Shenandoah is known as a national park that offers countless opportunities for hiking enthusiasts. It has epic long walks as well as beautiful trails, perfect for relaxing strolls. And the best part is that the trails at Shenandoah are very different in terrain and landscape. So there is definitely a path for you no matter what level you are at.
In this post I will round up for you the 13 best hikes in Shenandoah National Park that offer some of the most amazing views that I have had the chance to experience. Are you ready, start experiencing with me and nationalparkshops.com!
Top 11 Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park You Must Try
Having spent countless hours exploring its trails, I can confidently share with you some of the best hikes this park has to offer.
Hawksbill Mountain
I think Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in the park, at 4,049 feet. It is also one of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park.
The easiest way to hike Hawksbill Mountain is to follow the Upper Hawksbill Trail. First, park your car in the “Upper Hawksbill” car park. From here, it’s a 1.1-mile, mostly uphill hike to the top, with an elevation gain of nearly 500 feet (round-trip distance = 2.2 miles).
I know a shorter route, but it will be more difficult to reach the top because it looks very challenging. It is the Lower Hawksbill trail. It’s a very steep and strenuous 0.75-mile hike (1.5-mile round trip), with 700 feet of elevation gain. I thought this was going to be a tough walk the entire way. I can tell you, it can burn your thighs.
Yet, you still have a third option to turn this walk into a loop. Take the trail to the Appalachian Trail and hike about 1 mile until you reach the trail junction for the Salamander Trail. Turn left onto the Salamander Trail and follow it for about 0.7 miles. Once you reach the Upper Hawksbill Trail, it’s a short hike to the top. Return to your car on the steep and downhill hike down to the Lower Hawksbill Trail. This hike is 2.8 miles long and takes up to 3 hours. A bit time-consuming, right?
I will leave the Shenandoah National Park climbing guide here for your reference for more detailed instructions.
Little Stony Man
I will share this with you. This was a short but sweet hike and I loved it. It doesn’t have as sweeping views as Stony Man and the trail is less crowded. Little Stony Man is less than a mile long, and although it initially looks like a difficult walk to the top, most people will be able to do it. In fact, while I was walking, I saw a group of young children climbing with a guide on a nearby cliff.
From the top of Little Stony Man, there is a beautiful view of the park. On Google, the parking lot is labeled “Little Stony Man Parking.” This trail begins on the west side of Skyline Drive. Park your car here and let’s get started.
Bearfence Mountain Trail
In my opinion, this hike is the most interesting on this list. It’s a short, easy hike, complete with some fun climbing. So I quickly put it on my list as one of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park.
It’s a short, uphill hike to the base of the rocky Bearfence peak. At first, scrambling for rocks was easy. You will climb up and over a few large rocks on the trail. This is a fun test to see if you can handle what’s coming your way. If this first part is difficult for you, I think you should consider going back from here. Because to get to the top, you’ll have to climb a short, vertical rock wall and then climb up and over a series of giant jagged rocks.
While at the top of Bearfence, you’ll get 360° views of Shenandoah National Park. To finish the hike, rock climb down the other side of Bearfence. The trail touches the Appalachian Trail, where you will hike back to the parking lot.
Marys Rock
Marys Rock offers breathtaking views of Shenandoah National Park. I found two ways to get here. Mary’s Rock North. This is a longer and more difficult route to the top. For most of the hike, you hike the Appalachian Trail. To reach the top, you have to climb a moderate slope. Just before reaching the summit, take the short trail off the AT to the viewpoint.
I personally experienced this trail while visiting Shenandoah National Park. I recorded an overall distance of 3.6 miles with a total elevation gain of 1,200 feet.
Marys Rock South is the second choice for you. This is a shorter, easier route to the top. Start at the Meadow Spring Trailhead. This trail ends at the AT. Turn right to continue onto Marys Rock. Just before reaching the top, follow the trail leading to the top. This trail is 2.6 miles long with a total of 800 ascents.
