Top Hikes In Shenandoah National Park

If you are looking for adventure and a beautiful destination to visit, you must hike in Shenandoah National Park.  Explore the stunning overlooks and catch a glimpse of the wonderful wildlife! Learn about the park at the many visitor centers and spend the weekend camping in the many excellent campgrounds.

There are over 500 miles of trails throughout the Park. Leading to amazing waterfalls, stunning overlooks, and even part of the Appalachian Trail. With so many options to choose from it is hard to pick a hike. In this blog, we will discuss the best hikes to take in Shenandoah, that are the right fit for you. 

There are many factors that come into play when choosing a hike such as how much time you have, how far you wish to challenge yourself, and where you are visiting the park.

Time to Hike

If you have less than 3 hours, one of the best hikes to take is Bearfence Viewpoint. It takes about 1 hour in total. Begin at the Bearfence parking (Skyline Drive mile 56). Cross Skyline Drive and climb the stairs to begin. At the trail post, head south on the Appalachian Trail south. (If you wish to lengthen your hike, take the path with the rock scramble.) Turn left on the connector trail, then right onto Bearfence Loop Trail. The viewpoint will be on your right. Then return to the parking lot the way you came up.

Sugarloaf Circuit is a perfect loop to take if you want to have a picnic lunch. Start at the Piney River parking (Skyline mile 22). Take the Piney Branch Upper Trail, then take a left at the trail post. Make two more lefts as you loop around the Sugarloaf Circuit. You will pass over Skyline Drive, near Hogback Overlook. Take one final left turn onto the Appalachian Trail back to the parking lot. The total time is around 3 and a half hours.

Browns Gap. Start your day early at Browns Gap parking (Skyline mile 83). Cross the road and start on Browns Gap Fire Road and make a right at the trail post. At the Jones Run parking area take a right onto the Appalachian Trail and follow it back to your starting point. The total time is around seven hours.

Hiking Difficulty

Hikes in Shenandoah are ranked Easiest, Moderate, and Strenuous. Whether you wish to challenge yourself or just love to take a stroll through nature, these are the best to take.

Easiest

The hikes that are marked easiest are for anyone who loves to walk. They have a slight incline and are less than 3 miles. Fort Windham Rocks is perfect for beginner hikers. Starting at Compton Gap parking (Skyline mile 10.4) follow the Appalachian Trail until you reach a trail post, then turn left. You will reach the Fort Windham Rocks around 300 yards. 

Moderate

If you are looking for a challenge, check out the moderate-level hikes. These have more inclines, and steeper sections, and are around 3-5 miles long. 

Rose River Loop. Starting at Fishers Gap parking (Skyline mile 49.4) cross the road and take a left onto the Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail (yellow blazed). In about half a mile take the Rose River Loop Trail (blue-blazed). You will pass stunning waterfalls! As you make your way back take the road (yellow-blazed) and a right as you cross the bridge.

Strenuous

Strenuous hikes involve longer, steeper, and more elevation. It also may involve rock climbing, and crossing streams, and can be 7-10 miles long. 

Old Rag is a perfect example. From the parking lot, take the Ridge Trail (blue-blazed) to the left.  You will hike along the trail until you reach the intersection. Turn right, and then another right onto Weakley Hollow Fire Road (yellow-blazed) to return to the parking lot.

Where In The Park To Hike

If you find yourself visiting the Northern part of the Shenandoah National Park, check out the Snead Farm Loop. This is a perfect hike to start the day. Stop by the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center and pick up your souvenirs. Soak in nature’s beauty, catch a glimpse of Snead Barn, and get your day’s worth of exercise on this excellent trail loop.

The southern part of Shenandoah National Park is a more remote area but offers plenty of trails to waterfalls, majestic views, and rocky slopes.  If you are visiting the southern part of the park, take the Turk Mountain Hike. This will lead you on the Appalachian Trail and to the most beautiful summit.

There are many hikes to take in the Central part of Shenandoah National Park. One of the more rocky climbs is Miller’s Head. The trail starts near the amphitheater and leads to a wonderful viewpoint! Keep in mind, the trail is rocky and can be a bit steep.

Thank you for reading!

If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!