Best Cross Country Skiing in Virginia

Trying to find the best cross country skiing in Virginia? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Maryland, Garrett County

01 :34 hrs
3.5 mi
50.76013 ft
Moderate

Located within Garrett State Forest, Herrington Manor State Park encompasses 365 acres and offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and many other outdoor recreational activities. There are cabins available for renting as well. The ski trails are groomed and trails are track-set when conditions allow. Call ahead to check on trail conditions and closures. This trail begins next to the lake and travels deep into the woods over some rolling hills with one extended incline that is very gradual and not too difficult. Most of the trails in the park are at a beginner to intermediate level. Rentals are available for both skis and snowshoes.

2

West Virginia, Pocahontas County

06 :37 hrs
24.2 mi
101.51495 ft
Moderate

The 77 mile Greenbrier River Trail operated by West Virginia State Parks, is one of America's premier rail-trails. This former railroad is now made from crushed limestone with some paved sections making it wheelchair accessible is some sections. This trail crosses 35 bridges and passes through 2 tunnels and many small towns. It travels through a forest full of sycamore and river birch as well as maple and mountain ash. During Spring through Fall there are many seasonal wildflowers including phlox, dutchman's-breeches and trillium. Throughout the trail there are many bird and wildlife encounters possibly black bears and bald eagles. There are many camping and access points along the Greenbrier River Trail, making it easy to travel any section or length of the trail. Marlinton to Cass is the most popular and scenic section with not a lot of development and travels through the 511 feet long Sharps Tunnel, built in 1899. A shuttle plan is needed for this trail.

3

Maryland, Montgomery County

11 :30 hrs
42.6 mi
38.822243 ft
Easy

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, abbreviated as the C & O Canal, operated from 1831 until 1924 and runs parallel to the Potomac River from Washington D.C. to Cumberland. The total length of the canal is about 184 miles and has an elevation change of 605 feet that is accommodated by 74 canal locks. There were over 150 culverts and 11 aqueducts for the crossing of streams. The canal way is now maintained as a park that is overflowing with history. The trail is wide, flat, and made up of hard-packed dirt. Along with stunning river, forest, and mountain views throughout, this section of the towpath passes Harpers Ferry at the confluence of Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, a great place to visit.

4

Maryland, Brookmont

10 :02 hrs
37.1 mi
54.41784 ft
Easy

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, abbreviated as the C & O Canal, operated from 1831 until 1924 and runs parallel to the Potomac River from Washington D.C. to Cumberland. The total length of the canal is about 184 miles and has an elevation change of 605 feet that is accommodated by 74 canal locks. There were over 150 culverts and 11 aqueducts for the crossing of streams. The canal way is now maintained as a park that is overflowing with history. The trail is wide, flat, and made up of hard-packed dirt. Along with stunning river, forest, and mountain views throughout, this section of the towpath passes through Great Falls Park with a majestic waterfall. There are many parking areas, usually every few miles, allowing you to shorten or lengthen your ride.

5

Maryland, Frederick County

01 :23 hrs
5.5 mi
154.48193 ft
Hard

Gambrill State Park is a beautiful mountain park located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains and its most popular feature is the network of trails. The Yellow Trail is a challenging and demanding ride. The trail is rocky singletrack running through dense woods and over mountainous terrain. There are some strenuous climbs involved as well. You will reach the top of High Knob where there are three stone overlooks with breathtaking views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys.

6

West Virginia, Doddridge County

01 :22 hrs
2.6 mi
15.947403 ft
Moderate

The 72 mile North Bend Rail Trail offers numerous spectacular bridges and thirteen old railroad tunnels made of brick and sandstone. This section of the trail travels along an easy flat crushed limestone path through heavy wooded forest, offering stunning natural scenery. This trail offers many wildlife encounters, especially birds and deer. The North Bend Rail Trail can be traveled any length and section by using the trail side mile markers.

7

Ohio, Ross County

04 :11 hrs
11 mi
132.71419 ft
Expert

Scioto Trail and State Forest Park offers miles of trails for hiking and riding. There are big hills and beautiful scenery through dense pine forests. There are trails for all levels of riding. This loop climbs up to the top of ridges in quiet wooded forest. It retraces an old Shawnee trail. The views from these ridges are spectacular and colors during the fall are amazing.

8

West Virginia, Doddridge County

05 :47 hrs
11 mi
89.121124 ft
Moderate

The 72 mile North Bend Rail Trail offers numerous spectacular bridges and thirteen old railroad tunnels made of brick and sandstone. This section of the trail travels along an easy flat crushed limestone path through heavy wooded forest, offering stunning natural scenery. This trail offers many wildlife encounters, especially birds and deer. The North Bend Rail Trail can be traveled any length and section by using the trail side mile markers.

9

West Virginia, Wood County

04 :45 hrs
9 mi
10.792969 ft
Moderate

The 72 mile North Bend Rail Trail offers numerous spectacular bridges and thirteen old railroad tunnels made of brick and sandstone. This section of the trail travels along an easy flat crushed limestone path through heavy wooded forest, offering stunning natural scenery. This trail offers many wildlife encounters, especially birds and deer. The North Bend Rail Trail can be traveled any length and section by using a shuttle plan.

10

West Virginia, Greenbrier County

05 :55 hrs
21.8 mi
63.48883 ft
Moderate

The 77 mile Greenbrier River Trail operated by West Virginia State Parks, is one of America's premier rail-trails. This former railroad is now made from crushed limestone with some paved sections. This trail crosses 35 bridges and passes through 2 tunnels and many small towns. It travels through a forest full of sycamore and river birch as well as maple and mountain ash. During Spring through Fall there are many seasonal wildflowers including phlox, dutchman's-breeches and trillium. Throughout the trail there are many bird and wildlife encounters possibly black bears and bald eagles. There are many trail camping sites and shelters as well as many access points, making it easy to travel any section or length of the trail. A shuttle plan is needed for this trail.

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