The US has some unimaginable nationwide parks, and Shenandoah National Park is one in all them. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Washington DC, Shenandoah has over 200,000 acres of wildlife and spectacular surroundings. The park extends throughout Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, with the well-known Skyline Drive slicing by means of the center. Shenandoah National Park has tons of wildlife, together with black bears. It additionally has dramatic mountains, and Old Rag Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain provide a few of the finest hikes in Shenandoah.
What are the perfect hikes in Shenandoah National Park in addition to summit hikes, although? Shenandoah has over 500 miles of mountaineering trails to discover, so you aren’t in need of choices.
Top Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
From waterfall hikes to mountaineering, we’ve picked the very best hikes in Shenandoah National Park. These mountaineering trails are certain to get you feeling impressed.
1. Mill Prong Trail
Mill Prong is a scenic, fairly woodland hike. Hikers are surrounded by wildflowers like mountain laurels and shaded by the timber round them. The path additionally runs alongside Mill Prong River, and also you’ll cross over the river through a number of footbridges all through the hike. A return hike takes round two hours, and Mill Prong is an out-and-back path.
So, why do you have to hike this path? Well, its Rapidan Camp’s endpoint was as soon as the vacation dwelling of President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. The couple spent many a contented time in the woodland camp, and now you’ll be able to view the camp as a historic attraction. There are three cabins in complete, with one signposted because the Prime Minister’s and informative indicators dotted round with tales and info in regards to the camp and the way Hoover spent his time there.
The path begins reverse Milam Gap Parking Lot, located alongside Skyline Drive. You briefly be part of the Appalachian Trail earlier than practically instantly turning left onto the blue-marked Mill Prong Trail. After following the riverside path for a short time, you make the primary river crossing, after which you retain proper on the yellow marked Mill Prong Horse Trail. From this level, you keep on with the path till you attain Rapidan Camp.
Mill Prong is a incredible hike of reasonable issue. The path distance is simply 3.7 miles return, brief sufficient for households or much less match hikers to sort out. If you fall into these classes, simply enable an additional hour or two to finish the hike.
Explore More US National Parks
Ready for some quickfire info? These are the statistics that you need to know
Trail distance: 3.7 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 223 metersTrailhead: Milam Gap Parking Lot
2. Rose River Loop Trail
Rose River Loop Trail is one other stunning riverside hike. However, not like Mill Prong, this route hops alongside totally different waterfalls. The dramatic endpoint is Rose River Falls – one in all Shenandoah’s most well-known waterfalls. Hikers can benefit from the Rose River Trail at a sedate tempo, because the reasonable hike is simply 3.8 miles lengthy on a loop path. You ought to enable round two hours to finish the whole hike.
Rose River Falls is a surprising 67-foot waterfall, hidden away in woodland and solely accessible through the loop path. After following Rose River for a lot of the route, reaching the huge waterfall is an appreciated reward. Some individuals select to swim in the waterfalls plunge pool, and also you’ll in all probability be simply persuaded on a heat day. Either method, pack a picnic and plan to take a seat for some time for a break subsequent to the falls.
Rose River Loop Trail sits reverse Fishers Gap parking space, which is situated on Skyline Drive. Once you’ve parked, cross the street and head straight down the hearth monitor, aka Rose River Fire Road. After a couple of minutes, you attain a yellow marked lefthand flip off for the Skyland Big Meadows Horse Trail. Taking this flip, you proceed for simply over half a mile earlier than recognizing the blue-marked Rose River Trail. It is right here that the journey begins, and you’ve got numerous cascades ready for you alongside this route part – together with Rose River Falls itself.
Rose River Trail is a wonderful reasonable hike of simply 3.8 miles. The spherical journey is definitely tackled in half a day, so it’s excellent in case you are brief on time however need a rewarding mountaineering expertise. Bring your mountaineering boots and a swimming costume, and also you’ll have a incredible time.
Statistics about this hike:
Trail distance: 4 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 267 metersTrailhead: Fishers Gap Overlook Car Park
3. Dark Hollow Falls Trail
Dark Hollow Falls Trail is without doubt one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park – particularly in spring when mountain laurel dots the path with pink and autumn when the leaves flip yellow. The 70ft Dark Hollow Falls is without doubt one of the most well-known points of interest in Shenandoah National Park. The waterfall’s path is considerably of a neighborhood icon in the mountaineering scene.
The identify ‘Dark Hollow Falls Trail’ makes it sound fairly gothic. It is true that the river stays in the shadows for a lot of the day. However, that is rather more exaggerated in autumn and winter. During these months, the low lighting is ideal for long-exposure images. It cuts a wonderful distinction in opposition to the moist rock and autumnal leaves. Dark Hollow Falls is an atmospheric, scenic brief hike.
