Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
One of the reasons we fell in love with this area is that you can be standing on a mountain overlook less than 20 minutes after leaving town. Whether you're looking for a quick morning walk before coffee or an all-day adventure, Shenandoah National Park has a trail for every type of hiker.
Old Rag Mountain
Old Rag is the hike people drive across the state to do.
The rock scramble is challenging, the route is demanding, and you'll probably be tired afterward. But if you're looking for an adventure you'll remember long after your trip is over, this is it.
Distance: 9.5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 5–7 hours
Why we love it: This is the hike we recommend when someone wants a story to bring home.
Stony Man
If you're only going to do one hike during a short visit, this is usually the one we recommend.
The trail is short, relatively easy, and delivers some of the biggest views for the least amount of effort. It's the kind of hike that makes people feel like they've experienced Shenandoah without dedicating half a day to it.
Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 45–60 minutes
Why we love it: If we have guests visiting for just a weekend, this is often our first recommendation. The view at the end never disappoints.
Hawksbill Summit
As the highest point in Shenandoah National Park, Hawksbill feels like a classic Blue Ridge mountain-top experience.
The trail isn't particularly long, but the views stretch for miles and miles on a clear day. If you've ever pictured yourself standing on a mountain overlook in Virginia, this is probably what you were imagining.
Distance: 1.5–3 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Time: 1–2 hours
Why we love it: If someone asks us what Shenandoah looks like, this is where we'd take them.
Dark Hollow Falls
Waterfall hikes tend to be crowd favorites, and Dark Hollow is no exception.
The walk down to the falls is fairly quick, making it a great option if you're short on time. Just remember that the return trip is uphill.
Distance: 1.4 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 45 minutes–1.5 hours
Why we love it: We especially enjoy this one during the warmer months when the forest feels cool and shaded.
Rose River Loop
This is the hike we recommend when someone wants more than just a viewpoint.
You'll pass waterfalls, streams, bridges, and plenty of spots where you'll find yourself stopping for photos. It feels a little quieter and more immersive than some of the park's more famous trails.
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
Why we love it: If we were spending a full day in the park ourselves, this would be one of our top choices.
Bearfence Mountain
Bearfence is one of Shenandoah's hidden gems.
The hike is short, but you'll get a taste of rock scrambling and be rewarded with nearly 360-degree views at the top. It's often overlooked in favor of Old Rag, which is a shame.
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 30–60 minutes
Why we love it: It's one of the best "bang for your buck" hikes in the park.
