Hawksbill area shenandoah national park us department of. The big meadows area is one of the most visited in shenandoah national park and includes the byrd visitor center, dining and lodging options, camping, and a variety of hikes. Public campgrounds are accessible for cars and rvs and feature amenities including restrooms, shops, and concessions. In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of massanutten mountain. Shenandoah national park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you are planning a backcountry trip or longer hike that is not included on the dayuse maps, you can purchase a topographic map of the park at any of the visitor centers or online from the shenandoah national park association or the potomac appalachian trail club patc. Shenandoah national park national geographic trails illustrated. Take training hikes, practice knots, test equipment and technology, prepare for bears and ticks, find camp sites, determine water sources and food resupply, arrange for transportation, and complete a backcountry camping permit. Looking for a great trail in shenandoah national park, virginia. Park boundary trailhead accesses are generally in remote areas.
The superfeet guide to backpacking at shenandoah national park. Click the image to view a full size jpg 50 kb or download. Hiking in shenandoah national park virginia is for lovers. The stony man hike is an easy hike with slight to moderate inclines and a well marked trail that is very easy to follow. While the park is open year round, much of skyline drive is subject to seasonal hours. Quartz, granite, and greenstone outcrops jut above the diverse forest, allowing farflung views of the blue ridge and surrounding shenandoah valley. The 10 best shenandoah national park hiking trails with. We recommend purchasing shenandoah national park national geographic trails illustrated map, hiking shenandoah national park and best easy day hikes shenandoah national park to help plan your adventure in shenandoah national park.
Many of the best hikes in the park are relatively short, although often steep and sometimes intense, and lead to astounding views or impressive natural features. Some trails lead to panoramic vistas, some to spectacular waterfalls, while others penetrate deep into shenandoahs wilderness and offer solitude for hikers and backpackers. Things to do in shenandoah national park, virginia. Shenandoah national park covers the rolling, treetopped terrain of virginias blue ridge mountains. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails here, along with what many say is the most scenic stretch of the appalachian trail. One unusual thing about this hike is that the trail is mostly downhill as you walk out to the observatory. Elevations vary from 4,050 feet atop hawksbill down to less than 550 feet near. Blackrock, chimney rock, trayfoot mountain, wildcat ridge, calvary rocks, and other areas are all accessible from here. There is so much more to explore including scenic overlooks, waterfalls of the shenandoah river, and hawksbill mountain, the highest peak. Nov 29, 2018 its along the top of this narrow strip of mountains that shenandoah national park is situated, with the appalachian trail running down the middle for its entire length.
There are also small pools on thornton river, and a nice vista on piney ridge. In shenandoah, its very uncommon to have a steady descent on hikes that offer panoramic vistas. Hiking in shenandoah shenandoah national park hiking trails. It is this beauty near and far that create the unforgettable shenandoah experience. Salamander trail, located near shenandoah national park, virginia is a 0. Read more about hiking to learn about the trails and prepare for your trip.
The 15th edition 2016 of the appalachian trail guide to shenandoah national park and side trails has just been released. Ive provided it because i think its easier to read than the new version. The main spine of the park stretches for 70 miles endtoend, dividing bucolic shenandoah valley from the piedmont to the east. Shenandoah national park hiking top 5 must hike trails. Day hikers are not required to have permits for any hiking in shenandoah national park. Whistler mountain the second summit on the ridge also gave a nice view over the glacier on the north side of the ridge, as well as back to black tusk and the lakes on the north side. Expertly researched and created in partnership with local land management agencies, national geographics trails illustrated map of shenandoah national park provides an unparalleled tool for exploring this beautiful park. The best hikes in shenandoah national park the wandering queen. In august 2016, a friend and i backpacked the 104mile section of the appalachian trail that runs through the lovely shenandoah national park. Appalachian trail section hike roanoke to shenandoah. Shenandoah national park is open yearround, but skyline drive may be closed in the winter due to weather conditions. Shenandoah is a big park, so it may be hard to decide where to stay. The closest major airports are in washington, dc 90 miles, charlottesville 50 miles and weyers cave 45 miles, virginia.
Shenandoah national park is located 75 miles west of washington, d. Scroll down to see a list of suggested hikes with links to maps. Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet 1. Shenandoah national park is virginias only national park and encompasses about 300 square miles of virginias blue ridge mountains. You can reach our in park lodging options from any of the entrances. Make sure to stop and breathe in your surroundings, or peak out at one of the several vantage poi. These maps contain information about roads, trails, and suggested hikes in. Shenandoah national park loop closed virginia alltrails. Area maps check out some maps of trails and roads in shenandoah. Covered in forest, skyline drive and the famous appalachian trail run the entire length of this narrow park. The 10 best shenandoah national park hiking trails tripadvisor. Visit the old fox farm, rich with pioneer vestiges. Shenandoah national park is located about two hours west of washington dc.
