Attention everyone granola (please see bottom of this page for an accurate definition). Here are 9 places to satisfy your free-spirited soul. Please, grab your Camelbak, clip your Eno to a carabiner, and strap on your Chacos (Birkenstocks also acceptable). You may also want to consider filling your Nalgene water bottle, and packing a Clif bar. This is your guide to an unforgettable adventure and beautiful Insta pics.

1) Bald Knob

Located at Mountain Lake, (yes, that place where they shot Dirty Dancing) Bald Knob is one of those sweet and simple hikes. It’s only about a 1 mile hike to the top, but keep in mind that this trail is steep. If you really don’t feel like working up a sweat, you’re in luck. You can opt out of the precipitous trail for a walkable gravel road that will lead you to the same beautiful view. Bring your camera. Bald Knob is a win-win for everyone.

2) Mountain Lake Road Overlook

The view is stunning, especially in the morning. If you’re going to Mountain Lake Lodge to hike Bald Knob, keep an eye out for this alluring overlook. This is a good place to be still and savor the beauty of the New River Valley.

3) Willard Hill

This is the go-to place for your sunset-fix. Overlooking Virginia Tech, Willard Hill is the perfect spot to go when you realize you only have 20 minutes before the sun begins to set. It’s only 2 miles from campus. Yep, it doesn’t get much better. This striking view is located on Prospect Street, directly parallel to Willard Drive Southeast. You can’t miss it.

4) New River Junction

Next up on our to-do list is the New River Junction. Looking for a laid-back hangout spot? Here you go. You can make a whole trip out of this place! Head out in the afternoon to go tubing down the river, cook some hotdogs and s’mores over a fire, and set up your tent on the campgrounds. If you plan to just go swimming, please remember your Chacos. Unfortunately, the rocks underwater are definitely not foot-friendly.

5) The Virginia Tech Duck Pond

The Duck Pond can’t be taken for granted. This has been voted the #1 place to hang your Eno on campus (by me). Even if it’s just for a few minutes, spend some time here when you’re near West Campus Drive. Maybe stretch here before running or pack a lunch to eat at the picnic tables. The Duck Pond is easy to get to so definitely take advantage of it.

6) Claytor Lake State Park

Find yourself craving time next to the mountains, a lake, and a beach? Luckily Claytor Lake has all three. You can set your things down on the sand before swimming out into the clear waters or playing volleyball. This state park has canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and boats available to rent. There is also a campground and hiking trails. Yes, you might want to make a day trip out of this place.

7) The Cascades 

The Cascades is a picturesque 4-mile round-trip hike. The trail runs along a creek that will eventually lead you to a 66-foot waterfall. The water is somewhat chilly, but swimmable. If you hike this in the winter, you might end up at a frozen waterfall. It’s an Instagram worthy sight.

8) The Virginia Tech Drillfield

The Drillfield is a place to casually throw around a frisbee. There is even enough space to organize an entire game of ultimate frisbee. You can relax in the shade by hanging your hammock between the trees on the outskirts of the field. Oftentimes you can spot tightrope walkers challenging their balance as they walk across a rope between trees. There is room to play a two-hand touch football game or lay a mat down to practice yoga with friends. While the Drillfield may simply seem like a large patch of grass, there are endless possibilities of ways to utilize the outdoor space it provides.

9) McAfee Knob

This hike is a classic for a reason: the view is remarkable. McAfee Knob is a moderately difficult 7.7-mile long hike. At the end of the trial you will find a 270 degree view of Catawba Valley, Tinker Cliffs, and Roanoke Valley. I suggest bringing your Camelbak, Nalgene (for extra water), a Clif bar, and Eno along for this hike. And don’t worry, there isn’t any rock scrambling so you will be comfortable in your Chacos.

*Granola: Someone “granola” is often times referred to as a new-age/more civilized hippie always ready to venture outdoors. This earthy person eats mostly natural foods and attends Bella Sol Yoga classes. The phrase “save the world” in their vocabulary is interchangeable with “travel the world and meet cool people from different cultures.”