Shenandoah National Park is a vast and beautiful wilderness, with miles of hiking trails to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail for you in Shenandoah. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and historic sites, Shenandoah is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors.
One of the highlights of Shenandoah is its waterfalls. There are dozens of waterfalls in the park, ranging from small cascades to towering falls. Some of the most popular waterfalls include Dark Hollow Falls, Overall Run Falls, and Whiteoak Canyon Falls. If you’re looking for a challenging hike, try the hike to the top of Hawksbill Mountain. At 4,051 feet, Hawksbill is the highest point in Shenandoah. The hike to the summit is steep and challenging, but the views from the top are worth it.
In addition to its hiking trails, Shenandoah is also home to a variety of other activities. You can go camping, fishing, swimming, and horseback riding. There are also several visitor centers and museums in the park, where you can learn about the park’s history and natural resources. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Shenandoah National Park.
Majestic Peaks and Verdant Valleys
Old Rag Mountain Loop
Ascend the rugged yet rewarding Old Rag Mountain Loop, a 9.2-mile trek that offers breathtaking panoramas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Traverse granite boulders, scramble up rocky summit pushes, and marvel at the sweeping views from the exposed summit ridges. This moderately challenging loop rewards hikers with panoramic vista points, including the iconic Razor’s Edge - a narrow and thrilling rock passage requiring careful footwork. Experience the scenic beauty of Shenandoah National Park, from towering peaks to lush forests, as you traverse this unforgettable loop trail.
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet
Distance: 9.2 miles
Notable Features:
- Spectacular panoramic vistas
- Challenging rock scrambling sections
- Exposed summit ridges (Razor’s Edge)
- Diverse flora and fauna
The Appalachian Trail Odyssey
The Skyline Drive
Shenandoah National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 500 miles of trails winding through its rugged and beautiful terrain. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic byway that follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The drive offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests, and there are numerous hiking trails that can be accessed along the way. Some of the most popular trails include the Mary’s Rock Trail, the Hawksbill Mountain Trail, and the Old Rag Mountain Trail.
The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a 2,190-mile footpath that runs from Georgia to Maine. The trail passes through Shenandoah National Park for about 100 miles, and it is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the park. The AT is typically hiked in sections, and there are several popular options for thru-hikers. One option is to start in Georgia and hike the entire trail to Maine. Another option is to start in Shenandoah National Park and hike north or south to the park boundary. There are also several shorter sections of the AT that can be hiked as day hikes or weekend trips.
The AT is a challenging hike, but it is also an incredibly rewarding one. Hikers will experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, and they will have the opportunity to meet other hikers from all over the world. The AT is a great way to challenge yourself, get in shape, and experience the beauty of the outdoors.
| Section | Miles | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia to North Carolina | 85 miles | Moderate |
| North Carolina to Virginia | 200 miles | Difficult |
| Virginia to West Virginia | 262 miles | Moderate |
| West Virginia to Maryland | 170 miles | Easy |
| Maryland to Pennsylvania | 90 miles | Moderate |
| Pennsylvania to New Jersey | 75 miles | Difficult |
| New Jersey to New York | 85 miles | Moderate |
| New York to Connecticut | 50 miles | Easy |
| Connecticut to Massachusetts | 60 miles | Moderate |
| Massachusetts to Maine | 250 miles | Difficult |
Hiking to Historic Overlooks
Shenandoah National Park is home to a number of historic overlooks, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests. Here are a few of the best hikes to these overlooks:
Hazel Mountain Trail
This 2.5-mile loop trail leads to Hazel Mountain Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. The trail is relatively easy, with a gradual elevation gain, making it a good option for families with young children.
Stony Man Trail
This 1.6-mile trail leads to Stony Man Summit, the highest point in Shenandoah National Park. The views from the summit are simply stunning, stretching for miles in every direction. The trail is challenging, with a steep climb to the summit, but it is well worth the effort. Please note that the Stony Man Trail is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Ida and is expected to reopen in 2024.
Hawksbill Mountain Trail
This 2.6-mile loop trail leads to Hawksbill Mountain Overlook, which offers 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, and the Allegheny Mountains. The trail is moderately challenging, with a few steep sections, but it is well-maintained and offers plenty of places to rest along the way.
| Trail | Length | Elevation Gain | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazel Mountain Trail | 2.5 miles | 400 feet | Easy |
| Stony Man Trail | 1.6 miles | 800 feet | Challenging |
| Hawksbill Mountain Trail | 2.6 miles | 600 feet | ModerateExploring Scenic Cataracts———-Shenandoah National Park is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, each cascading down picturesque cliffs into tranquil pools below. Embark on a captivating hike to witness these natural wonders firsthand.#### Dark Hollow Falls Trail ####Distance: 1.4 miles (one way)Elevation gain: 200 feetThis short but rewarding trail leads to the magnificent Dark Hollow Falls, a 70-foot cascade named after the deep gorge it plunges into. The trail winds through a verdant forest, crossing several wooden bridges along the way.#### Whiteoak Canyon Falls Trail ####Distance: 2.2 miles (one way)Elevation gain: 600 feetImmerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Whiteoak Canyon Falls, where cascading waters plunge over four separate tiers into a fern-lined gorge. The trail offers stunning views of the falls from various perspectives, including a panoramic vista at the top of the canyon.#### Stony Man Nature Trail ####Distance: 3.2 miles (one way)Elevation gain: 1,240 feet |
| Waterfall | Height (feet) | ||
| Stony Man Falls | 215 | ||
| Lower Stony Man Falls | 140 | ||
| Upper Stony Man Falls | 100 | ||
| Campground | Number of Sites | Amenities | |
| Skyland | 210 | Bathhouses, RV hookups, camp store | |
| Lewis Mountain | 175 | Bathhouses, picnic shelters | |
| Dundo Group | 30 | Group picnic shelter, restrooms | |
| Hotspot | Species | ||
| Skyline Drive | ~200 species, including Eagles, Hawks, and Warblers | ||
| Big Meadows | ~100 species, including Warblers, Grosbeaks, and Songbirds | ||
| Mary’s Rock | ~75 species, including Peregrine Falcons, Turkey Vultures, and Woodpeckers | ||
| Rose River Loop Trail | ~60 species, including Ovenbirds, Hooded Warblers, and Tanagers | ||
| Stony Man Trail | ~50 species, including Winter Wrens, American Redstarts, and Least Flycatchers | ||
| Hawksbill Mountain Trail | ~40 species, including Ravens, Goshawks, and White-breasted Nuthatches | ||
| Upper Hawksbill Trail | ~30 species, including Northern Goshawks, Barred Owls, and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers | ||
| Rock Formation | Location | ||
| Quartzite Cliffs | Hawksbill Mountain | ||
| Granite Domes | Old Rag Mountain | ||
| Limestone Caves | Luray Caverns | ||
| Hike | Distance | Elevation Gain | Difficulty |
| Old Rag Mountain | 9 miles | 2,300 feet | Challenging |
| Hawksbill Mountain | 2.6 miles | 600 feet | Easy |
| Stony Man Mountain | 3.4 miles | 1,200 feet | Challenging |