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Best trails in Shenandoah National Park

Best trails in Shenandoah National Park

4.5(189,858 reviews)

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United States
: 
#11 of 60 national parks

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Nestled along the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park captivates with lush forests, rolling hills, and the winding Shenandoah River. Skyline Drive and the iconic Appalachian Trail stretch the park’s length, offering unforgettable views and outdoor adventure. Explore cascading waterfalls, like those fed by the Shenandoah River, and reach new heights at Hawksbill Mountain, the park’s tallest peak. Scenic overlooks, vibrant fall foliage, and diverse wildlife make it a year-round destination for hiking, photography, and reconnecting with nature.

Top trails

1
#1 - Old Rag Mountain Loop
4.9(17503)
•Hard
•9.2 mi
Permits are needed to hike Old Rag March through November and must be reserved in advance. This hike, although challenging, is one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park. It has been referred to as a “brutally awesome” hike by many. Your climb to the peak includes many rocky switchbacks, so you will not be going straight up, but the trails are still at a steep grade. The descent, which will be slightly longer than your ascent, is a much more gradual grade that ends on a fire...
2
#2 - Dark Hollow Falls Trail
4.6(7414)
•Moderate
•1.6 mi
•Est. 1h 5m
Dark Hollow Falls is one of the closest scenic falls to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. This is a fairly easy walk down, but the trek back up on the way out may be slightly challenging. This is a very popular hike at mile 50.7 of Skyline Drive that starts at the Dark Hollow Falls parking area. There are some sitting rocks along the trail if you need to rest especially on your way back up. In the spring the blossoms of Mountain Laurel adorn the path with bright pink blossoms. The...
3
#3 - Hawksbill Loop Trail
4.7(5727)
•Moderate
•2.7 mi
Hawksbill Gap Loop hike is short and steep using the Appalachian Trail system. The AT is a white-blazed marker that leads to Hawksbill summit overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Hawksbill Gap parking lot can be a challenge, so it is advisable to get there early. There are lots of waterfalls and a great panoramic view atop Hawksbill. The trail is rocky in some spots on the AT portion. Not very steep over most of the trail except for the ascent. Hikers say the best...
4
#4 - Rose River Trail
4.8(7159)
•Moderate
•4.2 mi
The Rose River Trail, or Rose River Loop Trail, is best known for the Rose River Falls, but it also offers other smaller cascades to view along the route, a beautiful hike along the Rose River, and an off-the-path cave cemetery. To begin the hike, go to the Fishers Gap Overlook parking lot and carefully cross Skyline Drive to get to the trailhead. The best direction is clockwise, taking you along the river and to the falls first, then ending with a walk back to your car along Rose River Fire...
5
#5 - Stony Man via Appalachian Trail
4.8(7293)
•Moderate
•1.5 mi
•Est. 46m
Get ready for some of the best views in Shenandoah National Park on the hike to Stony Man summit! Starting from the Stony Man parking area right off the beautiful Skyline Drive, you'll first hop on the famous Appalachian Trail – just follow the white paint marks, called blazes. It’s a pleasant walk through the woods. Soon, you'll see a sign for the Stony Man Trail, marked with blue blazes. This part takes you on a short loop up to the rocky cliffs of Stony Man lookout. Many hikers say this is...
6
#6 - Marys Rock via Appalachian Trail North Approach
4.7(5665)
•Hard
•3.7 mi
•Est. 2h 18m
This approach to Mary's Rock begins from the Panorama Parking Area along Skyline Drive. From here you can easily access the white-blazed Appalachian Trail and begin hiking south. The trail heads uphill eventually reaching Mary's Rock. From this point, there are beautiful sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
7
#7 - Hawksbill Summit Trail
4.7(3433)
•Moderate
•1.6 mi
•Est. 1h 10m
A shorter, yet steeper, route to Shenandoah’s highest peak than the Hawksbill Loop hike. The viewing platform on top of Hawksbill offers a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Virginia Piedmont. This trail is steep for nearly the entire hike. You are well inside the tree line for the entire hike, so there is not much to see. Once you reach the Byrd shelter the views abound, and just another 100 feet or so, you reach the summit...
8
#8 - Bearfence Mountain Trail
4.8(5456)
•Moderate
•1.1 mi
After parking in the Bearfence Mountain parking lot, cross Skyline Drive and follow the blue blazes of the Bearfence Mountain Trail, one of the most popular trails in Shenandoah National Park. The Bearfence Trail leads up a steep slope that eventually turns into rock scrambles until you reach the summit of Bearfence Mountain. Blazes mark the best scramble climbing route. The view from the summit is well worth the climb as it is one of only three summits in the park that has a 360-degree...
9
#9 - Upper Hawksbill Trail
4.7(3315)
•Moderate
•2.1 mi
•Est. 1h 7m
The Upper Hawksbill Trail is the easiest route to the summit of Hawksbill, which is the tallest mountain in Shenandoah National Park. From the parking lot, begin hiking from the Upper Hawksbill Trailhead. This trail has blue blazes. The lower portion of the trail is very wide and well maintained and follows a gradual slope that makes for relatively easy hiking. The trail is heavily wooded, so no views are available, but wildlife sightings are possible. About three-fourths of the way up,...
10
#10 - Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail
4.7(3323)
•Moderate
•3.4 mi
•Est. 1h 50m
The Little Stony Man Loop is a great hike that begins on the Appalachian Trail and heads to Stony Man Mountain and Stony Man Overlook in Shenandoah Valley. It continues on the AT to Little Stony Man. The second part of the loop is along Passamaquoddy Trail, which brings you back to the start. It offers spectacular views from the top. The lower part of the loop is beautiful too, with a lot of lush, green moss. Bring your picnic or time it right for the sunset and hang out on the Stony Man...
Showing results 1–10 of 305
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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
Starting at $0
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(540) 999-3500
Entrance pass
Education/Academic Groups

