From steep mountain climbs to relaxed strolls, the hiking trails of Shenandoah National Park are famous for good reason. Some 1.4 million visitors come to the park annually, and all of those guests have hundreds of miles of trails to choose from.
Of course, with so many different options, deciding where to hike is no simple matter. That’s why we made a list of the 10 best trails in Shenandoah National Park to help make your decision easier.
Book your trip with Stay Blue Maple, and read on to learn where to hike when you get here.
1. Old Rag Mountain Loop
- Etlan, VA
- 9.4 miles, difficult
First, the logistics—you’ll need a day-use permit to climb Old Rag Mountain during the busiest times of the year, but once you reach the top, you’ll see why. One of the best–known (and thus, most crowded) hikes in Shenandoah National Park, Old Rag Mountain Loop, requires you to climb roughly 2,600 feet over a 9.4-mile roundtrip trek.
After scrambling across a series of rocky switchbacks, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic, 360-degree views of the park and surrounding Shenandoah Valley.
In case you haven’t gathered by now, this hike isn’t for the faint of heart. If you do want to tackle Old Rag, reserve your permit well in advance so you don’t miss out on your preferred dates.
2. Dark Hollow Falls Trail
- Stanley, VA
- 1.6 miles, moderate
Don’t let the short length of this trail fool you — Dark Hollow Falls Trail is less than 2 miles in total, but since hikers must descend to the falls before hiking back up to the parking lot, you’ll have to determine whether you have the stamina necessary to make the full trip to the trailhead. For an extra dose of motivation, just know that Dark Hollow Falls has reportedly impressed the likes of former president Thomas Jefferson.
Bring some snacks and prepare to share the trail with others—this is one of the most popular day hikes in Shenandoah National Park, after all. On the bright side, you’ll encounter plenty of wildflowers, as well as comfortable spots to sit and take a break as you make your way back up the trail.
3. Hawksbill Summit Trail
- Syria, VA
- 1.6 miles, moderate
Hawksbill Mountain is one of Shenandoah National Park’s most famous landmarks. You can reach the top of the mountain via several different trails, including a loop trail and the out-and-back Upper Hawksbill Trail, but most prefer the Hawksbill Summit Trail since it’s less steep than the other hikes. Once you reach the top, you’ll find a viewing platform where you can celebrate with a snack and a photo or two.
Hawksbill Mountain is one of the easiest hikes in Shenandoah National Park, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself. Try to arrive as early as possible to snag parking!
4. Stony Man
- Syria, VA
- 1.5 miles, moderate
In case you were wondering, Stony Man is named for a rock formation that looks like a man’s face. You might have to squint to see what we mean, but you won’t have any trouble spying the other incredible views from the top of the mountain.
This 1.5-mile loop hike will afford sprawling vistas of Massanutten Mountain, the Shenandoah Valley, and the rest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Your trek will start on the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile backpacking footpath that extends all the way from Georgia to Maine. So, after completing the trip to Stony Man, you can technically say you’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail.
5. Mary’s Rock
- Sperryville, VA
- Either 2.7 miles (moderate) or 3.7 miles (difficult)
You can take two different routes to reach Mary’s Rock. One, a moderately difficult, 2.7-mile-round trip walk, starts from Meadow Springs. The other begins from the Panorama Parking Area and requires a steeper climb, but don’t write it off just yet—this is a great choice for anyone who wants more of a workout or to walk their dogs, as this is one of the few hikes in Shenandoah (or any national park, for that matter) where leashed dogs are permitted.
Keep an eye out for any trail closures, as certain restrictions are in place to prevent erosion of the namesake rocks atop this summit. Otherwise, bring a picnic lunch and sit back to enjoy the sights and sounds.
6. Bearfence Mountain Trail
- Hood, VA
- 1 mile, moderate
Though Bearfence Mountain Trail is a short hike at only a mile in length, you should come prepared for a workout. The hike features a tricky section of rock scrambling, which can prove both fun and challenging for hikers. Follow the blazes that mark the correct path, and when you reach the top of Bearfence Mountain, you’ll be rewarded with one of the few 360-degree views in Shenandoah National Park.
This is one hike where you’ll want to check the weather before setting out, as the trail becomes unsafe when icy or wet. Bearfence Mountain Trail isn’t recommended for kids, and adults should dress for the occasion in flexible clothes and shoes with good traction.
7. White Oak Canyon Trail
- Syria, VA
- 9.8 miles, difficult
If you’re a fit hiker hoping to go on some waterfall hikes during your visit to Shenandoah National Park, look no further than White Oak Canyon Trail. This strenuous trek takes you past some of the most scenic cascades in the park, and the difficulty level means there will be fewer crowds. The trail ends at Upper White Oak Falls, a photo-worthy waterfall with pools perfect for swimming, but you can continue on to see more if you choose.
Then again, you might find yourself stopping for a break long before you reach the upper falls. Especially in summer, the clear pools and cascading waterfalls will likely tempt you to take a dip or two. Bring your swimsuit and sunscreen, as well as quick-drying shoes, since the trail passes close to the creek and can be wet.
8. Rose River Trail
- Syria, VA
- 3.9 miles, moderate
Though not quite as famous as Dark Hollow Falls, Rose River Falls is every bit as scenic. Since the trail is only moderately difficult, hikers of just about any skill level can knock out this hike and still have plenty of time left for more sightseeing.
While 67-foot-tall Rose River Falls is the highlight of the trip, you’ll pass multiple smaller falls along the way. History buffs should plan to hike a bit off the main trail to reach Cave Cemetery, which has grave markers dating back to the Civil War.
9. Millers Head Trail
- Syria, VA
- 1.5 miles, moderate
Views abound at the end of this short but steep hike to the site of a former fire tower. While the tower is long gone, a viewing platform remains, presenting the perfect opportunity to see a different side of the Shenandoah area.
Though popular, Millers Head Trail is much less crowded than many of the other hikes in the park, and you might even get the viewing deck to yourself during weekdays or in the off-season. And did we mention that you can bring your four-legged friends?
10. Frazier Discovery Trail
- Crozet, VA
- 1.3 miles, moderate
You’ll get to see views both far away and up close on this relaxed out-and-back trail. The Frazier Discovery Trail starts at Loft Mountain Wayside and climbs past old- and new-growth forests on the slopes of Loft Mountain. As you walk, make sure you don’t miss any of the viewpoints—some may be covered up by foliage during spring and summer. Since this hike is kid-friendly, feel free to bring the whole family.
Happy Trails in Shenandoah National Park
It’s worth noting that this list of the 10 best hikes in Shenandoah National Park is just a starting point — there are dozens of hikes that we didn’t have room to cover here. You might decide to tackle a more challenging route or even check out a waterfall with the family!
As you decide which hikes to add to your itinerary, make sure to book your trip dates with Stay Blue Maple. Our Berkeley Springs and vacation rentals are less than two hours away from Skyline Drive, while our Shenandoah Valley homes will put you close to all the hikes you might want to explore.