The 20 Most Challenging Hikes in America, Ranked

14. Three Ridges Wilderness Loop – Virginia

Difficulty: Class 2

Set in the Appalachian Mountains, the Three Ridges Wilderness Loop is a demanding yet rewarding 15-mile trek with nearly 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Starting at Reeds Gap off the Blue Ridge Parkway, hikers follow the Appalachian Trail southward into the dense forests of George Washington National Forest.

The ascent begins early, offering sweeping westward views within the first mile and culminating in stunning panoramas at the 3.7-mile mark. As the journey nears its end, the Maupin Field Shelter serves as the final major milestone before a steady two-mile descent back to the trailhead.