Alltrails has 205 great hiking trails, running trails, forest trails and more, with handcurated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed. The stony man hike is an easy hike with slight to moderate inclines and a. Park at the doyles river parking area and then walk about 100 yards south on skyline drive to the big run overlook. This park is on the south fork of the shenandoah river and has more than 1,600 acres along 5. We hiked up ridge trail to the old rag summit and then down saddle trail and the fire road. Preparing to section hike the at through shenandoah national park. Hiking trails near shenandoah national park hiking project. Nov 09, 2016 in august 2016, a friend and i backpacked the 104mile section of the appalachian trail that runs through the lovely shenandoah national park. Shenandoah national park national geographic trails.
When you are out on the trails, look for the concrete trail markers with directional information at trailheads and intersections. Trails in shenandoah national park virginia trail guide. Shenandoah national park topographic map and nearby trails. Jun 07, 2016 shenandoah national park is the scenic mountain haven of the midatlantic, the glittering jewel in the crown of the virginia appalachians. Whether youre a day hiker or a section hiker im omitting thruhikers, since theyll inevitably do this part, i highly recommend strolling through the shenandoah national park. Click the image to view a full size jpg 1 mb or download the pdf 500 kb this is a detail map of mathews arm and elkwallow showing the campground, viewpoints, trails, and picnic areas. Preparing to section hike the at through shenandoah. The mountains system of lifts and gondolas also makes it an excellent summer hiking destination, with the beautiful whistler high note trail.
Leading ridge trail, located near shenandoah national park, virginia is a 1. Shenandoah national park national geographic trails illustrated map national geographic maps trails illustrated on. This edition, with the familiar black bear on the cover, contains essential information about hiking and resources in the shenandoah national park as well as current park regulations related to hiking and camping. Day 2 finishes the riprap trail if you didnt finish it on day 1 and then follows the wildcat ridge trail 2. These regulations protect your experience as well as native animals, park resources, and other visitors. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, camping, and backpacking. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails in shenandoah ranging from easy to very strenuous. Appalachian trail section hike roanoke to shenandoah national park. This is a detail map of big meadows, showing the campground, lodge, visitor center, and hiking trails including the appalachian trail. The main spine of the park stretches for 70 miles endtoend, dividing bucolic shenandoah. The trail also connects w other trails allowing you to make a loop of which ever length you are in the mood to do. Before visiting, please check with individual parks regarding changes to park. Easy access, old farmsteads and a good view create a hike that sums up much of what shenandoah national park offers.
Shenandoah national park is located in the blue ridge mountains of virginia just west of washington, d. Few places in the continental united states can compare to the beauty of shenandoah, and few fisheries offer such large and generous catches for anglers as the streams and rivers of shenandoah national park. Gen dropped me off in rockfish gap at the bottom of the access trail to shenandoah national park snp and i started hiking up the train to the selfregistration kiosk, about a mile away. Best shenandoah national park hike, trail map national. Shenandoah river state park virginia department of. Shenandoah virginias first national park was dedicated july 3, 1936. Hike the appalachian trail in shenandoah national park. Located along the blue ridge mountains, shenandoah national park runs with the broad shenandoah river, valleys, and rolling hills. If you are planning a backcountry trip or longer hike that is not included on the dayuse maps, you can purchase a topographic map of the park at any of the visitor centers or online from the shenandoah national park association or the potomac appalachian.
How to plan and prepare to backpack the 100 miles of the appalachian trail running through shenandoah national park. The 15 best things to do in shenandoah national park. There are a couple of great views at the beginning of the hike at the big run overlook and near the end of the hike as you pass through the doyles river overlook on the appalachian trail the big run basin is the largest single watershed area in shenandoah np. Millers head is a perfect legstretcher with wonderful scenic payoffs. This park is a real gem filled with stunning mountain views, waterfalls, the appalachian trail, and trees that turn brilliant colors in the fall. Hiking trail info for shenandoah national park, old rag mountain, stony man, whiteoak canyon, hawksbill mountain, overall. Shenandoah national park is one the few national parks that allows pets on trails. Thornton river hike hiking virginia, maryland, west. Proper hiking shoes are highly recommended as it is rocky and the extra traction and support on the rocks is a life saver. Shenandoah national park limberlost trail kids in parks. To be more precise, lynn and i began as mere acquaintances, but a friendship slowly emerged through months of online planning, and then blossomed over 7 12 days of 24hour togetherness. Diy guide to the best fly fishing in shenandoah national. You can reach our inpark lodging options from any of the entrances. With over 500 miles of trails, choosing your next hike in shenandoah can be a little daunting.
