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12 Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park

12 Finest Hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park


The US has some unbelievable nationwide parks, and Shenandoah Nationwide Park is one in all 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 chopping by the center. Shenandoah Nationwide Park has tons of wildlife, together with black bears. It additionally has dramatic mountains, and Outdated Rag Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain supply among the greatest hikes in Shenandoah.

What are the very best hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park apart from summit hikes, although? Shenandoah has over 500 miles of mountain 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 best possible hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park. These mountain 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 through 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 do you have to hike this path? Properly, its Rapidan Camp’s endpoint was as soon as the vacation dwelling 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 complete, with one signposted because the Prime Minister’s and informative indicators dotted round with tales and info in regards to the camp and the way Hoover spent his time there.

Mill ProngTrail Map
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The path begins reverse Milam Hole Parking Lot, located alongside Skyline Drive. You briefly be 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 time, you make the primary river crossing, after which you retain proper on the yellow marked Mill Prong Horse Path. From this level, you keep on with the path till you attain Rapidan Camp.

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

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Prepared for some quickfire info? These are the statistics that it is best to know

Path distance: 3.7 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 223 metersTrailhead: Milam Hole Parking Lot

2. Rose River Loop Path

Rose River Falls Trail Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
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Rose River Loop Path is one other stunning riverside hike. Nevertheless, in contrast to Mill Prong, this route hops alongside totally different waterfalls. The dramatic endpoint is Rose River Falls – one in all Shenandoah’s most well-known waterfalls. Hikers can benefit from the Rose River Path at a sedate tempo, because the reasonable hike is simply 3.8 miles lengthy on a loop path. It is best to enable round two hours to finish your entire hike.

Rose River Falls is a surprising 67-foot waterfall, hidden away in woodland and solely accessible through 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 most likely be simply persuaded on a heat day. Both approach, pack a picnic and plan to take a seat for some time for a break subsequent to the falls.

Rose RiverTrail Map
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Rose River Loop Path sits reverse Fishers Hole parking space, which is situated on Skyline Drive. When you’ve parked, cross the highway and head straight down the hearth monitor, aka Rose River Fireplace Highway. After a couple of minutes, you attain a yellow marked lefthand flip off for the Skyland Large 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 reasonable hike of simply 3.8 miles. The spherical journey is definitely tackled in half a day, so it’s good in case you are quick on time however need a rewarding mountain climbing expertise. Deliver your mountain climbing boots and a swimming costume, and also you’ll have a improbable time.

Statistics about this hike:

Path distance: 4 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 267 metersTrailhead: Fishers Hole Overlook Automobile Park

3. Darkish Hole Falls Path

Rose River Falls Trail Hikes in Shenandoah National Park Dark Hollow Falls
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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 sights in Shenandoah Nationwide Park. The waterfall’s path is considerably of a neighborhood icon within the mountain climbing scene.

The title ‘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 rather more exaggerated in autumn and winter. Throughout these months, the low lighting is ideal for long-exposure pictures. It cuts a stupendous distinction towards the moist rock and autumnal leaves. Darkish Hole Falls is an atmospheric, scenic quick hike.

Dark Hollow Falls Trail
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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 for those who wrestle 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 learners. Keep in mind that it may be slippery in moist months and that venturing off the path will be dangerous due to all of the hidden drops.

Climbing particulars that it is best to know:

Path distance: 1.4 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 172 metersTrailhead: Darkish Hole Falls Parking Space

4. Higher Hawksbill Path

Hawksbill trail Shenandoah National Park
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Are you extra of a panorama particular person than a waterfall lover? Take our recommendation and climb one in all Shanandoah’s mountains. Hawksbill Mountain is among the greatest hikes for stunning viewpoints in Shenandoah Nationwide Park. It has beautiful views over the encompassing 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 most likely questioning how tough tackling Hawksbill Mountain actually is. The route is a little bit of a mix and has some difficult hike sections, however it’s a straightforward path for probably 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 will need to choose your approach by rigorously. Put on sturdy mountain climbing boots, and also you’ll be completely positive. It helps that the path distance is low, and the elevation achieve is comparatively gradual.

