best hikes in northern shenandoah national park

On this hike, youll ascend to the base of Old Rag on a moderate hike up through the forest. To get to the peak, its an easy to moderate uphill walk through the forest. Your climb is rewarded by a stop at Jones Run Falls. This is my least favorite hike on this list and I recommend skipping it. AboutCareersPartner With UsPrivacy Policy. This area is a popular bird-watching spot as well, and its a good choice if you want to expose children to wildlife on a hike. Several hikes on this list share the trail with the AT. Without a doubt, this is the best thing to do in Shenandoah National Park. (Little Stony Man, Rose River, Hawksbill, Black Rock, Bearfence, Marys Rock, and Millershead Trail). Even though we have spent a lot of time here, we havent even come close to hiking all 500 miles. Remember, always check current weather conditions before setting off on a hike. Best Day Hikes in Shenandoah National Park's North District Within Shenandoah National Park you'll find over 500 miles of hiking trails, offering you many opportunities to explore the backcountry away from Skyline Drive and the busy pedestrian highway of the AT. With a paved road to the trailhead and dirt trails most of the way, Loft Mountain Loop is great for families or anyone looking for a short, rewarding hike. All of these hikes are accessed from Skyline Drive check the SNP website for road conditions and current entrance fees. This hike is short, sweet, and I loved it. You can marvel at the 67-foot Rose River Fall, pass by an almost hundred-year-old cemetery (Cave Cemetery) and filled-in old copper mine shaft, cross bridges, listen to the sounds of lush streams flowing, and swim in fresh mountain pools. At 4,040 feet, Stony Man is the second highest peak in Shenandoah National Park (Hawksbill is #1). Hiking Shenandoah National Park 3rd Book PDFs/Epub Download and Read Books in PDF " Hiking Shenandoah National Park 3rd " book is now available, Get the book in PDF, Epub and Mobi for Free. Why You Must Hike This Hike: Stand atop cliffs rising 3,000 feet above Shenandoah Valley, soaking in views from breezy Stony Man. Pack breakfast, at least 2 liters of water per person, and a headlamp. An hour away from Washington DC, there are over 500 miles of hiking trails, traversing cascading waterfalls, rocky and rolling hills, beautiful forests, and wetlands in Shenandoah. availability. While you arent rock climbing, this hike does require some use of handholds on the rocks, and possibly pulling yourself up in some areas. In autumn, the falls are framed by beautiful trees filled with yellow leaves, giving a unique and aesthetic view that ranks high among the parks features. Old Rag Mountain Loop, 2. Explore job opportunities and employment at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Were building a community platform so you can meet other outdoor adventurers in your city. Turn right on VA 643 and follow it for less than a mile to VA 600. Both the Lewis Springs Fall Trail and the Sugarloaf Hogsback Mountain Trails had just a few people on them, but I personally wasnt a fan of these hikes. The way up is moderately intense due to elevation, but the hike back down is primarily downhill. A shorter family trek explores the easily reached talus slopes of Blackrock Mountain. Easy access, old farmsteads and a rewarding vista sum up much of what Shenandoah National Park offers on this one hike. After hiking some rolling terrain, youll cross Skyline Drive and begin the steady ascent of North Marshall Mountain. This challenging hike is still on our to-do list, but because of the accolades it gets, I couldnt leave it off of this list. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Jane Gildart Hiking Shenandoah National Park (Paperback) at the best online prices at eBay! Marys Rock South. Sugarloaf Keyser Run Fire Road Hogback Mountain, About the Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park. 2. My husband and I will be driving to Cville after visiting Wilmington, NC for a couple days (coming from Florida). It can be reached by driving north on Skyline Drive for 12.7 miles from Swift Run Gap entrance. Cheers, Julie. Parking: If you still want to do this hike, park in the small lot at mile 21 on Skyline Drive, just south of the Hogback Overlook. Take a right on VA 601 and follow it .3 mile cross the Hughes River, then veer right, staying with VA 601. Currently, I'm an ultrarunner, AT section hiker, and nearly 60-year-old survivor of Adult Onset Athletic Syndrome. Go Farther: When you reach the trail junction for the Rose River Loop Trail (see photos below), you can hike a portion of this trail to see more waterfalls. Hike the Upper Hawksbill Trail to stand on the highest point in Shenandoah National Park and then have some fun on the Bearfence Trail. Johnny Molloy, author of Top Trails: Shenandoah National