12 Greatest Hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park

The US has some unimaginable nationwide parks, and Shenandoah Nationwide Park is one in every of them. Only 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 reducing by means of the center. Shenandoah Nationwide Park has tons of wildlife, together with black bears. It additionally has dramatic mountains, and Previous Rag Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain supply among the finest hikes in Shenandoah.

What are the perfect hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park apart from summit hikes, although? Shenandoah has over 500 miles of climbing trails to discover, so you aren’t in need of choices.

Prime Hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park

From waterfall hikes to mountain climbing, we’ve picked the very best hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park. These climbing trails are certain to get you feeling impressed.

1. Mill Prong Path

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? Effectively, its Rapidan Camp’s endpoint was as soon as the vacation residence of President Herbert Hoover and First Girl Lou Henry Hoover. The couple spent many a contented time within the woodland camp, and now you’ll be able to view the camp as a historic attraction. There are three cabins in whole, with one signposted because the Prime Minister’s and informative indicators dotted round with tales and info concerning the camp and the way Hoover spent his time there.

The path begins reverse Milam Hole Parking Lot, located alongside Skyline Drive. You briefly be a part of the Appalachian Path earlier than almost instantly turning left onto the blue-marked Mill Prong Path. After following the riverside path for a short while, you make the primary river crossing, after which you retain proper on the yellow marked Mill Prong Horse Path. From this level, you stick with the path till you attain Rapidan Camp.

Mill Prong is a implausible hike of average issue. The path distance is simply 3.7 miles return, quick sufficient for households or much less match hikers to deal with. In the event you fall into these classes, simply permit an additional hour or two to finish the hike.

Prepared for some quickfire info? These are the statistics that you must know

• Path distance: 3.7 miles
• Problem: Average
• Elevation acquire: 223 meters
• Trailhead: Milam Hole Parking Lot

2. Rose River Loop Path

Rose River Loop Path is one other lovely riverside hike. Nevertheless, not like Mill Prong, this route hops alongside completely different waterfalls. The dramatic endpoint is Rose River Falls – one in every of Shenandoah’s most well-known waterfalls. Hikers can benefit from the Rose River Path at a sedate tempo, because the average hike is simply 3.8 miles lengthy on a loop path. It is best to permit round two hours to finish all the hike.

Rose River Falls is a shocking 67-foot waterfall, hidden away in woodland and solely accessible by way of the loop path. After following Rose River for many of the route, reaching the huge waterfall is an appreciated reward. Some individuals select to swim within the waterfalls plunge pool, and also you’ll in all probability be simply persuaded on a heat day. Both manner, pack a picnic and plan to take a seat for some time for a break subsequent to the falls.

Rose River Loop Path sits reverse Fishers Hole parking space, which is situated on Skyline Drive. When you’ve parked, cross the street and head straight down the fireplace monitor, aka Rose River Fireplace Street. After a couple of minutes, you attain a yellow marked lefthand flip off for the Skyland Massive Meadows Horse Path. Taking this flip, you proceed for simply over half a mile earlier than recognizing the blue-marked Rose River Path. It’s 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 Path is a stupendous average hike of simply 3.8 miles. The spherical journey is well tackled in half a day, so it’s good in case you are quick on time however desire a rewarding climbing expertise. Deliver your climbing boots and a swimming costume, and also you’ll have a implausible time.

Statistics about this hike:

• Path distance: 4 miles
• Problem: Average
• Elevation acquire: 267 meters
• Trailhead: Fishers Hole Overlook Automobile Park

3. Darkish Hole Falls Path

Darkish Hole Falls Path is among the most beautiful waterfall hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park – particularly in spring when mountain laurel dots the path with pink and autumn when the leaves flip yellow. The 70ft Darkish Hole Falls is among the most well-known points of interest in Shenandoah Nationwide Park. The waterfall’s path is considerably of a neighborhood icon within the climbing scene.

The identify ‘Darkish Hole Falls Path’ makes it sound fairly gothic. It’s true that the river stays within the shadows for a lot of the day. Nevertheless, that is way more exaggerated in autumn and winter. Throughout these months, the low lighting is ideal for long-exposure images. It cuts a stupendous distinction towards the moist rock and autumnal leaves. Darkish Hole Falls is an atmospheric, scenic quick hike.

