The 7 Best Hikes In Shenandoah National Park
Explore some of the best trails in the South.
Editor's note: Always check https://www.nps.gov/shen/plany... to make sure you're aware of any alerts affecting access to or travel within Shenandoah National Park.
Shenandoah National Park is Virginia’s only national park and encompasses about 300 square miles of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. With over 500 miles of hiking trails (101 miles of the Appalachian Trail are in the park), 10+ waterfalls, and scenic rocky summits with 360 degree views, there is no shortage of places to explore in Shenandoah National Park. Skyline Drive, which is the 105 mile-long road stretching from north to south with 75 scenic overlooks, will be the starting point for most of the day hikes in the park.
1. Old Rag Mountain
Photo: Elyse Clark
Arguably the most beautiful and difficult hike in the entire park, this 9 mile circuit offers an elevation gain of 2500’ and a difficult rock scramble for over a mile. Don’t let the elevation gain or rock scramble deter you, the 360 degree views from the summit are well worth the effort. Learn more.
2. Dark Hollow Falls
Photo: Elyse Clark
This is a short 1.4 mile out and back hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park. This 70’ waterfall can be viewed from multiple viewpoints on the trail. Keep in mind that like most trails to waterfalls in Shenandoah, the trail descends very steeply and quickly, so you must climb back up on your way out. Learn more.
3. Blackrock Summit
Photo: Sarah Giek
Located in the South District of Shenandoah, Blackrock Summit is the easiest hike on this list, with very little elevation gain. At the summit you will find a field full of large, blocky boulders. Take some time to explore the boulders until sunset, where the expansive views from the summit are perfect for sunset photography. Learn more.
4. Compton Peak
Photo: Elyse Clark
At Compton Peak you will hike two short spur trails for a total of 2.4 miles round trip. One spur trail has beautiful views of the northern section of Shenandoah National Park, and the second spur trail leads to unique geologic features called columnar basalts, which formed as an ancient lava flow cooled and condensed. Learn more.
5. Bearfence Mountain
Photo: Elyse Clark
This short loop of 1.2 miles has an exciting rock scramble leading to some of the best views in the park. The trail is lined with wildflowers in the spring and summer, but the views from the summit are unrivaled in the fall. Learn more.
6. Whiteoak Canyon
Photo: Christin Healey
Whiteoak Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park, and for good reason. This 4.8 mile round trip hike descends from the Skyline Drive 1200’ to a beautiful 86’ waterfall. Adding an additional 2.7 miles enables you to see five other cascades and to find a good swimming hole to cool off in during the summer. Learn more.
7. Hawksbill Mountain
Photo: Elyse Clark
Hawksbill Mountain is the tallest point in Shenandoah National Park at 4050’. This moderate hike has beautiful 270 degree views, and is the perfect spot to catch a sunset in the park without having to worry about a long hike back down to your car. Learn more.
Cover photo: Elyse Clark
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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