With cool temperatures, minimal bugs, and beautiful scenery, fall is the best time to go hiking. The only problem left now is: where to? You don’t need to look far to see the beautiful mountains and waters of Virginia itself! Here are the top 5 best places to go hiking this fall, right here in Virginia. Best of all, they’re all free!

Virginia Creeper Trail 

While known for its bike trails, this historical trail in southwest Virginia on the border of Tennessee is a destination with opportunities to bike, walk, run, fish, horseback ride, cross-country ski, and learn about the impact of the railroad in southwest Virginia.

Follow the Creeper Trail downhill from the second-highest peak in Virginia and run into breathtaking farmland and fields, forests, and rushing creeks and streams. From here, the Virginia Creeper Trail is a 5-hour drive.

Saunders-Monticello Trail 

Popular for hiking, biking, and walking, this 89-acre park has scenic views in the deciduous forest and a 2-mile trail traveling up Carter Mountain and to the entrance of Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson.

From Manassas, VA, it is a 2-hour drive.

The Noland Trail 

Hike in a 5.6-mile loop around the beautiful Mariner’s Lake and enjoy the twisting, hilly Noland trail, full of scenic views. It will take 3 hours to drive there from Manassas.

Danville’s Riverwalk Trail 

Spend your day at the Riverwalk Trail in Danville from dawn to dusk, enjoying 9 miles of walking and biking paths along the Dan River. You might even be able to participate in one of the many trail events hosted at the park. You can drive to the lively city of Danville and its beautiful Dan River in 4 hours.

Massanutten Storybook Trail 

Unlike the trails listed, this trail is a lot closer to Manassas than southern Virginia. Near Springfield, it’s only a 1 and ½ hour drive from Manassas. This trail lives up to its name with magical views of the valley and distant mountains.