Darkish Hole Falls Trailhead is within 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 Department River. After round half a mile, you’ll emerge at Darkish Hole Falls, and you’ll spend a second admiring the 70ft waterfall up shut.

Strolling to Darkish Hole Falls is ideal should you battle with instructions. The out and again path is one route down and one route again – easy and easy for a calming quick stroll. Other than the uphill return hike, the monitor is undemanding and suited to novices. Do not forget that it may be slippery in moist months and that venturing off the path will be dangerous due to all of the hidden drops.

Mountain climbing particulars that you must know:

• Path distance: 1.4 miles
• Problem: Average
• Elevation acquire: 172 meters
• Trailhead: Darkish Hole Falls Parking Space

4. Higher Hawksbill Path

Are you extra of a panorama particular person than a waterfall lover? Take our recommendation and climb one in every of Shanandoah’s mountains. Hawksbill Mountain is among the finest hikes for lovely viewpoints in Shenandoah Nationwide Park. It has beautiful views over the encircling mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Higher Hawksbill Path 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’re in all probability questioning how tough 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 one difficult half is within the final quarter of the hike, the place the trail turns into steep, rocky terrain that you have to decide your manner by means of fastidiously. Put on sturdy climbing boots, and also you’ll be completely superb. It helps that the path distance is low, and the elevation acquire is comparatively gradual.

Park up on the Higher Hawksbill car parking zone and head straight to the blue-marked Higher Hawksbill Trailhead. The preliminary part is a large path that weaves by means of dense woodland. You then head barely downhill to intersect Hawksbill Fireplace Street 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 Nationwide 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, Previous Rag Mountain, and Betty’s Rock. If you’re feeling bold, you’ll be able to strive time reaching the summit with the dawn for the last word views.

Tackling the Hawksbill summit is superb if you’d like a hike that gives you a robust sense of accomplishment. The route can be good and quick – good for squeezing right into a busy itinerary. Did we point out that Hawksbill Mountain summit is the best level within the nationwide park? Finishing this hike is kind of an achievement.

Mountain climbing particulars that you must know:

• Path distance: 2.1 miles
• Problem: Average
• Elevation acquire: 149 meters
• Trailhead: Higher Hawksbill Trailhead

5. Bearfence Mountain Path

Bearfence Mountain may not be as large as Hawksbill, however the peak nonetheless has spectacular summit views. You possibly can attain the summit by way of the Bearfence Mountain Path – an intense, single-mile path incorporating a rock scramble. Bearfence Mountain Path is an thrilling hike for many who need an journey and good views.

Whereas not technically difficult, you will have to be completely satisfied to strive new issues and get caught in in case you are a newbie. Rock scrambles require persistence, confidence, and a constructive perspective. However should you can tick these qualities off, you’ll have an excellent hike. Scrambling up Bearfence Mountain is ideal if you’d like a memorable journey in Shenandoah Nationwide Park.

Begin 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 Path rapidly modifications terrain from a steep slope to rock scrambles. From a navigational perspective, it’s a straightforward hike because you simply hold 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 primary health degree. You’ll be richly rewarded, too, because the summit has 360-degree views over the nationwide park.

Bearfence Mountain may not be the tallest, however it’s the most enjoyable. No different path in Shenandoah Nationwide Park has the identical distinctive construction as Bearfence Mountain Path. The rock scramble is ideal for adventurous novices and intermediate hikers.

Mountain climbing particulars that you must know:

• Path distance: 1 mile
• Problem: Average
• Elevation acquire: 74 meters
• Trailhead: Bearfence Mountain Parking Lot

6. Stony Man Path

Fancy a straightforward hike? The Stony Man Path is the one for you. It is among the finest hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park and is simply 1.5 miles lengthy. Even higher? The path has minimal and gradual elevation acquire, but among the finest views within 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 Space, becoming a member of the Appalachian Path briefly earlier than turning off on the blue-marked Stony Man Path. The path right here is simple, and also you quickly attain the Stony Man Viewpoint. The Stony Man Viewpoint is a bit rocky outcrop overlooking the valley. Often, 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 Path is implausible. And, if you’d like a brief stroll, it’s simply one in every of your finest choices. Stony Man is a match made in heaven for climbing novices with the spectacular summit viewpoint, clearly marked path, and quick path distance.

