15 Best Day Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

More than 500 miles of hiking trails zigzag their way through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.

From easy strolls in meadows to strenuous mountain ascents, the variety of day hikes in Shenandoah National Park allows pretty much every visitor to experience the great outdoors in the way that suits them best.

Although cycling on Skyline Drive is also a superb way to see this scenic mountain-and-forest park, it’s hiking in Shenandoah National Park that offers to most intense and hands-on immersion in nature.

Depending on your physical ability (or willingness to get tired and sweaty), there are several trails in Shenandoah you can choose from.

This blog post about the best day hikes in Shenandoah National Park contains affiliate links. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here.

Hiking Shenandoah National Park: Top Trails For Views, Waterfalls & More

Below, I’ve divided my favorite day hikes in Shenandoah National Park into five categories—viewpoints, waterfalls, easy, wilderness, and long.

You’ll find a short description of each trail, along with details such as distance and type of hike, duration, level of difficulty, and location of the trailhead.

I’ve also included a suggested time of day to do each specific hike. Some are awesome at sunrise or sunset, while others, particularly the woodland hikes, are excellent throughout the day. All of them are brilliant in the fall season.

Best Shenandoah National Park Hikes to Viewpoints

Frazier Discovery Trail

One of the most fun short day hikes in Shenandoah National Park, the Frazier Discovery Trail loops its way past a scenic rocky outcrop.

Easily accessible from the Loft Mountain Campground and Loft Mountain Wayside, the trail is short and involves a moderate climb.

This pleasant trail runs through fairly new woodland—farmland reclaimed after the park’s establishment—and gives you an insight in what a pioneer forest looks like.

On the way, you’ll pass young plants and trees, species that show up first when an area in the Blue Ridge is allowed to go its natural course. You’ll see pioneer species such as blackberry, coralberry, hawthorn, Virginia creeper and black locust.

The main highlight of this trail, however, is the beautiful view from the rocky outcrop.

This 180-degree panorama takes in Skyline Drive, visible as a clear ribbon cutting through the forest near the mountains’ crest, and the endlessly rolling mountains themselves.

Because of the vegetation along the trail, as well as its amazing viewpoint, the Frazier Discovery Trail is one of the best short fall hikes in Shenandoah National Park.

• Distance: 1.2 miles, loop
• Duration: 1 hour
• Difficulty: easy
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 79.5 at the Loft Mountain Wayside
• Suggested time of day: this is a great little hike to do late in the afternoon
• Map: Loft Mountain Area

Bearfence Mountain Trail

Having hiked this trail three times—the most of any Shenandoah hike—this is my absolute favorite mountain hike in the park.

Bearfence Mountain is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Shenandoah National Park, but is also pretty awesome at sunset. The view from the summit isn’t a full 360 degrees, but it’s close enough.

The beauty of this short hike is the rugged, rock-strewn summit, offering spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley in the distance.

The hike itself is quite short, but does involve a serious rock scramble toward the top. Don’t wear a big backpack on this hike and make sure you are in decent physical shape. You’ll have to pull yourself up with your arms at one point.

I recommend hiking the Bearfence Mountain Trail in a clockwise direction.

This way, the steepest rock scramble is on the way up while the descent is easier. The counterclockwise descent can be a challenge because of that rather steep section.

• Distance: 1.2 miles, loop
• Duration: 1 hour
• Difficulty: moderate but steep
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 56.5 at the Bearfence Mountain parking lot
• Suggested time of day: superb for sunrises and sunsets, the first of which is by far the quietest time of the day

Hightop Mountain Trail

Hightop Mountain is one of Shenandoah’s less-known summit hikes. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it, though. To the contrary rather, just because it’s less popular, it offers some relaxing woodland solitude.

This is the highest summit in the South District, located just south of the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station. It offers fine views of the Shenandoah Valley as well as a brief Appalachian Trail experience.

There are three places you can start this hike, all offering access to the AT—Swift Run Gap Entrance Station, Hightop Mountain Parking and Smith Roach Gap.

All three are good options, but I personally like the Smith Roach Gap approach best, simply because this allows you to make this a semi-loop hike, as opposed to an out-and-back hike.

From the trailhead, follow the AT north until the sign that marks the Hightop Mountain summit.

The views, however, await about 50 yards further down the trail. Retrace your steps on the AT for a bit and, to make this a semi-loop, turn left when it intersects with the fire road. Continue down the fire road until you get back to your car.