Upper Hawksbill Trail Map
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Park up on the Higher Hawksbill parking zone and head straight to the blue-marked Higher Hawksbill Trailhead. The preliminary part is a large path that weaves by dense woodland. You then head barely downhill to intersect Hawksbill Fireplace Highway and be part of the highway for the ultimate climb to the summit. This part is probably 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 somewhat extra tough and prepared than the opposite sections. Walkers emerge triumphantly on the summit and are met with sweeping views of Shenandoah Valley, Outdated Rag Mountain, and Betty’s Rock. If you’re feeling bold, you’ll be able to attempt time reaching the summit with the dawn for the last word views.

Tackling the Hawksbill summit is superb if you need a hike that gives you a powerful sense of accomplishment. The route can also 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 sort of an achievement.

Climbing particulars that it is best to know:

Path distance: 2.1 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 149 metersTrailhead: Higher Hawksbill Trailhead

5. Bearfence Mountain Path

Bearfence Mountain Trail Shenandoah National Park
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Bearfence Mountain won’t be as huge as Hawksbill, however the peak nonetheless has spectacular summit views. You may attain the summit through 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’ll need to be completely satisfied to attempt new issues and get caught in in case you are a newbie. Rock scrambles require persistence, confidence, and a constructive perspective. However for those who can tick these qualities off, you’ll have an incredible hike. Scrambling up Bearfence Mountain is ideal if you need a memorable journey in Shenandoah Nationwide Park.

Bearfence Mountain Trail Map
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Begin your hike by parking in Bearfence Mountain Parking Lot, simply off Skyline Drive. You then cross Skyline Drive to the trailhead reverse the 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 the 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’ve a primary health stage. You’ll be richly rewarded, too, because the summit has 360-degree views over the nationwide park.

Bearfence Mountain won’t 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 learners and intermediate hikers.

Climbing particulars that it is best to know:

Path distance: 1 mileDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 74 metersTrailhead: Bearfence Mountain Parking Lot

6. Stony Man Path

Stony Man Trail Shenandoah National Park
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Fancy a straightforward hike? The Stony Man Path is the one for you. It is among the greatest hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park and is simply 1.5 miles lengthy. Even higher? The path has minimal and gradual elevation achieve, but among the greatest views within the nationwide park. Stony Man is a hike that rewards you for basically the naked minimal.

Stony Man Trail Hiking Map
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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 somewhat rocky outcrop overlooking the valley. Normally, there’s a tiny rainwater pool on the summit. After appreciating the view, you simply retrace your steps to the parking zone since it’s an out-and-back path.

Stony Man Path is improbable. And, if you need a brief stroll, it’s simply one in all your greatest choices. Stony Man is a match made in heaven for mountain climbing learners with the spectacular summit viewpoint, clearly marked path, and quick path distance.

Climbing particulars that it is best to know:

Path distance: 1.5 milesDifficulty: EasyElevation achieve: 97 metersTrailhead: Stony Man Parking Space

7. Cedar Run Falls Path

Cedar Run Falls Shenandoah National Park
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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 numerous 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 common cliff jumps. You could want to pack swimwear to hitch in (at your individual danger). It’s price noting that Cedar Run Path has skilled some closures over current years. Test the Nationwide Park Service web site earlier than visiting to verify if the path is open and welcoming guests.

Cedar Run Falls Trail Hike Map
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Begin your hike at Hawksbill Hole Parking Space. Quickly you cross a footbridge throughout Cedar Run River, and from this level, you observe 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 doable.

So, do you have to select Cedar Run Falls? Sure, if you need a strenuous hike that may push you to your limits. The stroll most closely fits skilled hikers with good technical potential, health, and mountain climbing gear. That stated, although, the route is stuffed with pure sights and really entertaining to hike.

Climbing particulars that it is best to know:

Path distance: 5.8 milesDifficulty: ChallengingElevation achieve: 685 metersTrailhead: Hawksbill Hole Parking Space

8. Appalachian Path

Appalachian Trail Shenandoah National Park
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Now the Appalachian Path isn’t any stroll within the park. The path really stretches by a number of states, Virginia being one in all them. Should you wished 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. Should you love multi-day hikes and have a powerful sense of journey, tackling this part of the path is among the greatest hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park.

The path has many shelters alongside the way in which. You should utilize them for in a single day tenting and filling up water bottles at freshwater faucets. You’ll go to lots of the sights from our different prime hikes on this record – together with Stony Man and Loft Mountain (which we are going to cowl shortly). Climbing Shenandoah’s Appalachian Path is a improbable approach to mix a lot of totally different sights in a single expertise.

