The town also comes alive at Christmastime, when it festively decorates the downtown district with shops and restaurants.

Before taking the Shamokin Falls trail or any other hike, ensure you have the best gear. Our ultimate hiking packing list lists all the essentials, including our favorite hiking footwear. There are even recommended hiking shoes for children!