Mountain climbing particulars that you must know:

• Path distance: 1.5 miles
• Problem: Simple
• Elevation acquire: 97 meters
• Trailhead: Stony Man Parking Space

7. Cedar Run Falls Path

Cedar Run Falls Path is a difficult waterfall hike that requires round 5 hours to finish. It’s best to allocate a complete day to this hike, as it’s simple to get distracted by the various waterfalls and pure swimming swimming pools dotted alongside the out-and-back path. Cedar Run Falls Path 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 well-liked cliff jumps. It’s possible you’ll want to pack swimwear to hitch in (at your individual danger). It’s price noting that Cedar Run Path has skilled some closures over latest years. Test the Nationwide Park Service web site earlier than visiting to examine if the path is open and welcoming guests.

Begin your hike at Hawksbill Hole Parking Space. Quickly you cross a footbridge throughout Cedar Run River, and from this level, you comply with the river and spot waterfalls alongside the way in which. When you cross the primary few waterfalls, the route will get very steep and slippery, so that you’ll want glorious footwear. Cedar Run Cascade is close to the endpoint and price reaching if attainable.

So, must you select Cedar Run Falls? Sure, if you’d like a strenuous hike that can push you to your limits. The stroll most closely fits skilled hikers with good technical means, health, and climbing gear. That mentioned, although, the route is filled with pure points of interest and really entertaining to hike.

Mountain climbing particulars that you must know:

• Path distance: 5.8 miles
• Problem: Difficult
• Elevation acquire: 685 meters
• Trailhead: Hawksbill Hole Parking Space

8. Appalachian Path

Now the Appalachian Path is not any stroll within the park. The path truly stretches by means of a number of states, Virginia being one in every of them. In the event you needed to finish the entire path, you’d want between 5 and 7 months! Nevertheless, you’ll be able to full Shenandoah’s part of the Appalachian Path in lower than sixty hours. In the event you love multi-day hikes and have a robust sense of journey, tackling this part of the path is among the finest hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park.

The path has many shelters alongside the way in which. You need to use them for in a single day tenting and filling up water bottles at freshwater faucets. You’ll go to lots of the points of interest from our different high hikes on this checklist – together with Stony Man and Loft Mountain (which we are going to cowl shortly). Mountain climbing Shenandoah’s Appalachian Path is a implausible solution to mix numerous completely different points of interest in a single expertise.

If you’re climbing the Shenandoah part, the path begins at Dickey Ridge Trailhead within the north of the park. You chop by means of the nationwide park, passing points of interest like Swift Run Overlook, Turk Mountain Overlook, and Sawmill Run Overlook earlier than reaching your last waypoint at Beagle Hole. We advocate buying a bodily copy of a path map quite than a digital one, particularly since that is such a long-distance hike.

The Appalachian Path is the last word hike in Shenandoah Nationwide Park. Hikers will must be decided, match, and wholesome.

Mountain climbing particulars that you must know:

• Path distance: 115.5 miles
• Problem: Difficult
• Elevation acquire: 6,939 meters
• Trailhead: Dickey Ridge Trailhead

9. Lewis Spring Falls Path

It’s no secret; Shenandoah Nationwide Park is filled with spectacular waterfalls. Lewis Spring Falls Path is among the finest waterfall hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park. Towering 81 ft excessive, Lewis Falls is the crowning jewel of the path – and the fourth tallest waterfall within the nationwide park. The monitor is stress-free to hike and has picnic areas dotted alongside the way in which. If you would like a hike which you can 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. Flip left on the first path marker after which proper on the blue-marked monitor, persevering with by means of dense forest and previous many small waterfalls. On the path endpoint, you’ll attain a big remark deck, and it’s right here that you just’ll discover the perfect views of the primary waterfall – Lewis Falls.

Preserve your eyes out for wildlife as you hike. There are deer and bears to identify, plus numerous lovely flora, particularly in spring. Lewis Spring Falls Path is a superb hike to immerse your self in nature.