National Park Service regulations allow school groups and other approved national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver of Park entrance fees, provided that visit is for educational or scientific purposes, and the resources or facilities that the group intends to use, support those purposes. Request an academic fee waiver through the education section of our website.

$0
Get details from the park
Motorcycle

Entry for one motorcycle and one passenger for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase.

$25
Purchase pass
Non-commercial Groups

Fee is calculated per person for anyone 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). Groups will not be charged more than the equivalent commercial group fee.

$15
Per Person

Entry for walk-up or bicycling visitors, when 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). Includes entering the Park by all means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle. A family traveling together shall pay no more than the vehicle fee.

$15
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle

Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle.

$30
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

Provides unlimited entry for one year to the pass holder and passengers in the same vehicle, not to exceed 4 total adults. Children under 16 are admitted for free and are not included in this total. Purchase online or at any of our entrance stations.

$55
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

Both visitor centers are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms.

Assistive listening devices, audio descriptions, and Braille materials are available.

Many ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible.

Additional information about accessibility at Shenandoah National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Facilities

Both visitor centers are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms.

The Lewis Mountain, Skyland Resort, and Big Meadows Lodge have wheelchair accessible rooms. All the Picnic Areas are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.

Camping

All campgrounds have at least 1 individual wheelchair accessible campsite.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

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Guides

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Trail reviews for Shenandoah National Park

133,604 trailgoers Busiest in October
Bruce Kirchoff
Aug 11, 2025•Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

This is one of the nicest easy hikes we have been on in Shenandoah national Park. There were lots of wildflowers in bloom even in August, and great views from two lookouts.

South Mount Marshall Viewpoint
Alex Joseph
Aug 3, 2025•Hiking
Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

This was my first trail in Shenandoah National Park in over 15 years and it was absolutely stunning

Parking: Entry fee, Medium lot
Rose River Trail
David Uram
Aug 1, 2025•Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedDog-friendlyGreat views

This gem of a trail is tucked inside Shenandoah National Park, just off Skyline Drive, and it delivered the perfect blend of forest serenity, stream crossings, and waterfall magic. It’s all downhill to the falls, which were flowing strong and full — and then, of course, all uphill on the return… definitely a solid workout! This was also my first real test of my right knee since tearing ligaments and dislocating my kneecap back in January. I’m feeling incredibly grateful to share that I did just fine.

