Welcome
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia on the east coast of the United States. It was created in 1926 and opened to the public in 1935. Its area of more than 199,173 acres stretches around the long Appalachian mountain range, along which is a beautiful 105-mile narrow mountain road called Skyline Drive. A very poetic name, isn't it?
Shenandoah Park has several comfortable campgrounds and hotels (lodges) for outdoor recreation. Visitors love to come here from big cities to hike (500 miles of trails!), Watch waterfalls and, of course, stop at scenic viewpoints along the way - there are 75 observation decks along the way! Conveniently, there are miles on the Skyline Highway. This is very important if you plan in advance which of the sights on which mile you want to see.
Information
Shenandoah National Park is most famous for its observation decks, of which there are a lot of them along Skyline Drive. Some of them are so steep that they take your breath away from the beauty of the panoramic views that open from them, while others are just good. Some are built right next to the road, and you just have to park and get out of the car, while some have to go on a trail, long or not. We tried to drive through most of the viewpoints and tell you about the most beautiful in our opinion.
Secondly, there are several waterfalls in Shenandoah Park, and these are some of its most important attractions. The most famous Falls, Overoll Run, falls from a height of 95 feet and can only be reached on foot. The trail must be 3 miles long. And next to it there are a huge number of other trails. To go through all of them, it is better to come to Shennadoah Park for a few days.
Thirdly, Shenandoah is famous for caves, the most famous of which is Luray Caverns and is located near the town of the same name in the north of the park.
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia offers stunning vistas, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests along the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park has over 500 miles of trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail, making it a hiker's paradise. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park:
1. Old Rag Mountain
Distance: 9.2 miles (14.8 km) round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Old Rag is one of the most popular and challenging hikes in the park, featuring a famous rock scramble and rewarding panoramic views at the summit. The trail involves steep climbs and scrambling over large boulders, but the 360-degree views from the top are worth the effort. Be prepared for a full-day adventure, and avoid this hike in bad weather or if you're not comfortable with rock scrambles.
2. Dark Hollow Falls Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles (2.25 km) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This short but steep trail leads to one of the park’s most beautiful and accessible waterfalls. Dark Hollow Falls is a 70-foot cascade, and the trail follows a forested path along a stream. It's a great option for families or those looking for a quick, scenic hike.
3. Whiteoak Canyon Trail
Distance: 4.6 miles (7.4 km) round trip (upper falls), 7.3 miles (11.7 km) round trip (lower falls)
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: The Whiteoak Canyon Trail is known for its series of six waterfalls, with the upper falls reaching 86 feet. The trail passes through lush forest and along cascading streams, offering plenty of photo opportunities. For a longer hike, you can continue down to the lower falls and enjoy swimming holes along the way.
4. Hawksbill Mountain
Distance: 2.9 miles (4.7 km) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park at 4,051 feet. This trail offers two routes to the summit, with the most popular being a loop that provides incredible views from the top, where you can take in sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley.
5. Stony Man Trail
Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km) round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Stony Man is the second-highest peak in the park and offers spectacular views with a relatively easy hike. This family-friendly trail takes you through a shaded forest and ends at a rocky overlook with panoramic views of the valley and neighboring peaks.
6. Mary's Rock Summit Trail
Distance: 3.7 miles (6 km) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: The Mary's Rock Trail provides stunning views of the park and is popular for its relatively short distance with big rewards. From the summit, you’ll have wide views of the Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain. It's also part of the longer Appalachian Trail, so you might meet thru-hikers along the way.
7. Rose River Loop Trail
Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km) loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This loop trail is a great waterfall hike, with multiple cascades along the Rose River. The trail follows the river through a wooded valley, passing waterfalls and scenic streams. You can also connect it with the Dark Hollow Falls Trail for a longer loop, making it perfect for waterfall enthusiasts.
8. Appalachian Trail (Skyline Drive Section)
Distance: Varies (105 miles within Shenandoah National Park)
Difficulty: Varies
Highlights: The Appalachian Trail runs for 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, paralleling Skyline Drive. You can choose a short section for a day hike or plan a multi-day backpacking trip. Popular sections include the hike from Thornton Gap to Mary’s Rock, or a stretch between Big Meadows and Hawksbill Mountain. The Appalachian Trail offers solitude, sweeping views, and the chance to connect with long-distance hikers.
9. Bearfence Mountain Trail
Distance: 1.1 miles (1.8 km) loop
Difficulty: Moderate (rock scramble)
Highlights: A short but exciting hike, Bearfence Mountain offers a fun rock scramble to the summit. The 360-degree view from the top is one of the most stunning in the park. If you enjoy scrambling over rocks and are comfortable with heights, this is a rewarding and adventurous hike.
10. South River Falls Trail
Distance: 3.3 miles (5.3 km) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This trail leads to South River Falls, an 83-foot cascade, one of the tallest in the park. The hike is a pleasant walk through forested areas and ends with an overlook of the falls. You can also continue down to the base of the falls for a closer view.
11. Lewis Falls Trail
Distance: 3.3 miles (5.3 km) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: This trail offers a less crowded option for those looking to see a beautiful waterfall. Lewis Falls plunges 81 feet, and the trail also provides excellent views of the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains. The hike is steep in places but rewarding.
Official name - SHENANDOAH National Park
Mailing Address: 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835
Coordinates: 38°32′N 78°21′W
Established - December 26, 1935
Visitors 1,264,880
Area 199,173 acres
Shenandoah Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains on the rather narrow Blue Ridge mountain range, along which the Skyline Drive for tourists was laid, surrounded by picturesque valleys. It is also known for its home to black bears, which are the easiest to spot in the wild.
Additional Tips:
Wildlife: Shenandoah is home to black bears, deer, and other wildlife. Keep a safe distance from animals and always follow park guidelines.
Seasons: Fall is one of the best times to hike in Shenandoah, as the changing leaves create vibrant landscapes. Spring offers beautiful wildflowers, while summer is great for waterfalls due to the fuller water flow.
Skyline Drive: Many trailheads are accessible from Skyline Drive, the scenic roadway that runs through the park. Parking is available at most trailheads along this route.
Whether you're looking for a challenging summit hike, a peaceful waterfall trail, or a family-friendly walk with amazing views, Shenandoah National Park has a trail for every hiker.