• Distance: 3.8 miles, reversed lariat
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: moderate
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 68.6 at the small Smith Roach Gap parking lot
• Suggested time of day: a quiet trail, this makes for a pleasant afternoon hike
• Map: South River Area

Hawksbill Summit Loop

One of the most popular day hikes in Shenandoah National Park, if not the most popular Skyline Drive hike, Hawksbill Summit is the tallest mountain in the park.

There are three options here—the Lower Hawksbill Trail, the Upper Hawksbill Trail and the Hawksbill Loop Hike.

I strongly recommend the 2.9-mile loop hike, just because that one doesn’t make you go back the same way you came.

Once you reach the Byrds Nest 2 Shelter, it’s a short stroll to the rocky summit and viewing platform. This is the highest point in the whole park, so, naturally, the views of Shenandoah National Park‘s ridges and slopes are excellent.

• Distance: 2.9 miles, loop
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: moderate
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 45.5 at the Hawksbill Gap parking area
• Suggested time of day: a popular destination, Hawksbill Summit is best ascended early in the morning
• Map: Hawksbill Area

Turk Mountain Trail

In my opinion, Turk Mountain is one of the most underrated summit day hikes in Shenandoah National Park. The trail is in the South District and is, in fact, one of the park’s southernmost hiking trails.

On this moderate hike, you’ll make your way straight to the summit of Turk Mountain. First hiking through a beautiful woodland, you will suddenly emerge from the trees onto a rugged and rocky summit.

The westward views from the top are stunning—and definitely underrated/underpromoted.

• Distance: 2.2 miles, out and back
• Duration: 1 hour
• Difficulty: moderate
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 94.1 at the Turk Gap parking lot
• Suggested time of day: this is a relatively quiet trail and any time is good, but sunset is potentially great
• Map: Riprap Area

Stony Man Trail

If you’re looking for Shenandoah National Park day hikes that are great for sunsets, the Stony Man Trail is your best option.

Even though it can get crowded on weekend nights, due to its proximity to Skyland, I absolutely love this trail.

Named after a jumble of rocks that, when seen from a distance, somewhat resemble the face of a man, Stony Man provides some of the greatest views in the entire park. And I don’t say that lightly—there are plenty of awesome vistas in these mountains.

At 4,011 feet high, this is the second-highest mountain in the park, after Hawksbill Summit.

The trail to the top is almost ridiculously short, only 0.8 miles, and is suitable for pretty much everyone except for wheelchair users.

The panoramic view from the summit spans more than 180 degrees and includes the Blue Ridge Mountains on both sides and the huge Shenandoah Valley right beneath you.

At sunset, it’s nothing short of sensational up there. This is arguably the best spot to watch the sunset in Shenandoah National Park.

• Distance: 1.6 miles, out and back
• Duration: 1 hour
• Difficulty: easy
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 41.7, at the Stony Man parking lot at Skyland
• Suggested time of day: sunset, sunset, sunset!
• Map: Skyland Area

Millers Head Trail

The easy-yet-scenic Millers Head Trail starts at Skyland, on the opposite side of the lodge from the Stony Man trailhead. It runs from the amphitheater up a hill to a superb viewpoint, which is the location of a former fire tower.

The panoramic view encompasses the western slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park, as well as the farmlands, towns and roads of the Shenandoah Valley way down below.

• Distance: 1.6 miles, out and back
• Duration: 1 hour
• Difficulty: easy
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 42.5, up the hill from the Skyland Amphitheater
• Suggested time of day: late-afternoon
• Map: Skyland Area

Best Hikes to Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park

Doyles River – Jones Run Falls Trail

In spring and early summer, the Doyles River – Jones Run Loop is one of the absolute best day hikes in Shenandoah National Park.

In fact, this may just be my favorite hike in the entire park, which is absolutely one of the greatest American national parks for waterfalls.

Even though none of the waterfalls on this hike are extraordinarily tall or spectacular, it’s the setting and scenery that set this hike apart from the rest.

This great loop hike includes a few gorgeous waterfalls in Doyles River and one particularly scenic one in Jones Run. The numerous swimming holes you’ll find along the way make this a superb hike on a balmy day.

However, the best time of year for this hike is spring. When meltwater feeds the streams of the Blue Ridge, these cascades grow exponentially in size.

• Distance: 7.8 miles, loop
• Duration: 4 hours
• Difficulty: moderately strenuous
• Trailhead: a few different options, but the Doyles River parking lot at Skyline Drive MP 81.1 is the most strategic
• Suggested time of day: any time works
• Map: Loft Mountain Area

South River Falls Trail

The third-highest waterfall in the park, South River Falls makes for a wonderful day hike. Falling 83 feet (25 meters) from a rocky ledge, the waterfall actually consists of two falls—one above the other.