Upper Whiteoak Falls via Whiteoak Canyon Parking Area
Brad Campbell
Aug 2, 2025•Hiking
Great conditionsGreat views

Best trail I've done in Shenandoah so far. Absolutely amazing water falls and view points. The only trail I've done that has both mountain views and waterfalls. I hiked down to the lower falls (but not all the way to the parking lot) and back in 3h16m. The trail is steeper after the upper falls, more similar to the other waterfall trails. Also, I went on a Saturday and every other trailhead's parking was packed, yet this lot had available spaces.

Parking: Entry fee, Free, Medium lot
Upper Whiteoak Falls via Whiteoak Canyon Parking Area
john McDonnell
Aug 2, 2025

This is my favorite loop in Shenandoah. The stairs are incredibly majestic and challenging. Piney Branch is as beautiful a stroll as it gets. Overall challenging but not brutal. Perfection.

Little Devils Stairs and Piney Branch Loop
Jennifer Lively
Aug 1, 2025•Hiking
Great conditions

Such a great trail and you hit two waterfalls. There’s a fee to get into Shenandoah but the national parks pass will get you in as well. The first half of the trail is very rocky so be careful with your footing. There’s also a fair amount of uphill climbing. No dogs allowed.

Parking: Entry fee, Free, Large lot
Dark Hollow and Rose River Falls
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Shenandoah National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Shenandoah National Park is Old Rag Mountain Loop, which has a 4.9 star rating from 17,503 reviews. This trail is 9.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,608 ft.

What is the longest trail in Shenandoah National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Shenandoah National Park is Appalachian Trail: US 211 to I-81. This trail is estimated to be 203.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Shenandoah National Park?

There are 305 trails in Shenandoah National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 189,858 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Shenandoah National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Shenandoah National Park has you covered. Appalachian Trail: US 211 to I-81 boasts the most elevation gain with 46,377 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Appalachian Trail: Shenandoah National Park, which will get you 21,879 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Shenandoah National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 69 camping trails in Shenandoah National Park and the most popular is Mill Prong to Rapidan Camp with an average 4.7 star rating from 1,100 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Shenandoah National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 56 running trails in Shenandoah National Park and the most popular is Stony Man via Appalachian Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 7,293 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Shenandoah National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 biking trails in Shenandoah National Park and the most popular is Skyline Drive: Thornton Gap to Swift Run Gap with an average 4.7 star rating from 244 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Shenandoah National Park?

Some popular summer hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park are Old Rag Mountain Loop, Dark Hollow Falls Trail, Rose River Trail, Stony Man via Appalachian Trail, and Bearfence Mountain Trail.

What are the best fall hikes in Shenandoah National Park?

Some popular fall hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park are Old Rag Mountain Loop, Stony Man via Appalachian Trail, Dark Hollow Falls Trail, Rose River Trail, and Hawksbill Loop Trail.

What are the best winter hikes in Shenandoah National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Shenandoah National Park?

Some popular spring hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park are Old Rag Mountain Loop, Dark Hollow Falls Trail, Stony Man via Appalachian Trail, Rose River Trail, and Hawksbill Loop Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Shenandoah National Park?

Yes, there are 158 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Shenandoah National Park, including Old Rag Mountain Loop, Hawksbill Loop Trail, Stony Man via Appalachian Trail, Marys Rock via Appalachian Trail North Approach, and Hawksbill Summit Trail.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Shenandoah National Park?

Yes, there are 84 trails with scenic viewpoints in Shenandoah National Park, including Hawksbill Loop Trail, Rose River Trail, Stony Man via Appalachian Trail, Hawksbill Summit Trail, and Upper Hawksbill Trail.

Are there any trails with huts in Shenandoah National Park?

Yes, there are 37 trails with huts in Shenandoah National Park, including Old Rag Mountain Loop, Hawksbill Loop Trail, Hawksbill Summit Trail, Upper Hawksbill Trail, and Marys Rock via Pinnacle Picnic Grounds.

Are there any trails with springs in Shenandoah National Park?

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Shenandoah National Park?

Are there any trails with weather shelters in Shenandoah National Park?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Shenandoah National Park?

Are there any trails with cliffs in Shenandoah National Park?

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