The Best Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park
10 Must-Do Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park
Although Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is famous for its scenic Skyline Drive, it’s also home to a variety of hiking trails that can help you explore its lush beauty even more. That’s why it’s always worth your time to park the car and explore on foot when you’re visiting this park!
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The park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. With so many options available, you’ll have no problems finding everything from an easy hike to a more challenging trek.
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From breathtaking vistas that seem to stretch on forever, to winding paths that lead you through enchanted forests, Shenandoah has got it all. So, grab your backpack, pack some snacks, and get ready to discover the best trails that this gem of a park has to offer.
1. Dark Hollow Falls
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Time: 1 to 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 440 feet
If you’re on the hunt for a hike that combines the thrill of adventure with the serenity of nature’s beauty, look no further than the trek to Dark Hollow Falls. This trail is one of the most scenic waterfall hikes in a park known for its stunning falls.
The trailhead for this hike is at the Dark Hollow Falls parking area at milepost 50.7.
As you make your way through the forest, take some time to enjoy the sound of birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the distant melody of water rushing. Dark Hollow Falls is waiting for you at the end of the trail.
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You can soak in the view of the waterfall from the overlook on the trail. If you’re feeling adventurous, venture down a little further to get a closer look at the base of the falls. Just be ready for a refreshing mist!
The climb back up is more challenging, so take your time and enjoy the views of the rushing water on your way.
2. Bearfence Mountain Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Time: 1 to 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 311 feet
If you’re up for a hike that’s as exhilarating as it is rewarding, this one’s about to steal your heart — and maybe even your breath. Bearfence Mountain Trail has a mix of well-marked paths and rocky scrambles.
The trailhead is at the Bearfence parking area at milepost 56.4 on Skyline Drive. As you start ascending, get ready for a mix of challenge and pure awe.
There’s a rock scramble section that requires some hands-on work, adding a dash of adventure to your journey. However, the panoramic views from the top are worth every bit of effort.
As you conquer those rocks, the landscape opens up before you. You’ll enjoy 360° views of the Shenandoah Valley, rolling hills, lush forests, and the kind of tranquility that’s hard to find in the hustle and bustle of daily life.
3. Hawksbill Mountain
Topping out at 4,049 feet, Hawksbill Mountain is the highest point in Shenandoah National Park. As a result, you know this hiking trail offers some spectacular views. There are three trails that take you to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain.
Upper Hawksbill Trail
Distance: 2.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 520 feet
The Upper Hawksbill Trail is one of the easiest ways to reach the top of Hawksbill Mountain. To begin the hike, park at the Upper Hawksbill parking area at milepost 46.5.
From here, it’s just a little over a mile to the viewing platform. Although the trail is mostly uphill and there are a few steep inclines, the view you’ll enjoy at the end is worth every step.
Lower Hawksbill Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Time: 1 to 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 690 feet
Although Lower Hawksbill Trail is the shortest route to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, it’s also the steepest and the most difficult. You’ll begin this hike at the Hawksbill Gap parking area at milepost 45.5.
The Lower Hawksbill Trail is uphill the entire way, so your legs will definitely get a workout. Once again, the incredible panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains that you get from the top is worth all of the effort.
Hawksbill Loop
Distance: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 860 feet
A third option is to connect the Appalachian Trail, Salamander Trail, Upper Hawksbill Trail, and Lower Hawksbill Trail to form a loop to the Hawksbill summit.
Park at the Hawksbill Gap parking area and take the short spur trail to the Appalachian Trail until you reach the junction for the Salamander Trail. Turn left onto the Salamander Trail.
Once you reach the Upper Hawksbill Trail, you’ll have a short hike to the summit. You’ll then be able to return to your car on the downhill walk along the Lower Hawksbill Trail.
It’s important to follow the loop in this order because descending on the Upper Hawksbill Trail will lead you to a different parking area.
4. Old Rag Mountain
Old Rag Mountain isn’t just one of the best hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park, it’s also one of the best hikes in Virginia. While this might be one of the most popular hikes in the park, it’s also notorious for being the most difficult.
Important Note: You must purchase an Old Rag day-use ticket in advance if you plan on hiking Old Rag Mountain from March 1 – November 30.
There are two ways you can reach the summit of Old Rag Mountain.
Old Rag Circuit
Distance: 9.4 miles
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,348 feet
The Old Rag Circuit is the most popular trail and the one with the well-known rock scramble. Park at the Old Rag parking area on Weakly Hollow Fire Road.
Take the blue-blazed Ridge Trail across the rock scramble, and then descend on the Saddle Trail and fire road.
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The rock scramble is very challenging, and you should expect to be on this trail all day. However, the summit is a great place for scenic views and perhaps even a relaxing lunch as a reward for your effort.
Berry Hollow
Distance: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,760 feet
The Berry Hollow route lets you reach the Old Rag summit without having to navigate the rock scramble. However, keep in mind that even without the scramble, this is still a very physically demanding hike.
You’ll find the trailhead at the Berry Hollow Parking Area. Follow Berry Hollow Road for about a mile until you reach the junction with Old Rag Fire Road. Turn right at Old Rag Fire Road and take it to the Old Rag Shelter.
Turn left onto the Saddle Trail to continue to the summit. You’ll return to the parking area following the same route.
5. Rose River Loop Trail
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 910 feet
If you want to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park on one hike, the Rose River Loop Trail is a great option.
To begin your hike, park at the Fishers Gap parking area at milepost 49.4 and cross Skyline Drive to start down the fire road. Take a left onto the yellow-blazed Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail, and then take the blue-blazed Rose River Loop Trail.
