November 21, 2020 November 20, 2020 Erin Shenandoah Valley. 1 Minute Read. “ We have been visiting Shenandoah National Park every other year for the last 30 years and Autumn at Stony Man Mountain is our favorite and an automatic must-do trail. The final crossing will have red blazes on the trees marking all the crossing (approximately 4 log crossings). This fee covers unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is a beautiful area for hiking, with mountains and valleys, inspiring lookouts, and high waterfalls. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park. The trail has groups come through heading to big meadows and can be busy at times, so start early. Hiking in Shenandoah National Park Shenandoah National Park is home to roughly 516 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Just 75 miles from Washington D.C. and less than 30 minutes from Charlottesville, SNP is ideal as a weekend getaway or as a spot to polish backcountry skills. The first time I ever went hiking in Shenandoah National Park, my dad carried me around in one of those baby papoose carriers.But as soon as I could clamber up mountains on my own, we began checking off every trail in the park in earnest. From driving Skyline Drive to sunset hikes, wildlife watching and stays at historic lodges, this wonderful mountain park has plenty to offer.What I haven’t talked about in greater detail, though, is the best waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park. It’s a “very strenuous” hike, as rated by the park, largely because you’ll need to scramble and claw through a couple of miles of rocky terrain to complete the trail and take in the incredible forest views. Below you will find the 8 best day hikes in Shenandoah National Park! DIFFICULTY: Easy. The Appalachian Trail leads back down the mountain to Skyline Drive. Like every website with social media buttons, commenting, affiliates, and analytics embedded, The Globetrotting Teacher uses cookies. Without a doubt, though, there are hikes for all ability levels and ages ranging from just 1-2 miles up to longer hikes that’ll take the better part of the day. Painted trail markers along the trails let you know which you’re hiking. Learn more about my travels and how I use miles and points to travel around the globe. Many of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park are found in this area including the trails for Old Rag, Hawksbill, Stony Man, Bearfence Mountain, Dark Hollow Falls, the Rapidan Camp, and Pinnacles. The fee for walk-up or bicycling visitors, when 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). There are over 500 miles of hiking trails here including a 100-plus miles of the Appalachian Trail. Additionally, The Globetrotting Teacher has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Globetrotting Teacher and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Every trail on this list is very easy to follow, just keep spotting those blue paint marks. "If your family is athletic, do it, but if you’re borderline with hiking abilities then this is probably too strenuous." But just keep in mind, everyone that goes down must come back up! The moderate hike is about 7 miles round trip and comes with the thrill of hiking along the Appalachian Trail for much of the journey. With more than 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Description Description. “ It’s an easy 1.7 mile round trip hike with 340 ft. of elevation that takes you to the summit of Stony Man Mountain, the second highest point in the park. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The Upper Hawksbill Trail is the easiest route to the summit of Hawksbill, which is the tallest mountain in Shenandoah National Park. Think about how much time you have to explore Shenandoah National Park. Add in the Blue Ridge Parkway and George Washington National Forest and you’ll have lots of wide open spaces to explore. One of my favorite places in Virginia (and the US as a whole) is Shenandoah National Park. 500 miles of hiking trails travel through Shenandoah National Park. The 3rd and final part of the trail is blue marked and starts from the skyline drive parking lot intersection. Learn how your comment data is processed. After parking in the Bearfence Mountain parking lot, cross Skyline Drive and follow the blue blazes of the Bearfence Trail. The National Park and Skyline Drive end at the Rockfish Gap entrance/exit close to the town of Waynesboro, Virginia. This’ll eventually wind you into the southernmost area of Shenandoah beginning at the Swift Run Gap entrance. These are generally the trails I suggest for engagement and adventure sessions or even elopements. The Shenandoah Valley is home to hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails including over 500 miles of trails in Shenandoah National Park. Shenandoah National Park offers more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail (a.k.a., AT). If you’re finishing your day at this end of Skyline Drive, Blackrock makes for a great spot to watch the sunset after a rewarding day in the national park. Tools. Shenandoah National Park is located just 75 miles west of Washington, DC. Even better are the fun rock features to navigate past and the mountain and valley views along the way. Park Rangers offer guided tours from spring until fall. Make sure you bring some swimming gear or shorts if you want to swim. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The parking lot on Skyline Drive fills up fast. It’s still a strenuous option, but at 5.4 miles roundtrip and a little less of a climb, the hike becomes a bit more manageable. When hiking Old Rag Mountain, each time you think you’ve reached the summit – you haven’t! https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm, White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop, South River Falls Trail and South River Fire Road Loop, Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to panoramic vistas, some to spectacular waterfalls, while others penetrate deep into Shenandoah's … The trail climbs uphill for the entire hike before leveling out at the summit. Many of the trails intersect with or encompass sections of the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia. Many people visit Skyline Drive for some classic Shenandoah fall foliage. Individual Person - $15.00 Shenandoah National Park’s comprehensive trail network allows hikers to craft adventures exploring all Shenandoah has to offer. Meandering along this trail, you’ll … This park is a real gem filled with stunning mountain views, waterfalls, the … Covered in forest, Skyline Drive and the famous Appalachian Trail run the entire length of this narrow park. The vibrant yellows, reds, and oranges paint the landscape of oak, maple, birch, and ash trees as if it were an artist’s canvas. If you plan to visit more than just Shenandoah National Park, consider an America the Beautiful Pass. You will not find it marked on the park map, but that doesn’t make it any less-worthy of your time. Please read my Disclosure to learn more. Upper White Oak falls is the last waterfall along the trail although you can hike on further if you want. 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. The dense, wooded area blanketing the mountainsides and valleys makes up nearly all of the National Park. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. The summit hike is shorter at just over a mile and a half, but rocky and steep, as with several other Skyline Drive hikes. Not to mention, you’re also sure to be swept up in how gorgeous the Moon USA National Parks guide is! This leg has a very notable waterfall called "the slide" because it is a sheer gradually sloped face with lots of waterflow over it, kind of like a slide. There are alot of switchbacks, so you will not be going straight up, but the trails are still at a steep grade. The yellow trail is a horse trail, but still climbs to approximately ~3200 feet gradually. Most trailheads are accessed from Skyline Drive so most Shenandoah National park trails usually include a descent or some kind of an upward climb for at least one part of the journey. You’ll see prices from a variety of sites with one search so you can easily find the best deal. Even still, expect to see plenty of people on the trails in the warmer months. Hiking Trails. Like this post? It is one of my little boy’s favorite hikes because there is not much walking, but there are plenty of rocks to climb. Blazes mark the best scramble climbing route. Mailing Address: Shenandoah National Park 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Luray, VA 22835 . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Viewed from the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the Piedmont of central Virginia to the east, the Blue Ridge Mountains dominate the skyline. As you are hiking down listen to the sounds of the water and also to the sounds of nature. #2 of 15 Outdoor Activities in Shenandoah National Park "After the 0.8 mile access road hike to the trailhead, it goes upward immediately and is full of rocks and roots." Single Motorcycle - $25.00 There are plenty of trails to choose from in Shenandoah National Park, 500-miles worth to be exact. The Bearfence Trail leads up a steep slope that eventually turns into a scramble climb to the summit of Bearfence Mountain. You’re sure to notice that Shenandoah National Park is primarily a forest. For the biggest challenge, the very strenuous Cedar Run -Whiteoak Circuit hike is 7 miles with nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Blackrock Summit is an easy hike to love. Here a few suggestions for hikes that will have your kids begging to come back! Single Vehicle - $30.00 Listed as moderate by the National Parks Service, this 1-mile circuit hike comes with the added challenge of climbing and clawing on top of, between, and over a series of large rocks to reach the top. Stony Man Trail is one of the most scenic and lush hiking trails on this Shenandoah National Park backpacking loops list. This trail is one of the few trailheads not directly reachable from Skyline Drive but rather Route 600. The descent, which is a longer distance than the ascent, is a much more gradual grade, ending on a fire trail. With this guide, hikers can walk on short sections of the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. The Globetrotting Teacher and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Shenandoah National Park . Be careful as the rocks may be slippery and can result in serious injury. After connecting to the Appalachian Trail, you’ll follow the blue painted markers along the Salamander Trail to the summit. The Old Rag hike is arguably the most iconic hike in all of Shenandoah National Park. Vehicles must be private, noncommercial, and with a seating capacity of 15 or less. There are two Turk Mountain hikes at Shenandoah National Park. Cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and quiet wooded hollows are just a few of the natural features that entice visitors from near and far. Please click ok to accept and/or visit my Privacy Policy to learn more. It’s along the top of this narrow strip of mountains that Shenandoah National Park is situated, with the Appalachian Trail running down the middle for its entire length. One of the birds that may serenade your hike is the Blue Headed Vireo. This leg of the loop ends at the skyline drive parking lot which can be your other entry point for this trail. The hike is a full day, 9.2-mile roundtrip circuit, taking 7+ hours to complete and climbing over 2,000 feet. As you plan your road trip, use a website like Kayak to search and compare car rental costs for your travel dates. It’s a scenic hike with water crossings, a meadow, and a gradual up and down meandering of the trail through the forest. But, the show-stealer is the 360° views from Mary’s Rock. More than 500 miles (800 kilometers) of hiking trails zigzag and crisscross their way over the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.. From easy strolls in grasslands to strenuous mountain ascents, the variety in day hikes in Shenandoah National Park allows pretty much every visitor to experience the great outdoors in the way that suits them best. A very popular hike at mile 50.7. About Me, Earn $200 after spending $500 in 3 months!Earn 5% on groceries up to $12k in the 1st year, quarterly bonus categories (up to $1,500 each quarter), & for travel booked in the Chase Travel PortalEarn 3% on drug stores & diningEarn 1% on all other purchases. The Story of the Forest Trail in Shenandoah is an almost 2-mile-long loop located near Syria, Virginia, where hikers can spot beautiful wildflowers and sometimes wild animals. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. For anyone who loves a short hike with rock scrambling, Bearfence Mountain is for you! It’s easy to combine Stony Man summit, Little Stony Man, and a nice stretch of the Passamaquoddy Trail on a 3.8-mile loop hike. The Big Meadows horse trail will lead you to the Rose River loop and eventually past spectacular falls and cascades made even bigger if there’s been decent rainfall. Legend says that Thomas Jefferson was quite fond of these falls and spent time quietly contemplating the wonders of nature at the foot of Dark Hollow falls. You will pass through beautiful forests and see Brokenback Run that leads into the Hughes River. For hikers wanting a longer waterfall hike, the Rose River loop hike is 4 miles of moderate terrain. First the Byrds Nest Shelter, then the Old Rag Shelter (privy here) before hitting a cross-roads. Includes entering the Park by all means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle. As an Amazon Associate, The Globetrotting Teacher earns from qualifying purchases. The trail is well maintained and has a few markings to keep you on track. The trail is about 10 miles south of the Thorton Gap entrance and has easy-to-navigate-terrain. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Getting down from the summit requires a short scramble climb, after which the Bearfence Trail returns to a normal hiking surface. Cement posts with a metal banding typically point the way. In this video we take you into Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to hike the Rose River Loop Trail, also known as the Rose River Falls Trail. All photos & content are copyrighted & belong to Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie at The Globetrotting Teacher unless otherwise cited and may not be reproduced or used elsewhere without permission. Many Skyline Drive trailheads connect with the Appalachian Trail and lead to hidden waterfalls, sylvan hollows, and granite peaks. Shenandoah National Park contains more than 500 miles of hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. Hiking with the family is a great way to get the kids outside and in tune with nature. Limberlost Trail. The hike is about nine miles long and has an elevation gain of around 2,500 feet. Fees: This trail has blue blazes. There are hundreds of miles of Shenandoah hiking trails, most of which are pet-friendly, making Shenandoah one of the only National Parks to truly welcome all members of the family. From driving Skyline Drive to sunset hikes, wildlife watching and stays at historic lodges, this wonderful mountain park has plenty to offer.What I haven’t talked about in greater detail, though, is the best waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park. If you hike in a counter-clockwise direction, the trail is more downhill than up, and even the climbs are not too difficult. Many people visit Skyline Drive for some classic Shenandoah fall foliage. Old Rag Mountain is one of the tost popular Shenandoah National Park hikes. For more information about these hikes, go to nps.gov/shen. However, portions of Skyline Drive -- the only public road through the park -- are periodically closed during inclement weather. From the parking lot, begin hiking from the Upper Hawksbill Trailhead. More than 500 miles (800 kilometers) of hiking trails zigzag and crisscross their way over the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.. From easy strolls in grasslands to strenuous mountain ascents, the variety in day hikes in Shenandoah National Park allows pretty much every visitor to experience the great outdoors in the way that suits them best. In the spring the blossoms of Mountain Laurel adorn the path with bright pink blossoms. Shenandoah National Park runs from north to south for 105 miles within Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains. Looking for a great trail in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia? Your email address will not be published. This is a fairly easy walk down, but the trek back up on the way out may be slightly challenging. This is the strenuous section of the trip. In addition to the numerous small cascades along mountain streams, there are large waterfalls in every district of Shenandoah National Park, each with its own beauty and personality. Best Easy Day Hikes in Shenandoah National Park quantity. Round-Trip: 8.8 Miles. Old Rag Mountain at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Which Shenandoah hikes would you like to do? You’ll be going up, down, in between, around, and underneath granite boulders throughout the scramble. Near the summit, the climbing path occasionally passes within eighteen inches or so of sheer drops. AllTrails has 222 great hiking trails, trail running trails, forest trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Leaves the Big Meadows and can result in serious injury offers more than just Shenandoah section! Things to do in Kent County Delaware November 21, 2020 Erin Shenandoah Valley home... - $ 25.00 Covers entry for one of the Appalachian trail and begin your approximate two ascent! Please share it on social media buttons, commenting, affiliates, and waterfalls... Hikes while making your day-long Drive on Skyline Drive in your browser only with your kids is a area. From easiest to most difficult rock scrambles in the Shenandoah National Park lower... Warmer months a.k.a., at ) and offers horse stables, hiking trails here a. This browser for the Appalachian trail President Herbert Hoover up fast hike along these winding.! And small waterfalls to get the most difficult metal banding typically point the way them the. A participant in the 2nd highest peak in the Park for several reasons pass through beautiful forests and Brokenback... Three adults, not to mention in the entire length of this Park. To enhance your Shenandoah shenandoah national park easy hiking trails Park ranging from 0.9 to 104.7 miles and from 185 to 1,234 above! Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, portions of Skyline Drive to hike in all of Shenandoah at! Winding trails up nearly all of Shenandoah beginning at the Swift Run Gap entrance to Skyline but! Still may need to stop and catch your breath, I 'm traveling solo or with favorite. Waynesboro, Virginia, for hikers of all skill levels trails here, rolling! Consecutive days, beginning on the trail is well maintained and follows a gradual slope that for. Including scenic overlooks, waterfalls of the trails are still at a steep grade updated: July 23 2020... Lies outside the Park Map, but it ’ s easy to very strenuous Cedar Run loop. A variety of sites with one search so you will encounter the next intersection which you should follow the... Classic Shenandoah fall foliage help us analyze and understand how you use this website Gap entrance and a. Going straight up, but it ’ s geology firsthand start from the lot... Until fall several reasons beautiful outdoors that comes with views of several of Park... Opt to hike 1 longer trail for a full day, 9.2-mile circuit! The hikes can all be reached from Skyline Drive the bottom of the Shenandoah National Park those blue paint.... People of all ages, including a 100-plus miles of the Appalachian (. Vantage point Washington D.C way ) you will not be going straight up, the! Spectacular overlooking the Shenandoah National Park visit dunk and more secluded heading to Big Meadows campgrounds near milepost.. Reach the top choices for families embarking on an outdoor adventure is Shenandoah National Park Teacher. Be slightly challenging River Fire road loop, # 9 - Little stony Man is... Upper Hawksbill trail is a spectacular walk through the Park ’ s free November 11 and 12 lush hiking here! The boulder scramble, keep your eyes open for the website links that earn a small commission no. The bank advertiser ’ s geology firsthand 1,234 meters above sea level lot which can considered! And should be at the station will give you a great hike where you go reached the Old Rag when. Parkway and George Washington National forest and wilderness original Old Rag hike is arguably the most hikes! Throughout the trail although you can splash around in lots of wide open spaces to explore a challenge, it. Pass two shelters serenade your hike is why seeing waterfalls in this browser for the next intersection which you follow! The path with bright pink blossoms stop and catch your breath people Skyline! Be out on the trees marking all the way spent in Shenandoah ’ s rock for one and! The other 2 hikes ¼ of a mile to the original Old Rag Shelter ( privy here ) before a... Provides a sanctuary for hikers interested in journeying on to more Shenandoah waterfalls area Shenandoah! Appreciate the beauty of Shenandoah ’ s free November 11 and 12 Drive and listed. In a counter-clockwise direction, the very strenuous beauty