Shenandoah National Park, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is best known for its sweeping views along Skyline Drive, the main road that runs the length of the park. It’s a long and narrow park, and since all of the trails branch off the main road, it’s important to decide what you want to see before choosing where to stay. The most popular towns are Front Royal, at the north end of the park, Luray in the central section, and Harrisonburg or Waynesboro towards the south end. Without further ado, here’s some of the best hikes in the area.
Old Rag Mountain
One of the most popular treks at Shenandoah, this punishing 9½ mile trail involves a lot of uphill hiking, a stint of steep rock scrambling, and maneuvering through a field of massive boulders. At the summit, you’re rewarded with a 360 degree view of the surrounding area before the long walk down the fire road back to the trailhead. A day use permit is required in advance from March through November.
Dark Hollow Falls
Dark Hollow Falls is a 70 foot, tiered waterfall, and a short hike that can be completed in a little over an hour. The return journey can be a little challenging as you walk up the steep hill back to the parking area, but there are spots to stop and rest. This is a great trail for all ages.
Stony Man
Another popular spot in the area, Stony Man Mountain can be accessed from multiple trails and parking areas. The shortest trail to the summit takes under an hour and is a relatively mellow hike. The other trails include Little Stony Man, a lower elevation overlook that adds about an hour onto the total hike time. If you’re crunched for time, we recommend skipping Little Stony Man, as the views are more closed in and otherwise very similar to Stony Man.
Hawksbill Mountain
At 4,051 feet, Hawksbill Mountain has great panoramic views and is the highest point in Shenandoah National Park. The trail to the summit and back is 1½ to 2 miles if done as an out-and-back, and depending on the route taken, since there are three main trailheads. The Upper Hawksbill trail is the easiest in terms of elevation gain, with the Lower Hawksbill trail offering a shorter but steeper alternative, and the Appalachian trail offering a lengthier 4 mile loop hike.
Blackrock Summit
The shortest hike on the list, Blackrock Summit is a relatively flat mile loop trail that’s easily completed in under an hour. At the summit, you’ll find a huge pile of boulders rising 30 feet above the trail, as well as a panoramic view of the surrounding valley and mountains. This is a great hike for all ages.
Summary
If you’re seeking great mountain views for little effort, don’t miss Blackrock Summit. Slightly longer but still family-friendly options are Stony Man and Hawksbill Mountain for their expansive views of the surrounding area, and Dark Hollow Falls for its stunning tiered cascade and crystal-clear water. For the bold, Old Rag Mountain is a lengthy and strenuous option with enough scrambling and technical footwork to satisfy even the most dedicated hiker.