Appalachian Trail Hiking Map
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If you’re mountain climbing the Shenandoah part, the path begins at Dickey Ridge Trailhead within the north of the park. You chop by the nationwide park, passing sights like Swift Run Overlook, Turk Mountain Overlook, and Sawmill Run Overlook earlier than reaching your remaining waypoint at Beagle Hole. We advocate buying a bodily copy of a path map relatively 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 should be decided, match, and wholesome.

Climbing particulars that it is best to know:

Path distance: 115.5 milesDifficulty: ChallengingElevation achieve: 6,939 metersTrailhead: Dickey Ridge Trailhead

9. Lewis Spring Falls Path

Lewis Spring Falls Trail Shenandoah National Park
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It’s no secret; Shenandoah Nationwide Park is stuffed with spectacular waterfalls. Lewis Spring Falls Path is among the greatest 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 enjoyable to hike and has picnic areas dotted alongside the way in which. If you need a hike which you could amble alongside leisurely, Lewis Spring Falls is the one for you.

Lewis Spring Falls Trail Hiking Map
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The path begins on the 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 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 simply’ll discover the very best views of the primary waterfall – Lewis Falls.

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

Climbing particulars that it is best to know:

Path distance: 3.5 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 267 metersTrailhead: Milepost 51.2 within the Large Meadows Space

10. South River Falls Path

South river Falls Shenandoah National Park
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South River Falls is one other superstar on Shenandoah’s waterfall scene. The 83-foot waterfall is an actual sight to behold, and for those who love pure sights, this path is a high-reward path to deal with. You’ll observe stunning 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 definitely squeezed right into a busy itinerary. South River Falls is a superb candidate if you need a brief stroll to finish as a stretch of your legs after a strenuous hike the day earlier than.

South River Falls Trail Hiking Map
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The trailhead is a blue-marked path south of the South River Picnic Space. Navigating a mountain 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 completely newbie pleasant. Straightforward to navigate, quick, and satisfying, South River Falls Path is a perfect path to stretch your legs and benefit from the sunshine.

Climbing particulars that it is best to know:

Path distance: 2.4 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 230 metersTrailhead: South River Picnic Space

11. Loft Mountain Loop Path (through Frazier Discovery Path)

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

Loft Mountain Loop Hike Map
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So, let’s dive straight into some instructions. Beginning at Loft Mountain Wayside, be part of the paved path on the other facet of the highway. Nearly instantly, you attain a fork within the path, and from right here, flip left on the blue-marked Frazier Discovery Path. Hold left and start your uphill stroll, turning left on the second concrete path marker that you simply see. At this level, you’ll begin descending, and it’s this part that it’s good 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, conserving left to remain on the blue marked Blue Spring Path. Ultimately, the path turns into a hearth highway, 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 greatest hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park if you need a straightforward loop path. Positive, it requires a little bit of navigating, however the monitor itself is brilliantly untechnical, and the path size is good and quick at solely 2 miles lengthy.

Climbing particulars that it is best to know:

Path distance: 2 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 151 metersTrailhead: Loft Mountain Wayside

12. Whiteoak Canyon Path

Whiteoak Canyon hike in Shenandoah National Park
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Whiteoak Canyon is our remaining hike and includes a stupendous choice of cascades and waterfalls. Whiteoak Canyon is a wonderful possibility in case you are the form of hiker who loves having heaps to see. You will have waterfall after waterfall and numerous plunge swimming pools for swimming. Whiteoak Canyon is the form of dreamy hike you soak up your summer time holidays.

The primary cause for marking Whiteoak Canyon as a reasonable hike is its path size. The path takes over 5 hours to finish, so that you’ll want a very good stage 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 convey robust footwear with a very good grip. In any other case, Whiteoak Canyon Path is simple and untechnical.

Whiteoak Canyon Hiking Map
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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 surprising view of the Higher Falls. If you need, you may as well make your approach right down to the plunge pool on the base of the Higher Falls, which is common for swimming.

Whiteoak Canyon Path is one in all 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.

Climbing particulars that it is best to know:

Path distance: 9.5 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation achieve: 734 metersTrailhead: Whiteoak Canyon Parking Space

Closing Ideas

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

We hope you’ve discovered your match amongst all these glorious mountain 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 will probably be memorable.

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