The US has some unbelievable 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 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 supply among the greatest hikes in Shenandoah.
What are the very best hikes in Shenandoah National Park apart from summit hikes, although? Shenandoah has over 500 miles of mountaineering trails to discover, so you aren’t wanting choices.
Top Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
From waterfall hikes to mountain climbing, we’ve picked the very best hikes in Shenandoah National Park. These mountaineering trails are positive 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 by way of 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 must you 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 cheerful time in the woodland camp, and now you may 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 information 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 a part of the Appalachian Trail earlier than almost 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 stick with the path till you attain Rapidan Camp.
Mill Prong is a unbelievable hike of reasonable problem. The path distance is simply 3.7 miles return, quick sufficient for households or much less match hikers to deal with. If you fall into these classes, simply permit an additional hour or two to finish the hike.
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Ready for some quickfire information? These are the statistics that you need to know
Trail distance: 3.7 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation acquire: 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 permit round two hours to finish all the hike.
Rose River Falls is a surprising 67-foot waterfall, hidden away in woodland and solely accessible by way of 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 most likely be simply persuaded on a heat day. Either manner, 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 positioned on Skyline Drive. Once you’ve parked, cross the street and head straight down the hearth observe, 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 gorgeous 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 quick on time however desire a rewarding mountaineering expertise. Bring your mountaineering boots and a swimming costume, and also you’ll have a unbelievable time.
Statistics about this hike:
Trail distance: 4 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation acquire: 267 metersTrailhead: Fishers Gap Overlook Car Park
3. Dark Hollow Falls Trail
Dark Hollow Falls Trail is among the most gorgeous 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 among the most well-known points of interest in Shenandoah National Park. The waterfall’s path is considerably of an area 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 far more exaggerated in autumn and winter. During these months, the low lighting is ideal for long-exposure pictures. It cuts a gorgeous distinction towards the moist rock and autumnal leaves. Dark Hollow Falls is an atmospheric, scenic quick 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 should you wrestle with instructions. The out and again path is one route down and one route again – simple and easy for a soothing quick stroll. Apart from the uphill return hike, the observe is undemanding and suited to newcomers. 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 acquire: 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 among the greatest hikes for stunning viewpoints in Shenandoah National Park. It has gorgeous 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 most likely questioning how troublesome tackling Hawksbill Mountain actually is. The route is a little bit of a combination and has some difficult hike sections, however it’s a straightforward path for essentially 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 will need to choose your manner by fastidiously. Wear sturdy mountaineering boots, and also you’ll be completely advantageous. It helps that the path distance is low, and the elevation acquire is comparatively gradual.
Park up on the Upper Hawksbill car parking zone and head straight to the blue-marked Upper Hawksbill Trailhead. The preliminary part is a large path that weaves by dense woodland. You then head barely downhill to intersect Hawksbill Fire Road and be a part of the street for the ultimate climb to the summit. This part is essentially the most difficult underfoot, with rocky terrain to navigate.
The National Parks Service maintains the path nicely, however try to be ready for this part to be a bit 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’re feeling formidable, you may attempt time reaching the summit with the dawn for the last word views.
Tackling the Hawksbill summit is superb if you would like a hike that gives you a robust sense of accomplishment. The route can be good and quick – excellent for squeezing right into a busy itinerary. Did we point out that Hawksbill Mountain summit is the very best level in the nationwide park? Completing this hike is sort of an achievement.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 2.1 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation acquire: 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 by way of the Bearfence Mountain Trail – an intense, single-mile path incorporating a rock scramble. Bearfence Mountain Trail is an thrilling hike for many who need an journey and good views.
While not technically difficult, you’ll need to be joyful to attempt new issues and get caught in in case you are a newbie. Rock scrambles require persistence, confidence, and a constructive perspective. But should you can tick these qualities off, you’ll have an ideal hike. Scrambling up Bearfence Mountain is ideal if you would like 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 car parking zone to start the stroll. Bearfence Mountain Trail shortly modifications terrain from a steep slope to rock scrambles. From a navigational perspective, it’s a straightforward hike because you simply preserve heading up in direction of the summit. Be ready to really feel out of breath, however the climb is so quick that you’ll handle so long as you will 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 newcomers and intermediate hikers.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 1 mileDifficulty: ModerateElevation acquire: 74 metersTrailhead: Bearfence Mountain Parking Lot
6. Stony Man Trail
Fancy a straightforward hike? The Stony Man Trail is the one for you. It is among the greatest hikes in Shenandoah National Park and is simply 1.5 miles lengthy. Even higher? The path has minimal and gradual elevation acquire, but among the greatest 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 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 car parking zone since it’s an out-and-back path.
Stony Man Trail is unbelievable. And, if you would like a brief stroll, it’s simply one in all your greatest choices. Stony Man is a match made in heaven for mountaineering newcomers with the spectacular summit viewpoint, clearly marked path, and quick path distance.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 1.5 milesDifficulty: EasyElevation acquire: 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 greatest to allocate a complete day to this hike, as it’s simple to get distracted by the numerous 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 common cliff jumps. You might want to pack swimwear to affix in (at your individual danger). It is value noting that Cedar Run Trail has skilled some closures over latest years. Check the National Park Service web site earlier than visiting to test 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 best way. Once you move the primary few waterfalls, the route will get very steep and slippery, so that you’ll want wonderful footwear. Cedar Run Cascade is close to the endpoint and price reaching if potential.