Old Rag
In my opinion, Old Rag is the most difficult hike on this list but it’s also my favorite. And I think I’m not the only one. In fact, Old Rag is hailed as the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park in the mid-Atlantic region.
On this hike you will reach the base of Old Rag on a moderate walk through the forest. To get to the top of Old Rag, you have to climb over, up and over giant boulders. Rock scrambling is challenging, fun, and the best part of the hike.
This is an extremely popular hike. So if you want to go in a crowded atmosphere, expect large crowds at midday and on weekends. However, with the crowds, you must remember to get here early to ensure you get a parking spot and walk on the trail before congestion occurs on the climbs.
If you go from March to November, you also need to buy a ticket to climb!
Dark Hollow Falls with Waterfalls
Did you know this? The hike to Dark Hollow Falls is one of the most popular hikes on this list. Do you know why? Because it’s a relatively short and easy hike to one of the highest waterfalls in the park.
From the parking lot, you will walk along the trail to the base of the falls. Just over half a mile from the trailhead there are views of Dark Hollow Falls. Go down a little further to reach the base of the falls.
Once you reach the intersection of the Rose River Loop Trail (see photo below), you can hike part of the trail to see more of the waterfall. A series of much smaller waterfalls and lakes is what you will see. Half to three-quarters of a mile one way is the distance you need to travel to get the best views.
The only thing I want to remind you of is that it will be a long and difficult walk back to your car. And before you go, park at the Dark Hollow Falls Parking Area on Skyline Drive. This is located just north of Big Meadows and the Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center.
Lewis Spring Falls Trail
I would rate this as a difficult hike to a beautiful waterfall. However, this hike may not seem worth the effort unless you are a big fan of waterfall hikes. I recommend visiting Dark Hollow Falls and the Rose River Loop before adding this hike to your list of best hikes in Shenandoah National Park.
The Lewis Spring Falls Trail begins at the Big Meadows Complex. The trail quickly descends to the waterfall and it takes about 1.25 miles to reach Lewis Falls. At this point, you have unobstructed views of the Shenandoah Valley. The small waterfalls here are also very beautiful to take photos.
To return to the main road. There is a fork in the road near the viewpoint. Now the walk back to the new Big Meadows was a strenuous and difficult walk. The Lewis Spring Falls Trail ends at the Lewis Spring Fire Trail. Continue 50 feet then turn left onto the Appalachian Trail.
Rose River Loop Trail
What else should I say? So far it’s been a nice hike and I think it’s one of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park if you want to see some waterfalls.
The first mile is a downhill hike through the woods. This is the least thrilling part of the hike but don’t worry, that’s about to change. About a mile into the walk, the trail turns to the right and you can hear the waterfall. Just a short walk and you will reach the viewing point of Red River Waterfall. I was amazed at the scenery I saw when I came here. It’s really beautiful.
The trail continues along the Rose River and past this section is a nice downhill walk. The path turns right again, crossing Hogcamp Branch on a small bridge, then you start heading back up Skyline Drive.
Don’t worry because even though you’re walking uphill, this is the best part of the hike. As you walk along Hogcamp Branch, you will see numerous waterfalls and pools. It’s great, right?
The Rose River Loop Trail ends at the junction with the Rose River Fire Road and the Dark Hollow Falls Trail. Cross the wide bridge on the right and follow the wide fire road back to the parking lot to complete the loop.
Limberlost Trail
Limberlost Trail would be classified by me as an easy trail because it is quite flat and can be done with small children. You can even use a stroller here as most of the wide path is paved. That’s why this is one of the most popular trails with families.
You’ll also find a number of benches, usually for bird watchers and leaf peepers, strategically placed along this lovely little loop path that winds through the woods. This is also a great place to rest or grab a quick bite to eat while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
In my opinion, the best time to hike the Limberlost Trail would be fall, as this is the peak season for the bright orange, yellow, and red colors that radiate from the dense trees. Overall, it will make you feel like you are walking through a magical fairy tale world.
