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THE INTRO
It is hard to believe that a hike can be romantic. Let's be honest, you and your partner will be sweaty, dusty and dirty, hair a tussle, and your clothes may lack the iron and sophistication of a night out on the town. In reality , a hike is an amazing opportunity for that moment in time that will always bring about memory lane, or a conversation starting photo or just makes for the cherished memory between you and your loved one. A romantic trail experience showcases to your special someone the time, care and effort placed into making the moment. Personally, trails led me to amazing moments from meeting my wife , taking our first romantic hiking trip together, to getting engaged on the top of Old Rag mountain.
WHAT MAKES FOR A ROMANTIC HIKE?
A trail has a few aces up its sleeve like the amazing natural tapestry of rolling mountain ranges, pristine rivers and streams and lush diverse forests. What if there were a few special set of hiking trails that brought about the amazement, and wonderment, and uncontrollable exclamation of awe of a special experience?
Let's get to it, these are the hikes to know when planning a special day trip or weekend adventure. The trails below are built with diversity in mind, from slot canyons , to wild horses to towering cliff views to a forest floor of flowers.
It is hard to believe that a hike can be romantic. Let's be honest, you and your partner will be sweaty, dusty and dirty, hair a tussle, and your clothes may lack the iron and sophistication of a night out on the town. In reality , a hike is an amazing opportunity for that moment in time that will always bring about memory lane, or a conversation starting photo or just makes for the cherished memory between you and your loved one. A romantic trail experience showcases to your special someone the time, care and effort placed into making the moment. Personally, trails led me to amazing moments from meeting my wife , taking our first romantic hiking trip together, to getting engaged on the top of Old Rag mountain.
WHAT MAKES FOR A ROMANTIC HIKE?
A trail has a few aces up its sleeve like the amazing natural tapestry of rolling mountain ranges, pristine rivers and streams and lush diverse forests. What if there were a few special set of hiking trails that brought about the amazement, and wonderment, and uncontrollable exclamation of awe of a special experience?
Let's get to it, these are the hikes to know when planning a special day trip or weekend adventure. The trails below are built with diversity in mind, from slot canyons , to wild horses to towering cliff views to a forest floor of flowers.
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The Channels
Distance: 6.4 miles Location: Rosedale, VA Tell me more: A wonderland hike full of lush mountain laurel leading up to a summit unlike anything in Virginia. the 6 mile in and back hike is set in southern Virginia near the town of Abingdon. Why is this romantic? The hidden gem lays beneath the summit! Carved out of limestone these magical slot canyons of sweeping hues of green and towering walls will be sure to make memories. |
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Mount Rogers
Distance: 10.2 miles Location: Grayson Highlands, VA Tell me more: Virginia's tallest mountain is a 10 mile in and back hike (so make sure your partner is into hiking or camp halfway up!). Mount Rogers offers a wonderous experience filled with free roaming ponies, rock scramble bluffs, bountiful 360 degree vistas and a unique summit. Why is this romantic? This summit has no view however it’s an old growth forest straight out of a fairytale book with hulking roots, a carpeted forest floor of moss leading to a small clearing under a canopy of trees. its here that the only sounds are of you and nature. |
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Blue Ridge Tunnel
Distance: 3.5 miles Location: Waynesboro, VA Tell me more: Ready for unique? this here is the blue ridge tunnel nestled between shenandoah national park and the blue ridge parkway. Why is this romantic? This two mile trail takes you under the mountain along an old railroad line. the tunnel requires headlamps or flashlights and is something to hold hands as you explore the depths of this past generation tunnel. |
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Cedar Cliffs
Distance: 1.1 miles Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, VA Tell me more: Along the blue ridge parkway, sits this hard to find trail. once you find it, you will be delighted with a less than one mile hike forested hike. Why is this romantic? Your trail leads to a large, flat rock outcrop perfect for valley views, sunsets and star gazing. the trail lacks the foot traffic of other hikes off the parkway and nestles you in to this private summit view. |
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Difficult Run
Distance: 2.3 miles Location: Great Falls, VA Tell me more: In Northern Virginia there are so very few areas that are not busy, loud and well trafficked. I won’t sell you that difficult run is quiet and an under the breath hike, instead its well known, popular and gorgeous. Why is this romantic? The secret, there are so many points on the trail to dip down to the water, sit alongside the falls or go take your own perch within the canyon walls to gain privacy. Bring a picnic, hike a mile and enjoy a day in this amazing natural area. |
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Canyon Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles Location: Swanton, MD Tell me more: Out in Deep Creek Lake area sits Swallow Falls State Park. This trail system is highlighted by a well managed and groomed trail with towering pines to decorate the terrain but best of all is the access to the Youghiogheny river. Why is this romantic? The trail blesses your experience with multiple cascading waterfalls & rock hopping boulders to picnic right in the middle of the river! Lastly, if you need more… walk along the canyon for amazing trail topography as it slithers along the river for 0.5 to Muddy Creek falls and its 53 ft. plunge down into the canyon. there is a wooden walkway to take you right up against the falls for a fun experience! |
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Endless Wall
Distance: 2.3 miles Location: Fayetteville, WV Tell me more: Fayetteville and the New River Gorge National Park welcome you to West Virginia! this 2.4 mile gem is amazing hike to an elevation of over 1900 ft above the New River gorge! Why is this romantic? With points like Diamond point and other bird nest perches get ready to get a wide-eyed panoramic view of the gorge and the immediate topography. Hidden gem alert: Continue on the trail for another 0.75 miles to explore a climbers ladder as it descends into catacombs of the mountainside. |
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Blue Bell
Distance: 1.2 miles Location: Centreville, VA Tell me more: Save this one for the spring time! Over in Centreville , Virginia you will find the one month natural event of the blue bells. this one mile trail is ripe for a day trip. Why is this romantic? The forest floor is decorated with this spring flower that stands less than a foot tall and coats the forest floor with vividly wild hues of blue. Bring a picnic, and site amongst this gem. |
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TIPS
- Plan- Make sure to have printed directions, check the weather forecast and bring the right gear (shoes, socks, clothing layers).
- Know the limits of your partner - The point is a romantic trip not a tear inducing , frown fest. Know what your partner is into, and set limits for your day.
- Pack appropriately - Backpack, lunch, bug spray, sun screen are no brainers. How about a hammock, napkins for the meal and a blanket?
- Take it slow - Be mindful of your hiking pace , honor what you are both good with.
- Pictures - Snap and click moments to share and remember including surrounding areas, wildlife and one another.
- Local knowledge - Research the local area for the best food, brewery or place to stay. Show your special someone that you took time to plan and get the lay of the land.
- Find something unique about your hike- Go for something different, something to share together and to remember vividly. finding a unique setting , or element that will also serve as the motivation and reward for your adventure.
