Appalachian Trail — Virginia section
~38 days · 528.7 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Appalachian Trail — Virginia section is known for
858 km (533 mi) of the Appalachian Trail through its longest state: from Damascus at the Tennessee line, over the Grayson Highlands, Blue Ridge, and Shenandoah, to the Virginia–West Virginia border ridge near Snickers Gap (the last miles to Harpers Ferry ride the border and are mapped separately). A 38-day undertaking.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,326 ft to 17,070 ft over 528.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 205.7 mi · 39%
- Downhill 172.6 mi · 33%
- Flat 150.3 mi · 28%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Appalachian Trail — Virginia section take?
Most backpackers hike the Appalachian Trail — Virginia section in about 38 days (37 nights out) over its 528.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Appalachian Trail — Virginia section?
The Appalachian Trail — Virginia section climbs roughly 118,668 ft total — about 224 ft per mile, topping out near 5,482 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.