Park, has been day hiking and backpacking at Shenandoah for over two decades, in addition to trekking destinations throughout the Old Dominion and beyond. Its a relatively short, easy hike to one of the tallest waterfalls in the park. It is 13 miles, which is a big difference that meant being out later than we wished and getting a couple of blisters. Even with the peak sitting at 4,011ft, its a relatively accessible and easy hike to the summit only gaining 400ft of elevation. If thats you, Rose River is a must-do hike. Your email address will not be published. How about hawksbill & stonyman, From Hawksbill and Stonyman, you dont get a full 360 degree view, but you do get close. If you have any questions about the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below. travel@rei.com 1 (800) 622-2236. If you plan and pack properly, youll be in complete safety on your adventure. With its roaring waterfalls, secluded canyons, diverse plant and animal life, and rich cultural history, Virginia's Shenandoah National Park oers boundless outdoor adventures. Take this for 50 feet and then turn left onto the Appalachian Trail. There are several ways to get here. Pick up the Appalachian Trail on your right as you top out in the picnic area, before the road starts looping around. Why You Must Hike This Hike: The hike over The Pinnacle to Marys Rock traverses the most spectacular section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) through Shenandoah National Park. Find yourself invigorated and renewed after four days of hiking the highlights and hidden gems of Shenandoah National Park. Hike to the summit of Stony Man Mountain, where you can capture the patchwork of Shenandoah Valley and superlative mountain montages. New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, 10 Must Do Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, 8 Exclusive Luxury Retreats For a Pampered Virginia Getaway, 10 Gorgeous Glamping Destinations in Virginia for a Luxury Outdoor Experience, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Fredericksburg To Virginias Northern Neck, 15 Memorable Holiday Road Trips to Virginias Most Festive Towns, The Top Spots to View Virginias Colorful Foliage Throughout the Fall, 18 Relaxing Wellness Retreats and Getaways in Virginia, Hiking with Kids: 10 Family-Friendly Trails in Virginia, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Norfolk to Virginias Eastern Shore, 20 Virginia Summits with 360 Degree Views, 10 Best 2-3 Day Virginia Backpacking Trips on the Appalachian Trail. If youre looking for hikes to introduce yourself to harder days on the trail, this is a great start. Dates. From the top of Stony Man, enjoy the view. There is some mild scrambling by a stone overhang, but it is very mild and hardly of note. Waterfall at the trail junction. Once you reach the Upper Hawksbill Trail, it is a very short walk to the summit. Situated in the central-eastern portion of Shenandoah National Park, this hike is popular, but don't confuse that with accessibilityconsider that this 9.5-mile trail rises more than 2,000 ft in elevation and takes some steep switchback climbing on the way up before you lace up at the trailhead. Skyline Drive Mile 84.4. Note: This post contains affiliate links. The hike doesnt feature any inclines that are too intense, despite the elevation gain. for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Leave Dickey Ridge Visitor Center to first visit the old Fox Farm. Guide to Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park Stackpole Books This easy-to-use guide will help you discover, by car, 74 access points to the Appalachian Trail, the longest linear park in the world. Make sure to check operating hours and seasons before your trip. This is an extremely popular hike, so expect big crowds midday and on weekends. The trails are well maintained, and the area is moderately trafficked. There are short nature trails here, too. The Trailhead:From the intersection of US 211 and US 522 in Sperryville, take US 522 south for .8 mile to VA 231. Why You Must Hike This Hike: Stand atop cliffs rising 3,000 feet above Shenandoah Valley, soaking in views from breezy Stony Man. This guide provides everything you need to know to explore 59 of the greatest hiking adventures in Virginia's National Park. Is the Bearfence hike the only one that gives you those 360 degree views as you stated ? The Classic Shenandoah Hike: Old Rag Mountain Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park, view from the summit (Photo: Douglas Rissing/iStock via Getty Images). The trail ends with a small loop. Cross the wide bridge to the right and take the wide fire road back to the parking lot to complete the loop. The water falls are nice (there are also smaller ones) and walking along Doyles River is amazing. Thanks. Covered in forest, Skyline Drive and the famous Appalachian Trail run