Dark Hollow Falls Trailhead is in the parking space, which sits at mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive. Park up and head to the north finish of the parking space. You’ll entry the trailhead, crossing a stream and heading downhill alongside the Hogcamp Branch River. After round half a mile, you’ll emerge at Dark Hollow Falls, and you may spend a second admiring the 70ft waterfall up shut.
Walking to Dark Hollow Falls is ideal in case you wrestle with instructions. The out and again path is one route down and one route again – simple and easy for a calming brief stroll. Apart from the uphill return hike, the monitor is undemanding and suited to rookies. Remember that it may be slippery in moist months and that venturing off the path may be dangerous due to all of the hidden drops.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 1.4 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 172 metersTrailhead: Dark Hollow Falls Parking Area
4. Upper Hawksbill Trail
Are you extra of a panorama particular person than a waterfall lover? Take our recommendation and climb one in all Shanandoah’s mountains. Hawksbill Mountain is without doubt one of the finest hikes for stunning viewpoints in Shenandoah National Park. It has beautiful views over the encompassing mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Upper Hawksbill Trail is an thrilling summit hike, but it solely takes round an hour to finish a spherical journey. The Hawksbill summit hike is brief and candy – packing a punch right into a 2.1-mile path.
So, you might be in all probability questioning how tough tackling Hawksbill Mountain actually is. The route is a little bit of a combination and has some difficult hike sections, however it’s a simple path for probably the most half. The solely difficult half is in the final quarter of the hike, the place the trail turns into steep, rocky terrain that you could choose your method by means of rigorously. Wear sturdy mountaineering boots, and also you’ll be completely high-quality. It helps that the path distance is low, and the elevation achieve is comparatively gradual.
Park up on the Upper Hawksbill parking zone and head straight to the blue-marked Upper Hawksbill Trailhead. The preliminary part is a large path that weaves by means of dense woodland. You then head barely downhill to intersect Hawksbill Fire Road and be part of the street for the ultimate climb to the summit. This part is probably the most difficult underfoot, with rocky terrain to navigate.
The National Parks Service maintains the path nicely, however you need to be ready for this part to be a bit of extra tough and prepared than the opposite sections. Walkers emerge triumphantly on the summit and are met with sweeping views of Shenandoah Valley, Old Rag Mountain, and Betty’s Rock. If you feel bold, you’ll be able to attempt time reaching the summit with the dawn for the final word views.
Tackling the Hawksbill summit is great in order for you a hike that provides you with a robust sense of accomplishment. The route can also be good and brief – excellent for squeezing right into a busy itinerary. Did we point out that Hawksbill Mountain summit is the best level in the nationwide park? Completing this hike is kind of an achievement.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 2.1 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 149 metersTrailhead: Upper Hawksbill Trailhead
5. Bearfence Mountain Trail
Bearfence Mountain won’t be as huge as Hawksbill, however the peak nonetheless has spectacular summit views. You can attain the summit through the Bearfence Mountain Trail – an intense, single-mile path incorporating a rock scramble. Bearfence Mountain Trail is an thrilling hike for individuals who need an journey and good views.
While not technically difficult, you will have to be joyful to attempt new issues and get caught in in case you are a newbie. Rock scrambles require persistence, confidence, and a optimistic angle. But in case you can tick these qualities off, you’ll have an ideal hike. Scrambling up Bearfence Mountain is ideal in order for you a memorable journey in Shenandoah National Park.
Start your hike by parking in Bearfence Mountain Parking Lot, simply off Skyline Drive. You then cross Skyline Drive to the trailhead reverse the parking zone to start the stroll. Bearfence Mountain Trail rapidly adjustments terrain from a steep slope to rock scrambles. From a navigational perspective, it’s a simple hike because you simply maintain heading up in direction of the summit. Be ready to really feel out of breath, however the climb is so brief that you’ll handle so long as you might have a fundamental health degree. You’ll be richly rewarded, too, because the summit has 360-degree views over the nationwide park.
Bearfence Mountain won’t be the tallest, however it’s the most enjoyable. No different path in Shenandoah National Park has the identical distinctive construction as Bearfence Mountain Trail. The rock scramble is ideal for adventurous rookies and intermediate hikers.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 1 mileDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 74 metersTrailhead: Bearfence Mountain Parking Lot
6. Stony Man Trail
Fancy a simple hike? The Stony Man Trail is the one for you. It is without doubt one of the finest hikes in Shenandoah National Park and is simply 1.5 miles lengthy. Even higher? The path has minimal and gradual elevation achieve, but a few of the finest views in the nationwide park. Stony Man is a hike that rewards you for primarily the naked minimal.
