The Intro
National parks provide opportunities to engage amazing scenery, trails, experiences and natural wonders. national parks are accessible, organized and maintained. However, what if getting to one is not time permitting , or you are looking for less population and still the same opportunities to amazing scenery , trails and experiences. Well friends, let's dive deep to call out some amazing summits (not within a national park) for you to experience.

Prepare & Bring List:
  • Water: Pretty simple , but mathematically speaking 1 liter per 2 hours of hiking.  Pro Tip: bring extra water and store in your car for the ride home.
  • Hiking Shoes: Grip, flexibility are noted needs, don't forget a rock plate, heel and toe protection and that there is a recipe for success.
  • Backpack: Another pretty simple item, however often overlooked. Make sure your day pack is carrying needs vs wants and use the chest strap to relieve any stress to your shoulders and back.
  • Printed trail map: Downloading a trail map is the age we live in. What happens if you lose your mobile? Have a printed copy in your pack as a just in case.
  • Printed Driving Directions: Yes google maps can pretty much get you anywhere. Pretty much. I print out To and From directions noting that most destinations have no wi-fi.
  • Clothing layers: Summits are notoriously five to ten degrees (if not more) cooler than the base, throw in winds and possible moisture and clothing layers become a vital cog to your trail experience.
  • Food: You are what you eat. Check out our Food Guide to keep that energy and performance going.

The Priest
Location: Tyeville, VA

TELL ME MORE:  Get ready to work! as this 3,000 ft. elevation gainer with multiple summits will push you to renew your gym membership. The Priest view of the cardinal range is hypnotic.
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Mount Rogers
Location: Grayson Highlands, VA

TELL ME MORE:  Virginia's tallest peak is a welcoming wonderland of fairytale forests, bald knobs and wild ponies. Residing in Grayson State park, this beauty is without a doubt the states showstopper with more than 10 miles of trail to conquer, you will experience a day full of amazing moments.
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Big House Mountain
Location: Lexington, VA

TELL ME MORE:  A hiking experience with peregrine falcons! This climb is the kind that legs hear about and start to shake. The gift is a magnificent perch view that would make birds jealous. 
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Annapolis Rock
Location: Myersville, MD

TELL ME MORE:  A passive trail experience is yours in central Maryland. The Annapolis rock summit is a rocky playground with views of Greenbrier State Park lake and the surrounding farmland. But wait, there's more.... a second secret summit....
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White Rock Cliff
Location: Wardensville, WV

TELL ME MORE:  A mountaineer state classic, this ten miler bobs and weaves the forest leading to the perch top view of White Rock cliff, this rarely used hiking experience is all yours. camping available.
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Chimney Rock
Location: Cabins, WV

TELL ME MORE: A truly unique trail experience! This wonder rolls through hardy oaks and dense pines with a strenuous ascent leading to the kind of summit you postcard.
Devils Marbleyard
Location: Glasgow, VA

​TELL ME MORE: A geologic marvel, created by insects and the elements. This hike is all rock scramble with boulders from car size to stove size. This summit is exposed, seemingly never-ending and gorgeous.
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Elliot Knob
Location: Swoope, VA

TELL ME MORE:  A heavily forested trail with mature trees & waterfalls leading to a grinding ascent to the summit. The summit, 5 star worthy view from a fire tower!
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Half Moon Mountain
Location: Perry, WV

TELL ME MORE:  A quiet , less travelled experience in the eastern tip of West Virginia. This beauty comes with camping spots and a shaded summit view of other local summits like Big Schloss.
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Eagle Rock
Location: Tannery, VA

TELL ME MORE:  A ridge rambler that's parts easy going and parts climb. The trail nestled with mountain laurel raises the bar with a scenic view of the valley and boundaries between Virginia and West Virginia. 
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Blackwater Falls
Location: Davis, WV

​TELL ME MORE:   A summit it is not, a big view it is. The blackwater area is waterfall centric with gorge views, towering waterfalls all within robust tree line.  
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Seneca Rocks
Location: Seneca, WV

TELL ME MORE: Short & sweet well maintained and groomed hiking trail driving your adventure to this summit view. Its a banner view of the Seneca area on this thin ridge.
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