Mountain climbing particulars that you must know:

• Path distance: 3.5 miles
• Problem: Average
• Elevation acquire: 267 meters
• Trailhead: Milepost 51.2 within the Massive Meadows Space

10. South River Falls Path

South River Falls is one other superstar 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 comply with lovely 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 well squeezed right into a busy itinerary. South River Falls is a superb candidate if you’d 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 Space. Navigating a climbing path has by no means been simpler. Simply ignore any turn-offs and keep on South River Falls Path till you attain the point of view.

This path is totally newbie pleasant. Simple to navigate, quick, and fulfilling, South River Falls Path is a perfect path to stretch your legs and benefit from the sunshine.

Mountain climbing particulars that you must know:

• Path distance: 2.4 miles
• Problem: Average
• Elevation acquire: 230 meters
• Trailhead: South River Picnic Space

11. Loft Mountain Loop Path (by way of Frazier Discovery Path)

Loft Mountain Loop Path is one other quick hike in your itinerary. The path is in a useful loop and is a breeze to finish at simply 2 miles in size – appropriate for even essentially the most inexperienced hiker. The monitor has a shocking viewpoint on its descent part and quiet, peaceable woodland paths.

So, let’s dive straight into some instructions. Beginning at Loft Mountain Wayside, be a part of the paved path on the alternative aspect of the street. Virtually instantly, you attain a fork within the path, and from right here, flip left on the blue-marked Frazier Discovery Path. Preserve left and start your uphill stroll, turning left on the second concrete path marker that you just see. At this level, you’ll begin descending, and it’s this part that you might want to hold your eyes out for the ‘endpoint’ view. The view is attractive – overlooking the nationwide park, surrounding mountains, and woodland.

Proceed on the loop to get again, holding left to remain on the blue marked Blue Spring Path. Finally, the path turns into a fireplace street, and also you’ll flip left when it intersects with Skyline Drive to succeed in your start line, Loft Mountain Wayside.

Loft Mountain is among the finest hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park if you’d like a straightforward loop path. Certain, it requires a little bit of navigating, however the monitor itself is brilliantly untechnical, and the path size is sweet and quick at solely 2 miles lengthy.

Mountain climbing particulars that you must know:

• Path distance: 2 miles
• Problem: Average
• Elevation acquire: 151 meters
• Trailhead: Loft Mountain Wayside

12. Whiteoak Canyon Path

Whiteoak Canyon is our last hike and contains a stupendous choice of cascades and waterfalls. Whiteoak Canyon is a wonderful choice in case you are the kind of hiker who loves having tons to see. You will have waterfall after waterfall and numerous plunge swimming pools for swimming. Whiteoak Canyon is the kind of dreamy hike you absorb your summer season holidays.

The primary purpose for marking Whiteoak Canyon as a average hike is its path size. The path takes over 5 hours to finish, so that you’ll want degree of health and stamina. Moreover, the monitor can turn out to be slippery and slim in sections. The spray from waterfalls and fallen leaves turns into a tough mixture when discovering certain footing, so deliver robust footwear with grip. In any other case, Whiteoak Canyon Path is simple and untechnical.

Beginning on the Whiteoak Canyon Parking Space, you instantly take the Whiteoak Canyon Path. Comply with the trail alongside the riverside, pausing at scenic spots as you would like alongside the way in which. The endpoint is a rocky ledge; from right here, you’ll be able to take a shocking view of the Higher Falls. If you would like, you can even make your manner right down to the plunge pool on the base of the Higher Falls, which is well-liked for swimming.

Whiteoak Canyon Path is one in every of Shenandoah’s hottest hikes for a lot of good causes. It’s enjoyable, comparatively difficult, and has loads of issues to see alongside the way in which.

Mountain climbing particulars that you must know:

• Path distance: 9.5 miles
• Problem: Average
• Elevation acquire: 734 meters
• Trailhead: Whiteoak Canyon Parking Space

Closing Ideas

Are you able to deal with these finest hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park? Shenandoah Valley is among the most lovely locations in Virginia, if not the US as a complete. It is best to undoubtedly add it to your checklist of the finest locations to go to within the US. You’ll have the pleasure of having fun with among the finest hikes within the nation.

We hope you will have discovered your match amongst all these glorious climbing trails. Whether or not you select a brief hike or deal with a strenuous path just like the Appalachian Path, admiring the rolling hills of Shenandoah Nationwide Park can be memorable.