So, let’s check out the route. You begin your hike on the Stony Man Parking Area, becoming a member of the Appalachian Trail briefly earlier than turning off on the blue-marked Stony Man Trail. The path right here is easy, and also you quickly attain the Stony Man Viewpoint. The Stony Man Viewpoint is a bit of rocky outcrop overlooking the valley. Usually, there’s a tiny rainwater pool on the summit. After appreciating the view, you simply retrace your steps to the parking zone since it’s an out-and-back path.
Stony Man Trail is incredible. And, in order for you a brief stroll, it’s simply one in all your finest choices. Stony Man is a match made in heaven for mountaineering rookies with the spectacular summit viewpoint, clearly marked path, and brief path distance.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 1.5 milesDifficulty: EasyElevation achieve: 97 metersTrailhead: Stony Man Parking Area
7. Cedar Run Falls Trail
Cedar Run Falls Trail is a difficult waterfall hike that requires round 5 hours to finish. It is finest to allocate an entire day to this hike, as it’s straightforward to get distracted by the various waterfalls and pure swimming swimming pools dotted alongside the out-and-back path. Cedar Run Falls Trail is a enjoyable, longer hike appropriate for these wanting a problem or whole-day exercise.
Many hikers use the path’s well-known pure water slide and problem themselves to some widespread cliff jumps. You might want to pack swimwear to hitch in (at your individual threat). It is price noting that Cedar Run Trail has skilled some closures over current years. Check the National Park Service web site earlier than visiting to examine if the path is open and welcoming guests.
Start your hike at Hawksbill Gap Parking Area. Soon you cross a footbridge throughout Cedar Run River, and from this level, you observe the river and spot waterfalls alongside the way in which. Once you go the primary few waterfalls, the route will get very steep and slippery, so that you’ll want glorious footwear. Cedar Run Cascade is close to the endpoint and price reaching if attainable.
So, do you have to select Cedar Run Falls? Yes, in order for you a strenuous hike that may push you to your limits. The stroll most accurately fits skilled hikers with good technical potential, health, and mountaineering gear. That stated, although, the route is filled with pure points of interest and really entertaining to hike.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 5.8 milesDifficulty: ChallengingElevation achieve: 685 metersTrailhead: Hawksbill Gap Parking Area
8. Appalachian Trail
Now the Appalachian Trail isn’t any stroll in the park. The path truly stretches by means of a number of states, Virginia being one in all them. If you wished to finish the entire path, you’d want between 5 and 7 months! However, you’ll be able to full Shenandoah’s part of the Appalachian Trail in lower than sixty hours. If you’re keen on multi-day hikes and have a robust sense of journey, tackling this part of the path is without doubt one of the finest hikes in Shenandoah National Park.
The path has many shelters alongside the way in which. You can use them for in a single day tenting and filling up water bottles at freshwater faucets. You’ll go to lots of the points of interest from our different high hikes on this listing – together with Stony Man and Loft Mountain (which we’ll cowl shortly). Hiking Shenandoah’s Appalachian Trail is a incredible solution to mix plenty of totally different points of interest in one expertise.
If you might be mountaineering the Shenandoah part, the path begins at Dickey Ridge Trailhead in the north of the park. You lower by means of the nationwide park, passing points of interest like Swift Run Overlook, Turk Mountain Overlook, and Sawmill Run Overlook earlier than reaching your ultimate waypoint at Beagle Gap. We advocate buying a bodily copy of a path map relatively than a digital one, particularly since that is such a long-distance hike.
The Appalachian Trail is the final word hike in Shenandoah National Park. Hikers will have to be decided, match, and wholesome.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 115.5 milesDifficulty: ChallengingElevation achieve: 6,939 metersTrailhead: Dickey Ridge Trailhead
9. Lewis Spring Falls Trail
It isn’t any secret; Shenandoah National Park is filled with spectacular waterfalls. Lewis Spring Falls Trail is without doubt one of the finest waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park. Towering 81 ft excessive, Lewis Falls is the crowning jewel of the path – and the fourth tallest waterfall in the nationwide park. The monitor is stress-free to hike and has picnic areas dotted alongside the way in which. If you need a hike you can amble alongside leisurely, Lewis Spring Falls is the one for you.
The path begins on the parking zone and instantly takes you into woodland. Turn left on the first path marker after which proper on the blue-marked monitor, persevering with by means of dense forest and previous many small waterfalls. At the path endpoint, you’ll attain a big remark deck, and it’s right here that you just’ll discover the perfect views of the principle waterfall – Lewis Falls.
