There are too many states in the USA that you may find it hard to decide which states you should visit first and which states you can skip and visit later when you come back to the country. One thing is for sure, you would not want to skip Virginia and keep it for later. Why visit Virginia? Because of a charming small town called Shenandoah. Even though Shenandoah is only a small town, it is blessed with the remarkable beauty of nature. You will understand it when you set foot inside Shenandoah National Park. If you are a nature lover and you’re fond of outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking, Shenandoah is your place. Keep reading to find the top hiking and trekking spots in Shenandoah, Virginia.
1. Old Rag Hike
The first one on the list is Old Rag Hike, one of the most beautiful and rewarding hikes in Shenandoah. The trail can be found within Shenandoah National Park and it is considered by many to be challenging and arduous. If you have never hiked before, you are welcome to challenge yourself. But, considering that the trail stretches for as far as 9.2 miles (approximately 15km), you may not want to tag along your kids and the elderly. It will take about six hours to complete the entire journey and along the way, you will have to face rocky ground here, uneven ground there, natural stairs and massive boulders, among others.
Old Rag Hike
Address: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States
Price: 20 USD
2. Hawksbill Mountain
There is no way you would want to skip Hawksbill Mountain because this is the highest point in Shenandoah National Park. You know what it means when you get to the highest point; you can admire unobstructed views and you will feel closer to the sky than when you follow the other trails. Because of its status as the highest point, Hawksbill Mountain is highly popular among hikers and the top may be packed with hikers during the busy season. The starting point of the Hawksbill Mountain hike is at the Upper Hawksbill parking area and it will only take fewer than two hours for completion.
Hawksbill Mountain
Address: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
Price: 20 USD
3. Dark Hollow Falls
Dark Hollow Falls is considered to be one of the most popular hiking and trekking trails in Shenandoah because it is easy and quick. It does not matter whether you have any previous hiking experience. People of all ages should be able to follow the good and seamless path along the way, making Dark Hollow Falls one of the best places to have a family vacation together. You may encounter some rocky patches every now and then, but they should not be a problem. You know you have completed your journey when you get to the waterfalls. Then, you can relax and enjoy the water for a bit.
Dark Hollow Falls
Address: Skyline Dr, Stanley, VA 22851, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Rose River Loop Hike
From Dark Hollow Falls, you are presented with two options. The first one is turning around and going back to follow the path from which you came. The second one is continuing down the trail because Dark Hollow Falls is actually connected to Rose River Loop Hike, which is situated in the lower section. To finish the whole Rose River Loop Hike, it will take approximately 1.5 hours, so this should be another easy and quick hike.
Rose River Loop Hike
Address: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
Price: 20 USD
5. Whiteoak Canyon Falls Hike
If you choose Whiteoak Canyon Falls Hike, you should opt for the most popular trail, which is Cedar Run Trail. Even though the trail is considered to be strenuous to many hikers, you can enjoy some relaxation along the way, and of course, great views of the eight waterfalls. The Whiteoak Cascades is extremely beautiful and you should spare a longer time here than at the other waterfalls. What we meant by relaxation is that you will see a place that has plenty of water and you can soak your feet in the water or even swim, and you will feel rejuvenated before continuing on your journey.
Whiteoak Canyon Falls Hike
Address: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
Price: 20 USD
6. Stony Man Loop Trail
Why do you need to follow the Stony Man Loop Trail? Because this trail is the second highest point within Shenandoah National Park. The trail is basically the main ground with some small rocks here and there. This should not be a challenge for anyone. Kids and the elderly should be able to follow the trail easily and within one hour, you will already get to the top. All the fatigue that you may feel during the trekking and hiking will disappear at an instant once you marvel at the dramatic views of Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten and Allegheny Mountains from high above.
Stony Man Loop Trail
Address: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
Price: 20 USD
7. Blackrock Summit Hike
Blackrock Summit Hike does not present too many challenges, except for some rocky tracks that you will encounter occasionally, which is why when talking about difficulty level, it ranges between easy and moderate. You will be rewarded with the remarkable views of the Blackrock Summit of course, but that is not all. From Blackrock Summit Hike, you can easily make a stop at some remote areas of the park-like Trayfoot Mountain Trail and Furnace Mountain Trail for complete immersion in the beauty of nature.
Blackrock Summit Hike
Address: Appalachian Trail, Grottoes, VA 24441, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Mary’s Rock via the Pinnacle Picnic Area
Mary’s Rock boasts, arguably, the most amazing panorama in the entire Shenandoah National Park, which is a compelling enough reason for you to pursue this hiking trail. You can start your journey at Pinnacle Picnic Area and go all the way up for approximately three hours. Mary’s Rock is among the most popular Appalachian Trail and the difficulty level of this hike is moderate.
Mary’s Rock via the Pinnacle Picnic Area
Address: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
Price: 30 USD
9. Bearfence Mountain
What about Bearfence Mountain? The mountain trail is perfect for those who aim at completing a short but challenging trail. You are going to have to climb with hands and feet over numerous rock ledges. The whole trail covers the distance of 1.2 miles (approximately 1.9km) and those with previous hiking experience should be able to finish the hiking and trekking in two hours. All the effort you put in will be worth it once you get to the top as you will be presented with 360-degree vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Bearfence Mountain
Address: Skyline Dr, Elkton, VA 22827, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 30 USD
10. Rapidan Camp Hike
Last but not least is Rapidan Camp Hike that promises a spectacular setting in the woods where you can find the Rapidan Camp itself. You are not to miss this one because of its main attraction, namely Big Rock Falls that you will stumble upon once you start your hike. The Big Rock Falls is known for its enticing pool. When you reach the camp, you may want to spend at least one hour to take a walk along the short trails adjacent to the building.
Rapidan Camp Hike
Address: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
Discover the best of Shenandoah
As you can see, Shenandoah features numerous trekking and hiking spots that you should visit. If you want to discover the best of Shenandoah and create beautiful memories and stories that are worth sharing; there is no other way but taking part in the trekking and hiking activities. You can enjoy the unparalleled vistas of Shenandoah, not to mention that you will also stay healthy during your vacation because you are going to spend many hours doing the hiking and trekking.
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