If you are an adventure seeker Shenandoah National Park is the perfect destination. The park has plenty of activities to offer from hiking to rock climbing. For professional hikers there are endless opportunities with challenging paths and stunning views. Here we have given the places to visit in Shenandoah that you shouldn’t miss. Click here for Shenandoah National Park Location And How To Reach It?
Stony Man
Stony Man is a short trail of 1.6-mile. The trail gives you a pleasant hike and also has some of the best views in Shenandoah. Stony Man has a popular rock wall if you are a climber it will be an adventurous experience. Since the trail is easy it is suitable for all levels of hikers. The trail rewards you with a beautiful view from the summit which is the second highest mountain in Shenandoah.
Skyline Drive
If you love to drive you can go for Skyline Drive. It runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah and is the only public road through the Park. Skyline Drive has a speed limit of 35 mph in most places make sure to read the sign boards.
The drive has nearly 70 overlooks with stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley. One of the best views is the Range View Overlook at mile 17.1, offers a view down the length of the Blue Ridge to Stony Man Mountain.
Dark Hollow Falls
Dark Hollow Falls Trail is a 1.4-mile trail located near Stanley. The trail rewards you with waterfalls and you also get to walk through the forest. The trail is easy to walk and suitable for all hikers. The best time to hike the Dark Hollow Falls trail is from April until October. The trail is easy to walk and suitable for all hikers. In spring you get to see bright blossoms. During summer the trail is cool and shaded by trees.
Old Rag Mountain
Old Rag Mountain is a 9.8 miles trail located near Etlan. The hike begins with a one-mile walk to the Old Rag parking area. The trail features a river and challenging path. The trail is rated as difficult. If you are a professional hiker you can plan your hike to Old Rag. The trail offers you a challenging path and beautiful views.
Hawksbill Mountain
Hawksbill is a challenging trail which is steep for nearly the entire hike. It is Shenandoah’s highest peak and offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley. The trail starts at the Lower Hawksbill Parking lot. Forward is an extremely steep 1.5-mile journey to the peak. During the hike you will be inside the tree line which has no views to offer. Once you reach the summit you get a beautiful view of Shenandoah valley.
Mary’s Rock
If you are a photographer you will definitely love Mary’s Rock. It iis one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah. The hike is 6.5 miles out and back trail which is moderately challenging. The view from Mary’s Rock is stunning and popular. There are two trails that lead to the top of Mary’s Rock. One approaches the summit from the north, the other from the south.
Rose River Falls
A hike to a stunning 67-foot waterfall. You’ll be on a lovely trail in one of the Park’s nationally recognized Wilderness areas for the majority of this hike.
Bearfence Mountain
This hike is not permitted with pets. A breathtaking 360-degree view of the Virginia Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley can be seen after completing the exhilarating rock scramble known as Bearfence. If you’re afraid of heights, you shouldn’t try it.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is very well maintained as it passes through Shenandoah National Park. There weren’t many blowdowns and the trail was mostly level, so you wouldn’t trip over many loose rocks or roots. Nothing was particularly difficult to climb or extremely steep. The trail passes a number of fantastic viewpoints, some of which are accessible from Skyline Drive, so you’ll likely see many day hikers there, but many of which are just great viewpoints along the trail, some of which have stealth camping spots nearby.
Skyland
At a height of 3,680 feet along miles 41.7 and 42.5 of Skyline Drive, Skyland is tucked away. The highest elevation along the drive is where Skyland is situated. From late March to late November, Skyland is open. Throughout the winter, the resort is closed.
Visitors can easily explore the more than 500 miles of hiking trails, including the 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, from our location along Skyline Drive. 75 overlooks along Skyline Drive, a National Scenic Byway, offer breathtaking views. Visit the nearby museums, antique stores, and wineries in the area.
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
The Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6) is situated in the northern region of the Park, close to Front Royal, Virginia. For guests arriving through the Front Royal Entrance Station, it is the best location to find restrooms, information, a bookstore, publications, and maps. The well-known Fox Hollow Trail trailhead is directly across Skyline Drive from the visitor centre.
Limberlost Trail
One of the best short hikes in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is the 1.3-mile Limberlost Trail. Regardless of abilities, everyone can enjoy this trail.
This mostly level walkway made of crushed greenstone is wheelchair and stroller friendly. It is one of the few trails in the park that is pet-free and the only fully accessible trail in the entire park.
Doyles River Falls
You can reach two distinctive waterfalls on this lovely hike through the wilderness, which follows cool, clear mountain streams. Get ready to cross a stream.