Virginia offers a variety of scenic hang gliding locations and companies that provide lessons and tandem flights. From mountain views to coastal flights, the state is a fantastic destination for hang gliding enthusiasts.
Top Hang Gliding Locations in Virginia
Big Walker (Mechanicsburg, Virginia)
A popular site with excellent flying conditions and panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains.
Blue Sky Flight Park (Manquin, Virginia)
This site is the home of Blue Sky Hang Gliding School, offering lessons and scenic flights with great conditions for beginners and experienced gliders alike.
Eagle Rock (Eagle Rock, Virginia)
A scenic location that offers hang gliders breathtaking views and consistent thermals.
Tobacco Row (Amherst, Virginia)
This launch site provides excellent conditions for long flights over Virginia’s beautiful countryside.
Woodstock (Woodstock, Virginia)
A popular site known for its stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley, offering great conditions for hang gliders.
Hang Gliding Companies in Virginia
Blue Sky Hang Gliding School
- Website: www.blueskyhg.com
- Location: Blue Sky Flight Park, Manquin, Virginia
- Details: Blue Sky Hang Gliding School provides lessons, tandem flights, and gear rental at their flight park in Manquin, making it a great place for beginners.
Eastern Shore Hang Gliding Center
- Website: www.easternshorehanggliding.com
- Location: 9114 Bayford Road, Weirwood, Virginia 23413
- Details: Offering flights over Virginia’s scenic Eastern Shore, this center provides both lessons and tandem experiences.
Silver Wings Inc.
- Website: www.silverwingshanggliding.com
- Location: 6032 20th Street N., Arlington, Virginia 22205
- Details: Based in Arlington, Silver Wings Inc. provides hang gliding lessons and scenic tandem flights in and around Virginia.
Alternative Outdoor Activities in Virginia
Virginia offers a wide range of outdoor activities:
- Hiking: Explore trails in Shenandoah National Park or George Washington National Forest.
- Rock Climbing: Climb at Old Rag Mountain or Great Falls Park.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddle along the James River or Chesapeake Bay.
Safety Tips and Best Time to Visit
The best time for hang gliding in Virginia is during spring and fall when the weather is most favorable. Always ensure proper safety measures and check weather conditions before flying.
Conclusion
Virginia offers fantastic hang gliding opportunities, from mountain ridges to coastal flights. With companies like Blue Sky Hang Gliding School and Eastern Shore Hang Gliding Center providing lessons and flights, hang gliders of all levels can enjoy the beauty of Virginia’s landscape. The state also offers a variety of outdoor activities for adventurers.
Hang Gliding in the US – Choose a State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming