For the biggest challenge, the very strenuous Cedar Run -Whiteoak Circuit hike is 7 miles with nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Rapidan Camp hike is about 4 miles out and back and passes by Big Rock Falls, too. The parking lot on Skyline Drive fills up fast. The AT runs parallel along the park’s main road, Skyline Drive. The Skyline Drive access point to Upper Whiteoak Falls begins with a descent. Aside from the physical challenge, the mental decision-making of where to put your feet and arms makes it one of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park. There are alot of switchbacks, so you will not be going straight up, but the trails are still at a steep grade. The second right turn should be followed to complete the one-mile loop. The Pinnacle can be reached by a quick, easy hike with the family (and dog! Upper White Oak falls is the last waterfall along the trail although you can hike on further if you want. Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. #8 - South River Falls Trail and South River Fire Road Loop, #9 - Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail. The Blackrock Summit hike is in Shenandoah’s southern district just past milepost 84. This is a short and steep hike with outstanding views at the top. Let the sound of rushing water fill you with anticipation as you hike along these winding trails. Completing the 1-mile hike is easy and it’s accessible from Skyline Drive. #2 - White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This post is sponsored by Moon Travel Guides. Travel has been life-changing for me whether I'm traveling solo or with my favorite travel partner, Peter my husband! 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. The descent, which is a longer distance than the ascent, is a much more gradual grade, ending on a fire trail. The Upper Hawksbill Trail is the easiest route to the summit of Hawksbill, which is the tallest mountain in Shenandoah National Park. The ground tends to be rocky and wet in places so it’s important to have the right hiking shoes for this and for all of your Shenandoah National Park hiking. A very popular hike at mile 50.7. Some trails lead to panoramic vistas, some to spectacular waterfalls, while others penetrate deep into Shenandoah's … The mostly forested park features stunning waterfalls, wetlands and rocky peaks that will make you want to camp out and stay awhile. for anyone wanting to earn cashback and/or travel rewards points from their everyday spending! Most trails in the Shenandoah National Park have good signage. I have the Moon USA National Parks guide that I always take along for National Park trips. These trails range from short, easy summit hikes, gorgeous walks to waterfalls, to challenging climbs up the tallest mountains. One of the birds that may serenade your hike is the Blue Headed Vireo. The trail is well maintained and has a few markings to keep you on track. Shenandoah National Park . Hawksbill Mountain is the highest point in Shenandoah National Park but the trailheads from Skyline Drive just past milepost 45 (south of the Thornton Gap entrance) are already up more than 3,000 feet. That’s what makes the Limberlost Trail in Shenandoah National Park such an appealing option. Shenandoah National Park is Virginia’s only national park and encompasses about 300 square miles of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails in Shenandoah ranging from easy to very strenuous. It is a 3.7-mile loop and has an easy hiking level. However, the Old Rag Summit hike via the Berry Hollow Parking area gets you to the summit and bypasses the rock scramble. 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. In addition, a wealth of attractions lies outside the park to enhance your Shenandoah National Park experience. Round-Trip: 8.8 Miles. November 21, 2020 November 20, 2020 Erin Shenandoah Valley. So, this means less of an elevation gain for your legs! LENGTH: This is an out-and-back 4.4-mile roundtrip hike. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The hike is a full day, 9.2-mile roundtrip circuit, taking 7+ hours to complete and climbing over 2,000 feet. The trail follows the Hogcamp Branch stream as it leaves the Big Meadows spring and eventually drops over the falls. This’ll eventually wind you into the southernmost area of Shenandoah beginning at the Swift Run Gap entrance. While it offers a variety of inclines, this is a great option for hikers of all skill levels and takes about 4 hours roundtrip. (There are many private homeowners nearby who charge $10 for overflow parking). Larger wildlife may be present, especially on days with fog. 1 Minute Read. There is so much more to explore including scenic overlooks, waterfalls of the Shenandoah River, and Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak. Many of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park have trails that evoke the call of the wild – Fox Hollow, Hawksbill Summit, Dark Hollow Falls, Story of the Forest, Bearfence Mountain, and Ivy Creek. A family traveling together shall pay no more than the vehicle fee. Shenandoah National Park is located just 75 miles west of Washington, DC. No matter which National Park you’re planning to visit, I always recommend having a National Parks guidebook. These scenic trails highlight the dramatic changes in elevation that create the plentiful waterfalls in this region to wow you. The hikes can all be reached from Skyline Drive and are listed from easiest to most difficult. The hikes are fairly easy, most of them short, and should be popular with people of all ages, including children. Hikers choosing this option should plan to spend the majority of the day completing this hike. 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. One comprehensive Moon guide eliminates all worries about losing access to important park info when you see the dreaded 1x on your phone! This’ll eventually wind you into the southernmost area of Shenandoah beginning at the Swift Run Gap entrance. The fee for walk-up or bicycling visitors, when 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). Milepost 84.4 Easy one-mile loop with minimal elevation gain. Blue represents a hiking trail and yellow indicates a horse trail. Old Rag Mountain is one of the tost popular Shenandoah National Park hikes. SNP’s North District is bounded on the south by US 211, near Luray, and on the north by the entrance station at Front Royal, Va. How to Section Hike Virginia on the Appalachian Trail. Fees: The Stony Man Loop trail takes hikers to the 2nd highest peak in the national park after Hawksbill Summit. The Shenandoah Valley is home to hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails including over 500 miles of trails in Shenandoah National Park. Description Description. The 3rd and final part of the trail is blue marked and starts from the skyline drive parking lot intersection. Your email address will not be published. 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. At this intersection (4 way) you will take the blue blazed trail which returns in the direction that you came. 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. Near the bottom of the trail you will come to a viewing platform where you can see the top of the falls. Individual Person - $15.00 Annual Pass - $55.00 It is a challenging hike, but when you make it about 3/4 of the way up, you will then have some rock scrambling that makes your pace a little slower. Whichever trail you choose, once you reach the top check out the view from the rocky ledges and the observation deck. One of the top choices for families embarking on an outdoor adventure is Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The Globetrotting Teacher is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. 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. For hikers wanting a longer waterfall hike, the Rose River loop hike is 4 miles of moderate terrain. Each has an access point to Skyline Drive, as well as many trailheads that stem off from numerous points along the road. Parking fees also include park entry. Cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and quiet wooded hollows are just a few of the natural features that entice visitors from near and far. The park hosts over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Shenandoah is located in Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains and is about 1.5 hours from Washington D.C. The Pinnacle is a little-known outcrop on the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. This section can seem like it’ll last forever. The National Park and Skyline Drive end at the Rockfish Gap entrance/exit close to the town of Waynesboro, Virginia. The Globetrotting Teacher and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. These cookies do not store any personal information. The yellow trail is to the LEFT, and the blue trail on the right goes 3 miles to skyline drive (which is not part of this loop). The Upper Hawksbill Trail is the easiest route to the summit of Hawksbill, which is the tallest mountain in Shenandoah National Park. The Appalachian trail can be accessed from either one of two right turns from the Bearfence Trail. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. If you want a deeper dive into the park’s hiking trails, staying a night or 2 will give you the time to explore several Shenandoah trails. To enter the Skyline Drive in Luray take US-211 approximately 7 miles to the top of the mountain. The Bearfence Trail leads up a steep slope that eventually turns into a scramble climb to the summit of Bearfence Mountain. You will pass through beautiful forests and see Brokenback Run that leads into the Hughes River. A few are both easy to access and yield stunning views. "If your family is athletic, do it, but if you’re borderline with hiking abilities then this is probably too strenuous." 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. Single Motorcycle - $25.00 Meandering along this trail, you’ll … As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This mountain has several false summits. There are two Turk Mountain hikes at Shenandoah National Park. This hike begins with a one-mile walk up the road to the original Old Rag parking area (port-a-pots here.) You also have the option to walk a few miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail. Popular Shenandoah National Park Categories ... Short, easy hike in the Park - Shenandoah National Park Forum. Single Vehicle - $30.00 Either way, if you’ve parked in the Dark Hollow Falls trail parking lot just past milepost 50 in the Big Meadows area, the return trip requires a steady climb up from the waterfalls which will be more strenuous than the start of the hike. Best Easy Day Hikes Shenandoah National Park (Best Easy Day Hikes Series) Paperback – Illustrated, June 1, 2016 by Bert Gildart (Author), Jane Gildart (Author) 4.8 out of 5 stars 47 ratings The final crossing will have red blazes on the trees marking all the crossing (approximately 4 log crossings). Dark Hollow Falls is perfect for all visitors to Shenandoah because it’s less than 1 mile to the falls along a downward sloping trail. You can safely scoot along on the logs and make all the crossing. Sky Meadows State Park (dcr.virginia.gov), at the eastern edge of the Shenandoah region 60 miles west of Washington, has 17 miles of hiking trails and a trailhead for the Appalachian Trail. 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. ), or you can combine it with nearby Mary’s Rock for one of the best hikes in Shenandoah. The Appalachian Trail leads back down the mountain to Skyline Drive. The hike to Mary’s Rock via the Pinnacle Picnic area is accessed just south of the Thornton Gap entrance to Skyline Drive. This is a fairly easy walk down, but the trek back up on the way out may be slightly challenging. Some of the absolute best hiking trails found anywhere in the U.S. are inside America's national parks, These iconic destinations, spread out across the country, often have miles of trail to wander, giving hikers a brag-worthy experience to share with friends and family.But with so many trails to choose from, it can be difficult to pick which ones are worth your time and effort. Hiking with your kids is a great way to introduce them to the wonders of the great outdoors. Children under 16 are admitted free. Make sure you bring some swimming gear or shorts if you want to swim. Learn how your comment data is processed. Comments & responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. The scramble climb makes this trail a unique hike to a great view. Many people visit Skyline Drive for some classic Shenandoah fall foliage. This Skyline Drive trail is a great way to combine history and the beautiful outdoors that comes with a day spent in Shenandoah. Not to mention, you’re also sure to be swept up in how gorgeous the Moon USA National Parks guide is! Hikers wanting to explore the easier Blackrock or more challenging Riprap trails will experience the park’s geology firsthand. The National Park is unique in a few ways, especially when compared to other U.S. National Parks like Arches or Zion. Covered in forest, Skyline Drive and the famous Appalachian Trail run the entire length of this narrow park. Which Shenandoah hikes would you like to do? For more information about these hikes, go to nps.gov/shen. Enjoy the rewards and challenges of hiking to mountain summits and cascading waterfalls, while reconnecting with family, friends and yourself. Best Easy Day Hikes in Shenandoah National Park quantity. At the northernmost end, visitors enter from Front Royal and proceed south along Skyline Drive. Shenandoah National Park offers more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail (a.k.a., AT). All hiking trails in the park are marked with blue blazes on the trees. Please click ok to accept and/or visit my Privacy Policy to learn more. This trail has blue blazes. Accessibility: Information about accessible trails and facilities for those with disabilities or using strollers can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm. It’s a scenic hike with water crossings, a meadow, and a gradual up and down meandering of the trail through the forest. Best Easy Day Hikes Shenandoah National Park includes concise descriptions and easy-to-follow maps for twenty-six short hikes on well-defined trails through some of the most spectacular scenery and largest red spruce trees within the park. 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. You’re sure to notice that Shenandoah National Park is primarily a forest. After connecting to the Appalachian Trail, you’ll follow the blue painted markers along the Salamander Trail to the summit. Contact Us. Stony Man Trail is one of the most scenic and lush hiking trails on this Shenandoah National Park backpacking loops list. TRAIL: The Moormans River Trail is an easy hike through the woods (except for one small area) at the edge of Shenandoah National Park near the Sugar Hollow Reservoir, which is the water supply for the city of Charlottesville. Learn more about my travels and how I use miles and points to travel around the globe. Read more. For anyone who loves a short hike with rock scrambling, Bearfence Mountain is for you! Mailing Address: Shenandoah National Park 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Luray, VA 22835 . With such a large variety of trails at your fingertips, it can be difficult to determine which trail will be … Phone: (540) 999-3500. Note: Entrance fees will be collected at the boundary trailheads, unless you have a current pass, and parking will be limited to available parking spots in designated parking areas only. From the parking lot, begin hiking from the Upper Hawksbill Trailhead. And, the combination of the rock formations and the water cascading from different heights surrounded by the leafy forest spotlights why it’s one of the prettiest things to do in Shenandoah National Park. Rapidan Camp preserves the summer retreat cabin of President Herbert Hoover. As you are hiking down listen to the sounds of the water and also to the sounds of nature. Getting down from the summit requires a short scramble climb, after which the Bearfence Trail returns to a normal hiking surface. It is one of my little boy’s favorite hikes because there is not much walking, but there are plenty of rocks to climb. Add to cart. As with Hawksbill Mountain, there are a few choices of trails. If you're interested in swimming the biggest swimming holes are close to the lower falls and the White Oak parking lot and are more crowded. Hi, I'm Jackie, the Globetrotting Teacher. With this guide, hikers can walk on short sections of the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. This guide helps you plan your visit with the best Shenandoah hikes so you can get the most from your National Park visit. No matter which Shenandoah National Park hiking trails you head out on, you’re sure to experience the best of what our National Parks are all about! Shenandoah offers views along the scenic Skyline Drive and plentiful trails for hiking enthusiasts of all ages. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails here, along with what many say is the most scenic stretch of the Appalachian Trail. The upper falls are quite large and feature small pools to swim in. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Additionally, The Globetrotting Teacher has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Shenandoah National Park has no shortage of trailheads leading to peaks, scenic vistas, and waterfalls. If you hike in a counter-clockwise direction, the trail is more downhill than up, and even the climbs are not too difficult. 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. Blackrock Summit is an easy hike to love. Many Skyline Drive trailheads connect with the Appalachian Trail and lead to hidden waterfalls, sylvan hollows, and granite peaks. Like this post? There is a great rock wall for climbers on this section approximately 1-1.5 miles from the trailhead (road 643) parking lot (weakly hollow road) which also makes a great place for lunch. Old Rag Loop. Using the parking lot at Milam Gap, take the Appalachian Trail for a short stretch to the Mill Prong Trail. It’s a 2-mile round trip but with even less of a dramatic climb than the ones mentioned above and much easier than most Shenandoah trails. There are plenty of trails to choose from in Shenandoah National Park, 500-miles worth to be exact. The park comes to mind when people think of fall, but there is plenty to keep one occupied in Shenandoah National Park in winter.. Hikes vary from 1/2 hour strolls to all-day adventures. The payoff is a pair of stunning waterfalls. Please read my Disclosure to learn more. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. At less than 2 miles, the hike should take no more than an hour and a half. The Upper Hawksbill trail is a mile south of the other 2 hikes. The bonus to starting from the Pinnacle Picnic area is also seeing the Pinnacle peak (which stands at 3,700+feet tall) on the way to Mary’s Rock. Even better are the fun rock features to navigate past and the mountain and valley views along the way. Tools. Many of the best hikes in the park are relatively short, although often steep and sometimes intense, and lead to astounding views or … From the parking lot, begin hiking from the Upper Hawksbill Trailhead. Maybe it’s the combo of teacher and traveler in me, but the glossy pages and photos are all I need to see before I’m stuck on a chapter all about a National Park I haven’t been to yet and mentally mapping my next trip. s largest national park. The Hawksbills Loop hike is a moderate 3-mile round trip. Provides unlimited entry for one year to the pass owner and passengers in the same vehicle. Here a few suggestions for hikes that will have your kids begging to come back! As an Amazon Associate, The Globetrotting Teacher earns from qualifying purchases. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails in this relatively underrated national park that range from easy to very strenuous levels of difficulty, according to the NPS. Waterfalls. 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. Hiking with the family is a great way to get the kids outside and in tune with nature. Best Easy Day Hikes Shenandoah National Park (Best Easy Day Hikes Series) Paperback – Illustrated, June 1, 2016 by Bert Gildart (Author), Jane Gildart (Author) 4.8 out of 5 stars 47 ratings Add in the Blue Ridge Parkway and George Washington National Forest and you’ll have lots of wide open spaces to explore. The first miles of the drive include the Dickey Ridge Visitor’s Center and several scenic overlooks. When the trails intersect, hike down (and back up) about a ¼ of a mile to the falls. The dense, wooded area blanketing the mountainsides and valleys makes up nearly all of the National Park. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Think about how much time you have to explore Shenandoah National Park. Rock hopping down, you’ll pass two shelters. Concise descriptions and detailed maps for 26 mostly short, easy-to-follow trails that lead to some of the park’s most scenic destinations. Loading results... Last updated: July 23, 2020. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Old Rag hike is arguably the most iconic hike in all of Shenandoah National Park. But just keep in mind, everyone that goes down must come back up! This is the strenuous section of the trip. This is especially helpful if you’re planning a National Park road trip to see more than just Shenandoah. This hike can be considered more strenuous than old rag mountain which is right next door. We chose to hike in the northern portion of the park for several reasons. If you’re driving further south, the town makes the perfect stopping point for the night before getting on the Blue Ridge Parkway and continuing south. They connect and sprawl, leading to almost endless possibilities for exploration. The hike is about nine miles long and has an elevation gain of around 2,500 feet. There’s plenty to see and do in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, as I’ve made abundantly clear in other blog posts. The Globetrotting Teacher has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The first thing you’ll notice right away is the guide includes practical information and maps for all 59 USA National Parks. Be careful as the rocks may be slippery and can result in serious injury. 12 Unique Things to do in Kent County Delaware. If you plan to visit more than just Shenandoah National Park, consider an America the Beautiful Pass. Shenandoah National Park Appalachian Trail - Tanners Ridge Road MILEPOST 52.8 | A fairly level hike that takes you through a former homestead on the famous Appalachian Trail. You have a few choices for reaching the summit. 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