At this point, you’ll reach the magnificent 67-foot Rose River Falls. While this waterfall is beautiful, it’s not the end of your hike.
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The trail continues along the Rose River, across a small bridge, and along the Hogcamp Branch, where you get to see numerous cascading waterfalls and pools of water.
If you want to add just 0.25 more miles to your hike, you can take the Dark Hollow Falls Trail to the base of the falls and back. Then continue about a mile back up the hill to Skyline Drive.
6. Frazier Discovery Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 429 feet
Frazier Discovery Trail isn’t just about the destination — it’s about the journey itself! Since this is a quiet and easy trail, it’s one of the best hikes for kids in Shenandoah National Park.
From the Loft Mountain Wayside Parking Area at milepost 79.5, cross Skyline Drive to find the blue-blazed Frazier Discovery Trail. If you turn clockwise at the trail’s intersection, you’ll have a steady climb.
Along the way, you’ll pass a huge boulder jutting up from the ground. If you want to practice your rock climbing skills, this is a nice, quiet place to do it.
After you pass the boulder, you’ll soon you reach the first overlook on a rocky ledge. Here you’ll be able to take in gorgeous mountain views. Since this trail is a hidden gem in the park, you won’t have to struggle to get some nice pictures.
As you continue along the trail, you’ll reach a second overlook with more lovely views of the surrounding mountains. At that point, you’ll follow the loop trail back to your starting point.
7. Rapidan Camp Trail
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Time: 2 to 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 870 feet
If you like to have a little history mixed in with your trek, the Rapidan Camp Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park for you. Unlike other presidents that liked visiting Camp David at Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland, President Herbert Hoover preferred visiting Shenandoah.
Rapidan Camp served as a rustic retreat and Hoover’s summer escape. Today, this relaxing spot features exhibits on President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover.
The hike itself is a delightful blend of forested pathways and a bit of history hunting. Keep your eyes peeled for the signs that tell the story of the camp’s past.
For part of the trail, you’ll be walking alongside the babbling waters of the Mill Prong, a soothing soundtrack to your journey. The trail has three stream crossings, so plan accordingly and pack extra socks just in case your feet get wet.
As you approach the camp, get ready to step into a different era. The preserved buildings and cabins give you a glimpse into the past, and you can practically feel the stories that echo in the walls. It’s like a living museum nestled in the heart of the wilderness.
Take a moment to explore the area, imagining what life was like for the folks who spent their summers here. If you’re a history buff, this is your playground. Even if history isn’t your thing, the serene surroundings and unique glimpse into the country’s past will surely resonate.
8. Cedar Run – Whiteoak Circuit
Distance: 8.1 miles
Difficulty: Very strenuous
Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,794 feet
Are you up for a challenge and have an entire day to spend hiking? Then check out the Cedar Run – Whiteoak Circuit. Although this long hike is quite strenuous, it offers an exceptional view of some of the best cascades and waterfalls in the park.
You’ll start at the Hawksbill Gap Parking Area at milepost 45.6. From there, follow the Cedar Run Trail to the Whiteoak Canyon Trail. Along the way, you’ll pass by no less than 6 picturesque waterfalls.
At the intersection with the Whiteoak Canyon Fire Road/Horse Trail, turn left. Follow the road to the Skyland-Big Meadows Horseback Riding Trail and turn left once more to return to the parking area.
There are several stream crossings on this hike, so it’s a good idea to make sure you have your trekking poles and check with a park ranger about current conditions before you attempt it.
9. Limberlost Trail
Distance: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Time: 1 to 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 130 feet
The Limberlost Trail is another one of the best hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park that’s great for kids. It’s also the only fully accessible trail in the park and a designated TRACK Trail that helps children nurture a love of nature.
You can print out the self-guided adventure sheet that encourages children to use all of their senses to explore the trail. They can smell the air like black bears, get down low to see the forest from the view of turtles, explore the different shapes and colors of rocks, and more.
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This short loop hike is mostly flat and consists of crushed greenstone and a small section of boardwalk that’s stroller-friendly and wheelchair-accessible.
You can get to the trailhead at the Limberlost parking area at milepost 43. You’ll find several wooden benches along the trail in case anyone needs to stop and take a break.
10. Lewis Falls Trail
Distance: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 990 feet
If you love waterfalls, Shenandoah National Park is for you, and Lewis Falls Trail is an excellent option. This trail combines unobstructed views of the Shenandoah Valley along with a scenic waterfall.
Park at the Big Meadows amphitheater parking area in Big Meadows Campground and start your hike on the Appalachian Trail. This section of the trail winds its way through the woods, occasionally offering glimpses of the surrounding mountains.
Stay right so you’re on the blue-blazed Lewis Falls Trail. At this point, you’ll traverse a steep, rocky descent until you reach the viewing platform.
Once you’re done enjoying the view of the falls, take the trail back up to its intersection with a fire road and turn right. You’ll then turn left onto the Appalachian Trail and follow it back to the parking lot.
Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park With the Best Views
As you wrap up your hiking adventures in Shenandoah National Park, remember that every trail is a story waiting to be experienced. From the awe-inspiring heights of Hawksbill Mountain to the historic charm of Rapidan Camp, this park offers a treasure trove of natural wonders and timeless tales.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just dipping your toes into the world of trails, these great hikes will let you see everything from misty waterfalls to panoramic vistas. Take some time to soak in the beauty of these top Shenandoah trails as you enjoy everything the park has to offer.
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Did you enjoy learning more about the best hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park? Are you interested in discovering additional tips that can help you get out and explore other amazing hiking trails? Then please be sure to take a look at some of our other popular posts:
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