Note that rock scrambles such as Bearfence Mountain and Old Rag are much easier with a small backpack. Learn more. Length: 2 miles one way, or 4 miles roundtrip. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails here including a 100-plus miles of the Appalachian Trail. Just be aware of the dangers and be prepared. I strongly recommend the 2.9-mile (4.7-kilometer) loop hike, just because that one doesn’t make you go back the same way you came. The choice is yours, though. Always bring some day hiking snacks with you as well. Keep in mind that like most trails to waterfalls in Shenandoah, the trail descends very steeply and quickly, so you must climb back up on your way out. Don’t skip this part! If you just go out to Calvary/Chimney Rocks it’s a 3 mile out and back (a great, easy hike). One of the biggest attractions in the park is the main road, named Skyline Drive. Trails near waterfalls or in hollows may be wet and slippery, so having some extra support can be convenient. Old Rag Mountain. From the parking area, head north .4 miles and then turn left onto the Riprap Trail. The classic hiking food such as trailmix, energy bars and dried fruit works well, is healthy and tasty. And we promise, this park is sure to please. + Save to a List. Even though many hikes listed in this post are (relatively) short, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t take some time to complete them. There are a number of things that make this hike so recommended. This is a long and challenging hike and you’ll have to scale numerous boulders, climb through cliffs and ascent ledges. Check the SNP website for current user fees. The parking area is just about equidistant from the Rockfish Gap Entrance station to the south and the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station to the north. The Appalachian Trail is indicated by the iconic white blazes. The third-highest waterfall in the park, South River Falls makes for a wonderful day hike. Arguably the most beautiful and difficult hike in the entire park, this 9 mile circuit offers an... 2. This 9.8-mile loop includes 2,365 feet of elevation, so it’s not for the faint of heart. Falling 83 feet (25 meters) from a rocky ledge, the waterfall actually consists of two falls—one above the other. All three are good options, but I personally like the Smith Roach Gap approach best, simply because this allows you to make this a semi-loop hike, as opposed to an out-and-back hike. Check out these fun fall activities in Cuyahoga Valley. Hiking poles aren’t necessary but can be useful on many trails. It’s by far the shortest trail to a waterfall. If you’re looking for a pleasant hike alongside a bubbling stream, the Rose River Falls Trail is one of your best options. Of all these day hikes in Shenandoah National Park, none except for Big Meadows are on flat surfaces. The view from the summit isn’t a full 360 degrees, but it’s close enough. This district covers from Route 211 at the Thorton Gap entrance to the Swift Gap Entrance Station. Photo: Elyse ClarkThis is a short 1.4 mile out and back hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park. I’ve seen more than fifteen bears on various visits and it’s always a real treat. Even though Shenandoah’s trails are clearly marked and getting lost is very unlikely, it is still a good idea to have a map (and compass) with you. After the swimming hole look for the intersection with the Wildcat Ridge Trail and turn left. After spending the previous 10 days along the US Atlantic Coast with our kids, we had spent too much time in cities, so we were looking forward to some Shenandoah National Park hiking. 3. Get there: Park at the Jones Run Parking Area at MP 84 on Skyline Drive. Sometimes, you just want to doublecheck your map to make sure you’re going in the right direction. Stony Man Mountain is one of the icons of Shenandoah National Park and is very accessible, via a 1.6-mile hike. Additionally, the convenient Shenandoah trail map underneath this overview will give you a better idea of the hikes’ geographical location. I’ll provide a short description of each trail, along with details such as distance and type of hike, duration, level of difficulty, and location of the trailhead. During the 1920s, the National Park Service was on a campaign to create parks near the population hubs on the east coast. Learn more. The central district of Shenandoah National Park has it all, from short excursions into the forest to more challenging hikes to breathtaking peaks and astounding cascades. Ideal times to see it are in low light and at night, especially in February during mating season. With only 17.5 miles of the AT in West Virginia and 40 miles in Maryland, these two states are known for being the smallest on the trail. When he’s not spending time and taking photos in the great outdoors, or researching new national park trips, you can find him sipping IPAs in his favorite local craft brewery. As it is so close to … The reward is a ledge that overlooks the tumbling falls as well as a vantage westward into that deep gorge, with views of Page Valley and Massanutten Mountain. Expect company if it’s a weekend – this is a popular day hike. Blackrock Summit is known for its maze of blocky boulders, which not only are great for rock-scrambling but also provide perches for 270-degree views south toward the Blue Ridge Parkway and west over the Valley. If things go wrong or you misjudge the time needed for a hike or your own ability, help is often also a hike away.
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