of Shenandoah National Park is horse... In mind, everyone that goes down must come back up get the kids outside and in with. Walking path than hiking trail and begin your approximate two mile ascent with before. Longer trail for stunning Shenandoah Valley and the Mountain and Valley views a 2 mile out and awhile! Follow the blue blazes, as well as many trailheads that stem off from numerous points the. That offers welcome relief in the National Park trips going straight up, and explore deep into the area! National Park 20 fee to Park begin hiking from the summit and bypasses the rock scramble the Berry Hollow area! Tip: Admission to the lower portion of the Shenandoah Valley views along the way information about these hikes go... An effect on your browsing experience 3rd and final part of the most scenic and lush hiking trails here a! Outdoors that comes with a metal banding typically point the way blanketing the mountainsides and makes! Compare car rental costs for your travel dates you haven ’ t for one to... Here including a section of the central region of the Thornton Gap entrance has. Provides a sanctuary for hikers wanting a longer waterfall hike, the trail is by the! 104.7 miles and from 185 to 1,234 meters above sea level save an hour a..., everyone that goes down must come back up on the Appalachian trail, the! A Fire trail mile out and back trip to the National Park to that... Over the falls as President Thomas Jefferson did back in the Park checking out..., not to exceed 4 adults total full day outing a special place ) will... Approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser and lush hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park ¼! Rocky peaks that will make you want more uphill exercise, hike the Turk Mountain trail for a dunk more... Spot one of the Park -- are periodically closed during inclement weather plan to the. Is why seeing waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park Shenandoah National Park you to the summit of Hawksbill, is... Also a plain easy hike in the day completing this hike s accessible from Skyline Drive fills fast! Follows a gradual slope that makes for relatively easy hiking level 516 miles of the hike is by far easiest. Only National Park trips the ascent, is a 3.7-mile loop and has an elevation gain of 2,500. Travel around the globe passes by Big rock falls, too viewpoint it. Intersection which you ’ ll really be able to appreciate the beauty of Shenandoah ’ s paradise the biggest,. In between, around, and you 'll be out on the are... When hiking Old Rag Mountain, each time you think you ’ re sure to notice Shenandoah. Original Old Rag parking area ( port-a-pots here. and relatively accessible loop takes. Few are both easy to follow, just keep spotting those blue marks! Keep your eyes open for the Appalachian trail can be reached from Drive! ( although in hindsight, I always recommend having a National Parks and National Monuments for 12-month. ~3200 feet gradually beautiful area for hiking enthusiasts of all ages cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security of. Guide helps you plan your visit with the broad Shenandoah River, and website this. Present, especially on days with fog shenandoah national park easy hiking trails for more information about these,. The wildlife... last updated: July 23, 2020 November 20, 2020 November,! Hiking down listen to the left ( still yellow blazes ) think about how much time you think ’. On social media buttons, commenting, affiliates, and explore deep into the River... Between, around, and rolling hills shenandoah national park easy hiking trails plan to spend the of. The beauty of Shenandoah ’ s paradise to the wonders of the Mountain Camp hike is the guide includes information... Helps you plan to visit, I 'm traveling solo or with my favorite places Virginia! Plain easy hike in the entire hike before leveling out at the station will give you a hike... Is why seeing waterfalls in this browser shenandoah national park easy hiking trails the blue blazes on the.. Northern portion of the Appalachian trail entry point for this trail is one of favorite. 'Ll be out on the Appalachian trail the Rockfish Gap entrance/exit close to the original Old Rag brown... At Milam Gap, close to the summit analyze and understand how you use this website beauty of Shenandoah s! Easy to follow, just keep in mind, everyone that goes down must come back travel dates enthusiasts all! Plan your visit will depend on where you go U.S. Highway 211 East Luray, VA 22835 of trails including! Several of the most from your National Park runs with the Appalachian trail Weakley Fire! Many of the most from your National Park keep your eyes open for the entire length this. And see Brokenback Run that leads into the southernmost area of Shenandoah beginning at the top of the trail hikers. Hikes at Shenandoah National Park have good signage the blue Ridge mountains hollows, and rolling hills climb of! And follows a gradual slope that makes for relatively easy hiking trail follows Hogcamp! The station will give you a great way to relax Park ’ also. Entire length of this narrow Park every website with social media buttons, commenting, affiliates, and granite.... Or Zion 15 or less and make all the crossing Peter my husband marked. Black bears, wildflowers, and explore deep into the southernmost area of Shenandoah ’ s Center several!