Keep your eyes out for wildlife as you hike. There are deer and bears to identify, plus plenty of stunning flora, particularly in spring. Lewis Spring Falls Trail is a superb hike to immerse your self in nature.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 3.5 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 267 metersTrailhead: Milepost 51.2 in the Big Meadows Area
10. South River Falls Trail
South River Falls is one other celeb on Shenandoah’s waterfall scene. The 83-foot waterfall is an actual sight to behold, and in case you love pure points of interest, this path is a high-reward path to sort out. You’ll observe stunning riverside trails and full one stream crossing – ending on the viewpoint.
The path is simply 2.4 miles in size and takes round an hour and a half to finish. The out-and-back route is the proper morning hike and is definitely squeezed right into a busy itinerary. South River Falls is a superb candidate in order for you a brief stroll to finish as a stretch of your legs after a strenuous hike the day earlier than.
The trailhead is a blue-marked path south of the South River Picnic Area. Navigating a mountaineering path has by no means been simpler. Just ignore any turn-offs and keep on South River Falls Trail till you attain the point of view.
This path is completely newbie pleasant. Easy to navigate, brief, and fulfilling, South River Falls Trail is a perfect path to stretch your legs and benefit from the sunshine.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 2.4 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 230 metersTrailhead: South River Picnic Area
11. Loft Mountain Loop Trail (through Frazier Discovery Trail)
Loft Mountain Loop Trail is one other brief hike in your itinerary. The path is in a useful loop and is a breeze to finish at simply 2 miles in size – appropriate for even probably the most inexperienced hiker. The monitor has a surprising viewpoint on its descent part and quiet, peaceable woodland paths.
So, let’s dive straight into some instructions. Starting at Loft Mountain Wayside, be part of the paved path on the other aspect of the street. Almost instantly, you attain a fork in the trail, and from right here, flip left on the blue-marked Frazier Discovery Trail. Keep left and start your uphill stroll, turning left on the second concrete path marker that you just see. At this level, you’ll begin descending, and it’s this part that you’ll want to maintain your eyes out for the ‘endpoint’ view. The view is attractive – overlooking the nationwide park, surrounding mountains, and woodland.
Continue on the loop to get again, maintaining left to remain on the blue marked Blue Spring Trail. Eventually, the path turns into a fireplace street, and also you’ll flip left when it intersects with Skyline Drive to achieve your start line, Loft Mountain Wayside.
Loft Mountain is without doubt one of the finest hikes in Shenandoah National Park in order for you a simple loop path. Sure, it requires a little bit of navigating, however the monitor itself is brilliantly untechnical, and the path size is good and brief at solely 2 miles lengthy.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 2 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 151 metersTrailhead: Loft Mountain Wayside
12. Whiteoak Canyon Trail
Whiteoak Canyon is our ultimate hike and includes a wonderful number of cascades and waterfalls. Whiteoak Canyon is a wonderful possibility in case you are the form of hiker who loves having heaps to see. You have waterfall after waterfall and numerous plunge swimming pools for swimming. Whiteoak Canyon is the form of dreamy hike you are taking in your summer season holidays.
The principal cause for marking Whiteoak Canyon as a reasonable hike is its path size. The path takes over 5 hours to finish, so that you’ll want a great degree of health and stamina. Additionally, the monitor can change into slippery and slender in sections. The spray from waterfalls and fallen leaves turns into a difficult mixture when discovering certain footing, so deliver sturdy footwear with a great grip. Otherwise, Whiteoak Canyon Trail is easy and untechnical.
Starting on the Whiteoak Canyon Parking Area, you instantly take the Whiteoak Canyon Trail. Follow the trail alongside the riverside, pausing at scenic spots as you want alongside the way in which. The endpoint is a rocky ledge; from right here, you’ll be able to take a surprising view of the Upper Falls. If you need, you can too make your method all the way down to the plunge pool on the base of the Upper Falls, which is widespread for swimming.
Whiteoak Canyon Trail is one in all Shenandoah’s hottest hikes for a lot of good causes. It is enjoyable, comparatively difficult, and has loads of issues to see alongside the way in which.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 9.5 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 734 metersTrailhead: Whiteoak Canyon Parking Area
Final Thoughts
Are you able to sort out these finest hikes in Shenandoah National Park? Shenandoah Valley is without doubt one of the most stunning locations in Virginia, if not the US as an entire. You ought to positively add it to your listing of the finest locations to go to in the US. You’ll have the pleasure of having fun with a few of the finest hikes in the nation.
We hope you might have discovered your match amongst all these glorious mountaineering trails. Whether you select a brief hike or sort out a strenuous path just like the Appalachian Trail, admiring the rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park shall be memorable.