So, must you select Cedar Run Falls? Yes, if you would like a strenuous hike that can push you to your limits. The stroll most accurately fits skilled hikers with good technical skill, health, and mountaineering gear. That stated, although, the route is stuffed with pure points of interest and really entertaining to hike.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 5.8 milesDifficulty: ChallengingElevation acquire: 685 metersTrailhead: Hawksbill Gap Parking Area
8. Appalachian Trail
Now the Appalachian Trail isn’t any stroll in the park. The path really stretches by 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 may 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 among the greatest hikes in Shenandoah National Park.
The path has many shelters alongside the best way. You can use them for in a single day tenting and filling up water bottles at freshwater faucets. You’ll go to most of the points of interest from our different prime hikes on this listing – together with Stony Man and Loft Mountain (which we’ll cowl shortly). Hiking Shenandoah’s Appalachian Trail is a unbelievable approach to mix a lot 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 the nationwide park, passing points of interest like Swift Run Overlook, Turk Mountain Overlook, and Sawmill Run Overlook earlier than reaching your closing waypoint at Beagle Gap. We advocate buying a bodily copy of a path map fairly than a digital one, particularly since that is such a long-distance hike.
The Appalachian Trail is the last word hike in Shenandoah National Park. Hikers will must be decided, match, and wholesome.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 115.5 milesDifficulty: ChallengingElevation acquire: 6,939 metersTrailhead: Dickey Ridge Trailhead
9. Lewis Spring Falls Trail
It isn’t any secret; Shenandoah National Park is stuffed with spectacular waterfalls. Lewis Spring Falls Trail is among the greatest 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 observe is stress-free to hike and has picnic areas dotted alongside the best way. If you desire a hike that you would be able to amble alongside leisurely, Lewis Spring Falls is the one for you.
The path begins on the car parking zone and instantly takes you into woodland. Turn left on the first path marker after which proper on the blue-marked observe, persevering with by dense forest and previous many small waterfalls. At the path endpoint, you’ll attain a big commentary deck, and it’s right here that you simply’ll discover the very best views of the principle waterfall – Lewis Falls.
Keep your eyes out for wildlife as you hike. There are deer and bears to identify, plus a lot 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 acquire: 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 should you love pure points of interest, this path is a high-reward path to deal with. 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 right morning hike and is definitely squeezed right into a busy itinerary. South River Falls is a superb candidate if you would like 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 totally newbie pleasant. Easy to navigate, quick, and pleasurable, 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 acquire: 230 metersTrailhead: South River Picnic Area
11. Loft Mountain Loop Trail (by way of Frazier Discovery Trail)
Loft Mountain Loop Trail is one other quick hike in your itinerary. The path is in a helpful loop and is a breeze to finish at simply 2 miles in size – appropriate for even essentially the most inexperienced hiker. The observe 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 a 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 simply see. At this level, you’ll begin descending, and it’s this part that it’s worthwhile to preserve your eyes out for the ‘endpoint’ view. The view is beautiful – overlooking the nationwide park, surrounding mountains, and woodland.
Continue on the loop to get again, retaining left to remain on the blue marked Blue Spring Trail. Eventually, the path turns into a hearth street, and also you’ll flip left when it intersects with Skyline Drive to achieve your place to begin, Loft Mountain Wayside.
Loft Mountain is among the greatest hikes in Shenandoah National Park if you would like a straightforward loop path. Sure, it requires a little bit of navigating, however the observe itself is brilliantly untechnical, and the path size is good and quick at solely 2 miles lengthy.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 2 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation acquire: 151 metersTrailhead: Loft Mountain Wayside
12. Whiteoak Canyon Trail
Whiteoak Canyon is our closing hike and contains a gorgeous number of cascades and waterfalls. Whiteoak Canyon is a superb 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 time holidays.
The essential purpose 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 superb degree of health and stamina. Additionally, the observe can develop into slippery and slim in sections. The spray from waterfalls and fallen leaves turns into a tough mixture when discovering positive footing, so convey sturdy footwear with a superb 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 would like alongside the best way. The endpoint is a rocky ledge; from right here, you may take a surprising view of the Upper Falls. If you need, it’s also possible to make your manner all the way down to the plunge pool on the base of the Upper Falls, which is common 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 best way.
Hiking particulars that you need to know:
Trail distance: 9.5 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation acquire: 734 metersTrailhead: Whiteoak Canyon Parking Area
Final Thoughts
Are you able to deal with these greatest hikes in Shenandoah National Park? Shenandoah Valley is among the most stunning locations in Virginia, if not the US as a complete. You ought to positively add it to your listing of the greatest locations to go to in the US. You’ll have the pleasure of having fun with among the greatest hikes in the nation.
We hope you will have discovered your match amongst all these wonderful mountaineering trails. Whether you select a brief hike or deal with a strenuous path just like the Appalachian Trail, admiring the rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park shall be memorable.