PEAKLIFE

There’s nothing like a rush of adrenaline to make you feel alive and forget all about your workplace woes. If you seek extraordinary outdoor experiences to help break the monotony of everyday city life, Virginia is the perfect destination for you. With many hiking trails, camping sites, outdoor activities, and water sports, the US State is the ideal holiday spot for a fun-filled adventure.

We recommend absorbing the breathtaking views of Virginia’s scenic drives by renting a car or a bike. From zooming off on biking rail trails to rock climbing, here are a few outdoor activities you can add to your self-drive itinerary.

1. TRAIL ALONG

Home to more than 400 miles of biking rail trails, Virginia has something for every type of cycling enthusiast. You’ll find that many of the State’s old railroad grades have been converted into multi-purpose trails. From remote escapes in the scenic deep gorge of Guest River Gorge Trail to a memorable ride on the historic High Bridge through High Bridge Trail State Park, there’s plenty to choose from. And if you prefer something more challenging, you can try out the mountain biking trails in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, which is known as the mountain biking capital of America’s East Coast.

2. ZOOM PAST ON A ZIPLINE

The beautiful landscapes of Virginia look even more striking from above. Hop on a zipline course and get your feet off the ground to soak in the scenery from a different perspective. With spectacular views of the mountains, vegetation, and a pristine river flowing below, the three sections of zipline at the Canyon Rim Zipline at Breaks Interstate Park are a treat for the eyes. If you want to stay at a resort that offers ziplines and adventure park experiences, consider making a reservation at Wintergreen, Bryce, or Massanutten Resorts. You can also pay a visit to the Adventure Park at Sandy River Retreat to navigate through four levels of exciting high-rope courses, ziplines, and more.

3. SADDLE UP

If you enjoy horseback riding, Virginia offers up a host of fun activities and options that go beyond trail rides. You can take a guided tour at the many ranches, parks, and outfitters in different parts of the State that let you ride past serene waterfalls, green pastures, mountains, and vineyards. That’s not all. You can also try your hand at the sport of polo at the Twilight Polo School or Destination Polo, where you will learn all the skills and techniques required to move a ball around a field while riding a pony.

4. CLIMB TO THE TOP

Rock climbing is another of Virginia’s adventurous offerings, and it is a great pick for beginners and pros alike. If you’re new to the sport, you can try short routes at one of the many amazing bouldering spots across the State. You can book guided programs like waterfall rappelling and various types of rock climbing sessions with the Shenandoah Mountain Guides, who will walk you through every step and ensure you have fun while remaining safe. There are also many options for those who seek more demanding routes and advanced programs.

5. GO OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Far away from the dull concrete jungle found in cities, the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia give you an opportunity to try out a truly American adventure activity. Off-roading in all-terrain vehicles or ATVs to conquer the rugged mountains is an exhilarating experience. A group of five singular trails, known as Southwest Virginia’s Spearhead Trail System, features more than 300 miles of rated trails you can explore on an ATV. The best part? You can access all the trails with a single permit. Here, you will find accommodation options, guide services, rental equipment, and anything else you may need on your off-roading adventure.

All Image Credits: Visit Virginia