Pollock Knob and Timber Hollow Overlook
Thanks to the abundance of wildflowers that grow just off the trail in the spring and summer, the Pollock Knob and Timber Hollow Overlook hike would rank on my list as one of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park.
The trail can also be family-friendly as the trail is quite easy, although a bit long, it is relatively flat with a total elevation gain of just under 680 feet spread over nearly 4 miles. As you travel through, you’ll notice interesting rock formations everywhere on this trail, many of which date back to millions of years ago when the Appalachian Mountains were much higher than they are today.
Additionally, the views west of the Shenandoah Valley are impressive. And you can rest assured that you can absolutely walk with your dog on this road.
Lake Arrowhead Trail
There is one exception I leave in this list of mine. While not actually located inside Shenandoah National Park, you’ll find the Arrowhead Lake Trail in the nearby town of Luray, Virginia.
Why do I say it is the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park? Because this trail takes just over 30 minutes to complete (on average) and offers stunning views of Lake Arrowhead as well as majestic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. I think it won’t disappoint you.
With only about 115 feet of elevation gain on the 1.4-mile hike, younger kids will do well here. However, doing this hike with a stroller can be difficult because large tree roots are scattered throughout parts of the trail and it is also relatively narrow in some spots.
All in all, this easy trail makes a great place for a hike or a picnic lunch on the lake. Throughout the trail you’ll also find benches dotted on the lake’s periphery, where you can relax and enjoy the view while the kids take a dip.
Best Family Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
In the list of 13 trails that I have provided for you above, you probably already know which ones are easy and suitable for hiking with children. I’ll list it again for you. Some easy trails include: The Rose River Loop Trail, while a bit more challenging, is also a great option for families looking to spend a day in nature. Dark Hollow Falls is another favorite, offering a short but fun trip to a beautiful waterfall. In addition, Lake Arrowhead Trail, Pollock Knob and Timber Hollow Overlook, Limberlost Trail are also perfect choices for your family.
In fact, most of the walking and hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park on this list can make for great family adventures. It will depend on the age of the children in your group. If they are too young, keep an eye out for easy options. But if the kids in your group have plenty of energy and can follow a guide, any of the trails on this list will be a great experience.
Which season should you hike at Shenandoah National Park?
Shenandoah National Park is a year-round destination, with each season bringing its own charm. Therefore, it is difficult for me to choose a particular season to recommend to you.
Spring is the perfect time to admire the park’s bright wildflowers and rushing waterfalls. Summer offers lush landscapes and warm weather, ideal for hiking. Fall is arguably the most popular season, with foliage turning into beautiful displays of red, orange and yellow. Winter is cold but offers a peaceful experience, less crowds, and the chance to see the beauty of the park covered in snow.
However, let me recommend to you a season that left a lasting impression on me when visiting Shenandoah National Park. I think it will be fall. Even though this is the peak season, I think it’s worth a try. The atmosphere is great and the scenery is perfect for us to take a walk too.
Another way to optimize costs is to visit here in the spring. In spring, the park has fewer crowds and the air is milder. Enough to bring you great experiences.
What is the most beautiful trail in Shenandoah National Park?
Choosing the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park is not an easy task as each trail has its own appeal. However, if I had to choose one, I would say my personal favorites are Old Rag, the Bearfence Trail, the views from Hawksbill and Marys Rock, and the Rose River Loop.
For an epic hiking experience, put Old Rag on your list. Old Rag stands out for its combination of challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery. The sense of adventure along with the beautiful panoramic views made this hike truly unforgettable in my heart. Therefore, don’t miss this trail!
A Wrap On The Best Hikes In Shenandoah National Park
How do you feel about my sharing about the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park? That’s my roundup of the best walking and hiking trails I’ve personally experienced. And certainly, when visiting Shenandoah National Park, you can’t miss hiking, right? Which route do you want to try first? And don’t forget that keeping yourself safe is a special thing to keep in mind!
Additionally, during the hike, if you want to stop and camp, I will also provide you with a Shenandoah National Park backpacking guide and a list of campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park. Please refer to it to plan your trip more carefully.