Take i81 south to i66 east to highway 340 south to the park. Best camping trails in shenandoah national park alltrails. Start your drive on skyline by stopping at shenandoah s visitor centers for trail maps and information. National geographics trails illustrated map of shenandoah national park. This guide is meant to supplement the many excellent general guides to the appalachian trail at. Jun 03, 2011 explore the best hike in shenandoah national park on our trail map, from the editors of national geographic.
Limberlost trail milepost 43, is often enjoyed by persons with mobility challenges. Whether youre a day hiker or a section hiker im omitting thruhikers, since theyll inevitably do this part, i highly recommend strolling through the shenandoah national. Well continue our sectionhiking journey by traveling the length of this popular national park, from us 250i64 near waynesboro, va, in the south, to us 522, just a few. Oct 26, 2016 how to plan and prepare to backpack the 100 miles of the appalachian trail running through shenandoah national park. Start your drive on skyline by stopping at shenandoahs visitor centers for trail maps and information. Backcountry regulations for shenandoah national park appalachian trail beagle gap to rockfish gap south district 5.
Hiking in shenandoah national park shenandoah national park is home to roughly 516 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the appalachian trail. The big run basin is the largest single watershed area in shenandoah np. In the western hills of rural virginia lies the shenandoah valley and the serene shenandoah national park. The 10 best shenandoah national park hiking trails. This hike winds along scenic thornton river, one of the shenandoah national parks north districts prime attractions, passing remnants of old homesteads left over from before the parks creation. If you plan on camping at one of shenandoah s public drivein campgrounds, reservations are strongly recommended. The best hikes in shenandoah national park the wandering. Sep 09, 2019 shenandoah national park in virginia is a beautiful area for hiking, with mountains and valleys, inspiring lookouts, and high waterfalls. Explore the best hike in shenandoah national park on our trail map, from the editors of national geographic. Hike the stony man trail, shenandoah national park, stony. We have been visiting shenandoah national park every other year for the last 30 years and autumn at stony man mountain is our favorite and an automatic mustdo trail. Diy guide to the best fly fishing in shenandoah national park. Oct 21, 2019 shenandoah national park is located just 75 miles west of washington, dc. Finally, if you want to grab a bite to eat posthike, the skyland resort and dining room are just a short walk from the main stony man parking lot.
Side two lists hiking descriptions and safety information. Big run hike hiking virginia, maryland, west virginia. Some trails lead to panoramic vistas, some to spectacular waterfalls, while others penetrate deep into shenandoah s wilderness and offer solitude for hikers and backpackers. This guide includes information about hiking dark hollow falls, the story of the forest trail, the rose river loop, and lewis falls.
These fees are important to supporting the maintenance and rehabilitation of park trails. As such, our guide gives more details for this specific section of the at, and in particular how to access it by train and bus from much of northeast us. Its along the top of this narrow strip of mountains that shenandoah national park is situated, with the appalachian trail running down the middle for its entire length. Best hiking trails in shenandoah national park virginia.
This is a riprap trail map 150 kb, the southernmost hiking trail map for shenandoah. Many skyline drive trailheads connect with the appalachian trail and lead to hidden waterfalls, sylvan hollows, and. The limberlost trailhead is at milepost 43 on the skyline drive. This is the older official shenandoah national park map pre20. Brochures and trail maps shenandoah national park u.
Whether youre a firsttime visitor to shenandoah or a seasoned veteran, there are several mustdo trails worthy of exploring. This is a nice hike in the woods if you like solitude. A shenandoah national park annual pass and other longterm passes may be purchased at the park or by mail information. The rock scramble was amazing and more strenuous as expected, but a lot of fun. In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of massanutten mountain to the west and shenandoah national park to the east. At a clearing near the intersection with the lewis peak trail, there was an interesting view of the huge rock fold on rocky mountain, across the valley.
This hike winds along scenic thornton river, one of the shenandoah national park s north districts prime attractions, passing remnants of old homesteads left over from before the park s creation. A twosided road and trail map of the hawksbill area. Oct 01, 2009 millers head is a perfect legstretcher with wonderful scenic payoffs. Big run hike hiking virginia, maryland, west virginia, and.
127 681 1499 617 1410 739 325 841 1596 747 530 1541 46 450 1017 1404 1228 1187 1100 1285 1314 510 209 33 1131 720 24 1180 888 1294 1497 646 513