It’s not everyday that you get to be two places at once. Yet there’s a trail in the Virginia mountains that leads hikers past the Virginia and West Virginia state line, which is about as close to the experience as you can get. Raven Rock Trail is a portion of the Appalachian Trail that’s particularly stunning, and we’ve got the photos to prove it. Here’s how you can hike across state lines when you take this gorgeous mountain trail:
Located just outside of Bluemont, Virginia, Raven Rocks Trail is a 5.5-mile out-and-back trail nested in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Roya Abedi/AllTrails
Along the way, hikers will come upon a series of four gorgeous mountain views, the last of which is the most dramatic.
Chelsea Catsam/AllTrails
Some locals jokingly refer to this hike as “The Rollercoaster,” given the up-and-down nature of the ridges it crosses.
J FONT/AllTrails
Perhaps the most significant attraction of this gorgeous hike is the opportunity to cross the Virginia state line into West Virginia.
Justin BC/AllTrails
There’s also a natural spring that appears about halfway through the hike. During a warm day, it’s the perfect opportunity to splash yourself with some cool mountain water.
Mark T/AllTrails
You’ll want to tread carefully, as the hike is notorious for rocks that can become very slippery after rainfall.
Mark T/AllTrails
The final overlook is simply magnificent and, considering you’ll have hiked into a brand new state, incredibly rewarding.
Karl Schildknecht/allTrails
You may even want to bring a picnic to enjoy the final view before turning around and heading back to good ole Virginia.
rafe hart/AllTrails
Have you taken the Appalachian Trail to Raven Rocks before? What did you think of the hike? We’d love to hear from you! For more information on this trail, including directions to the trailhead, you can click here. For related content, be sure to read about These 5 Water Trails That You Absolutely Must Explore In Virginia.
Roya Abedi/AllTrails
Chelsea Catsam/AllTrails
J FONT/AllTrails
Justin BC/AllTrails
Mark T/AllTrails
Karl Schildknecht/allTrails
rafe hart/AllTrails
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