the entire length of this narrow park. This strenuous hike will take you to a waterfall, through beautiful foliage, and give you plenty of opportunities to see the natural features in the valley. Or you can engage other hikes, to Stony Man and Hawksbill, where lofty heights reveal more views, biodiversity, and park history with every footfall among these stately highlands. At the signpost for the Knob Mt. There is so much more to explore including scenic overlooks, waterfalls of the Shenandoah River, and Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak. Is there a print friendly version? Youll enjoy a nice ridge walk at the top of North Marshall, with views to the west. SNPs North District is bounded on the south by US 211, near Luray, and on the north by the entrance station at Front Royal, Va. I beg to differ. From Rockfish Gap entrance station, it is a 19.9 mile drive to the trailhead. Why You Must Hike This Hike: Conquer Shenandoahs highest point on this easy hike. Top Trails: Shenandoah National Park - Johnny Molloy 2018-07-03 Hike, backpack, bring the kidsthere's a trail for you in Shenandoah. The trail traverses beautiful cascades of waterfalls like none youve ever seen, provides tree canopy coverage with pockets of sunlight that shine through, and showcases Appalachian moss, swimming pools, butterflies, wildlife, and streams. Big Meadows Area Map. Limberlost Walking Trail. Youll cross a somewhat extensive rocky area proving once again that not all of the AT in Virginia is flat and easy and then go over a gentle ridge. Wondering what exactly you should pack for your next hike? If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. After crossing the road follow the AT until you see the signpost for Gravel Springs Hut. You can also learn more about the national parks and get a FREE printable checklist in our US National Parks Checklist. After completing this gorgeous waterfall-filled hike, you can swing by the Big Meadows Wayside, grab a cold beverage, and check out the souvenirs. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. Discover pioneer vestiges there, including a cemetery. Take a break and break out your snacks (or a bottle of wine). I saw lots of kids on this trail, some as young as 6 years old. This is a tough hike to a nice waterfall, but in my opinion, this hike is not worth the effort, unless you are a big fan of waterfall hikes. Required fields are marked *. Learn more about jobs, employee housing, benefits and more. Similar to most of the park, there are plenty of wildflowers to be found on your trek. Visitor Center. The trail starts on the opposite side of Skyline Drive. A fine eye for detail. This is the way that I went and I can tell you, it can be a real thigh-burner. Great Falls Park But we are working to convert some of our posts to printer friendly pdfs so Ill add this one to the list. Strike up the north slope of Old Rag, emerging onto a massive granite slab, revealing far fetched panoramas. Stop by Furnace Spring, once was used in a copper mining operation, before completing this highlight-laden loop, located near Skyland. The trail is relatively flat and well maintained, and it is both stroller and wheelchair friendly. If youre looking for a quick kid-friendly hike thats not too remote, this is a great option! Waterfall Height: 93 ft. Return to your car on the steep, downhill walk down the Lower Hawksbill Trail. Walk around, check out the three buildings and interpretive information. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. With a stone observation platform (Byrds nest #2) at the top and plenty of space to enjoy the views, a hike up Hawksbill is essential for anyone visiting the park. Hello Jacob. Shenandoah National Park is a hiker's wonderland, with challenging treks, enchanting sights, popular trails and tranquil escapes. Are you looking for more waterfalls? If your plans include spending the night, be sure that you have your free permit, available at any of the entrance stations. Stop by Dundo Picnic Area, once the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. 14 Awesome Places to Go Camping near Washington, DC, 15 Jaw-Dropping Hikes In and Near Washington, DC for All Levels, 12 Breathtaking Hikes Near Richmond, VA for All Levels, Osprey Tempest 20L Pack Review: Tried & Tested (2023), 18 Absolutely Spectacular Hikes In & Near Seattle for All Levels, 12 Best Hiking Backpacks for Women for any Adventure (2022), 14 Best Hiking Backpacks for Any Adventure (2022). Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. This well-loved Shenandoah classic is a difficult, yet doable trek. You also have the option to walk a few miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Active, Solitary/Remote, Inspirational, Outdoors. All hiking distances are round trip. Is this possible, and if so, where do we start, how do we get there, and what do we do once we get there? If you want to avoid the crowds, Little Stony Man is a nice summit hike with fewer people than other hikes on this list. Cross to the west side of the road and take the Jenkins Gap Trail for a short stretch until you reach the AT. For bird watchers, this is a great hike, as the elevation means that several species of warblers, veery, Acadian Flycatchers, ruffed grouse, and more are waiting to be found. Go to the south end of the overlook and pick up the Appalachian Trail there. Theres also a swimming hole if you need to cool off, and teeming wildlife all around you. This often traveled trail connection gives a great opportunity to search for wildlife and plants in the park, as well as witness some of the spectacular waterfalls. Hiking Shenandoah National Park Falcon Guide. It's . How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers (each hike is a different layer). This vertical variation is one of the reasons for the incredible diversity of life found within its boundaries. Youll pass the Elkwallow picnic grounds and reach the intersection with the Jeremys Run Trail after a gradual descent. The trail hits the Appalachian Trail (AT), which you will hike back to the parking lot. If you only have one day in the park, I recommend one waterfall hike (Dark Hollow Falls) and one to two summit hikes. A short downhill will lead you to the AT. All hiking trails in the park are marked with blue blazes on the trees. While the parks most famous attraction is the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive, once you venture off the main road youll discover scenic overlooks, rich historical landmarks, and hikes for people of all ability levels. Be prepared for crowds when the weather is nice and views from the uppermost outcrops. The North District of Shenandoah National Park spans from the Front Royal Entrance Station at the town of Front Royal off I-66 to the Thornton Gap Entrance Station at U.S. Rt. The best hikes in Shenandoah National Park deliver shaded forest trails, cascading waterfalls, rocky lookouts and ample opportunity to explore sections of the historic Appalachian Trail. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. You can also look up at Stony Man, another summit hike that is well worth your time. Take the Frazier Discovery Trail to the wide-open stony vista, then pick up the worlds most famous footpath, the Appalachian Trail, southward through a transitional forest to meet a paved path near the Loft Mountain Campground camp store. Park at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center about a half mile north of MP 5. When you reach the Dickey Ridge Trail turn left and follow the trail to the Snead Farm Road, which branches off to the right. Furthermore, you can discover lesser-visited yet equally scenic sights at places like Jones Run and Furnace Mountain where cataracts roar among old-growth trees spared by the loggers axe and lonely lookouts beg to be visited. From the Thornton Gap entrance, take Skyline Drive south for 15.2 miles to reach the parking area, on your right. You may even run into an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker! Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Marshall while on the AT and the quiet seclusion of the Bluff Trail on the return portion of the loop. To get to the summit, it is a moderate, uphill climb. In cases where a day hike and the AT share the same trail, you will see blue and white blazes painted on the trees. Just two hours from where we live, we have spent more time here than any other national park in the United States. It's incredibly easy to do, too. Go either way to get to the summit. Leave the rugged mountaintop and reenter the lowlands via the pretty valley of Brokenback Run on a foot-relieving gravel fire road. To best appreciate the ruins, do this hike in the winter or early spring when vegetation doesnt obscure the remains of these mountain farms. There are two ways to get here. Like the other hikes, there are great opportunities for bird watching, views of wildflowers and wildlife, and more on the way up. Reach the confluence of Laurel Prong and Mill Creek, where Rapidan Camp lies in a lovely wooded setting. Wrapped around the top of the post is a piece of metal, marked with the trails and distances to the next junction or trailhead. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Sugarloaf Loop provides an opportunity to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, cross a stream, take in views from Hogback Overlook, and enjoy a true walk through the woods. The Limberlost Trail also offers great opportunities for seeing wildlife and birdwatching. If you get the chance to hike this trail in the early summer, you will be gifted magnificent white flowers from the mountain laurel bloom. Trail. The Trailhead:The Pinnacles Picnic Area is located at milepost 36.7 on Skyline Drive. Many of the trails I went on in Shenandoah were pretty tough and this one was actually pretty easy. Location: Virginia Acreage: 199,200 acres Visitation: Over a million people enter Shenandoah National Park's gates each year, most taking the Skyline Drive to vantage points along 105 miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The easiest way to hike to Hawksbill Mountain is on the Upper Hawksbill Trail. Its a short, easy hike, with some fun rock scrambling thrown in. Hawksbill Summit is a short yet steep hike that leads you directly to a viewing platform where you can take in all the splendor of the . Shenandoah National Park Photos (2,049) Directions Print/PDF map Length 2.7 miElevation gain 380 ftRoute type Out & back Experience this 2.7-mile out-and-back trail near Syria, Virginia. My personal favorites are Old Rag, the Bearfence Trail, the view from Hawksbill and Marys Rock, and the Rose River Loop. Being surrounded by the Santa Barbara Channel, you will be immersed in the deep blue seas and crisp . With nearly 200,000 acres of beautiful scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is one of the most underrated parks in the country, and a must-see for hikers on the East Coast. Jones Run Falls Trailhead. Its another popular, well-marked, and well-traveled hike in Shenandoah National Park. Check here for information about reservations. In my opinion, this hike is the most thrilling on this list. Elevation Gain: 748 Feet. This hike is at its best from April to October, otherwise, winter conditions may make the rocky terrain slick. Distance: 5 miles Skyline Drive winds its way across the crest of the Blue Ridge, cutting across the park's heart from north to south. . Your email address will not be published. Either way, youll enjoy some nice views from Mt. Views are expansive and frequent. Now in its second edition, Top Immediately after turning toward the Skyland Resort turn right into the parking for the Stony Man Nature Trail. Come along Mill Prong and see 15-foot Big Rock Falls, with its deep beckoning pool. People commonly use this trail for running and walking, and its great for anyone, from young children to seasoned hikers alike. But get away from the bustle of Skyline Drive and youll find a variety of terrain, including hikes that follow old farm roads offering a glimpse at the human ecology of the Blue Ridge Mountains before the creation of the national park. More Information for Your Trip to Shenandoah National Park. Cheers, Julie. Old Rag Mountain tops out at 3,284 feet, and the hike features rugged and rocky scrambles up to a beautiful view at the peak. You will follow well-maintained trails the whole way, but a longer distance and large amount of elevation change clock this hike in higher intensity. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were always excited to hear from you! This is a nice test to see if you can handle what is coming. Due to greatly increased popularity Old Rag now requires a day permit from March 1 to November 30. Start at the Meadow Spring Trailhead. Descend a little farther to get to the base of the waterfall. Before you hit the trail, find out what you need to know in order to have a fun and safe adventure in Shenandoah National Park. The farm road then merges into the Snead Farm Loop Trail. Hikes on this list that include the Appalachian Trail: PRO TRAVEL TIP: Before your trip to Shenandoah National Park, visit the official National Park Service website to get updates on park and trail conditions. Extremely popular hike along a short trail, leading to a beautiful waterfall. The trail continues along the Rose River and it is a very pretty downhill walk through this section. Cheers, Julie. This hike is less than one mile round trip. Youll climb up and over a few large boulders on the trail. Enjoy the rewards and challenges of hiking to mountain summits and cascading waterfalls, while reconnecting with family, friends and yourself. Some Basic Facts About Shenandoah National Park. Distance: 4 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Total Ascent: 1,000 feet | Time: 2 to 3 hours. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 10 min to complete. Remember to wear proper footwear and clothing, bring food and water, and consider items like insect repellent or sunscreen depending on the time of year and conditions in the park. Walk the Passamaquoddy Trail, named for early park proponent George Pollock. Mile Marker: 83.7. We are very happy to have discovered your website and plan to use your site for future travel/hiking tips! In addition, a wealth of attractions lies outside the park to enhance your Shenandoah National Park experience. Some scrambling is also required. The hike to Dark Hollow Falls is one of the most popular hikes on this list. At 4,040 feet, Stony Man is the second highest peak in Shenandoah National Park (Hawksbill is #1).