Its setting at a sheer, imposing rock face makes this one of the most impressive waterfalls in Shenandoah.

It’s good to know, though, that spring is the best time of year to do this hike. The water loses much of its volume and power once summer rolls in.

The hike itself is quiet and scenic, the trail running down a hollow and through the woods before arriving at the rock wall and waterfall.

• Distance: 4.4 miles, out and back
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: moderate
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 62.8 at the South River Picnic Area
• Suggested time of day: a good hike throughout the day
• Map: South River Area

Dark Hollow Falls Trail

One of the most popular day hikes in Shenandoah National Park, and the busiest waterfall hike, Dark Hollow Falls lies just north of Big Meadows.

Considering that the hike is only 1.4 miles roundtrip, it offers huge rewards for relatively little effort.

That said, be aware that this trail is short but also quite steep. It runs into and back out of a wooded hollow, one of Shenandoah’s main characteristics, and I therefore recommend that you wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle.

Don’t underestimate its steepness or overestimate your physical ability. I’ve seen plenty of tourists huff, puff and sweat their way back up to the parking lot.

This is, however, the one waterfall hike I suggest you do if you only have one day to spend in the park. It’s by far the shortest trail to a waterfall.

• Distance: 1.4 miles, out and back
• Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Difficulty: moderate
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 50.7 at the Dark Hollow Falls parking lot
• Suggested time of day: any time, but quietest in the morning
• Map: Big Meadows Area

Rose River Falls Trail

If you’re looking for a pleasant hike alongside a bubbling stream, the Rose River Falls Trail is one of your best options.

I think this is one of the nicest day hikes in Shenandoah National Park. It’s not spectacular or remarkable in any way, but it is exceptionally scenic and peaceful.

The trail follows the Rose River, which tumbles down countless small ledges and rocks. This creates a wonderful series of cascades and waterfalls, spread out over several hundreds of yards (meters).

What makes this hike even nicer is that, after every fall, the water tends to regroup in a swimming hole.

After you’ve followed Rose River and bathed in its refreshing water, you can retrace your steps back to the parking lot. Another, more recommended, option is to continue your hike and follow Hogcamp Branch, a small stream also with its fair share of cascades.

This makes it a beautiful loop hike, ending at the same parking lot where you started. Additionally, this way, you will also have the opportunity to make a short detour to nearby Dark Hollow Falls.

• Distance: 4 miles, loop
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: moderate
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 49.4 at the Fishers Gap parking lot
• Suggested time of day: any time, this is a quiet trail
• Map: Big Meadows Area

Whiteoak Canyon Trail

Running past no fewer than six waterfalls—three upper falls and three lower falls—, the Whiteoak Canyon Trail is one of the most rewarding waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park. It is, however, also one of the park’s most difficult trails.

The trail descents from Skyline Drive through a rocky gorge to the foot of the mountains. You can turn things around, too, and start the hike on the lower end of the trail.

The Skyline Drive trailhead is the most accessible starting point; the lower trailhead lies outside the park’s eastern border and involves a rather long drive on quiet country roads. The choice is yours, though.

Starting below and climbing up leaves the much easier descent for last, while a Skyline Drive start means that you’ll have to climb up on the way back. Either way, you’ll have to do the same amount of climbing.

For an even bigger challenge, you can combine the Whiteoak Canyon Trail with the Cedar Run Trail to create a strenuous 7.7-mile loop. This adds two more waterfalls to your hike.

• Distance: at least 6 miles, out and back
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Difficulty: strenuous
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 42.6 at the Whiteoak parking area, or the lower trailhead at the Whiteoak Boundary Parking off Route 600. (Skyline Drive MP 45.6 at the Hawksbill Gap parking lot is recommended for the Whiteoak Canyon – Cedar Run Loop)
• Suggested time of day: any time, but this is a long hike, so start early
• Map: Whiteoak Canyon Area

Best Easy Stroll in Shenandoah National Park

Big Meadows Nature Trails

One of the star attractions in Shenandoah National Park, Big Meadows is in the park’s very heart.

This is where you’ll find the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center, Big Meadows Lodge, a wayside, a campground, bathrooms and the park’s only gas station.

Across Skyline Drive from all these facilities lies Big Meadows itself. A historic farming area, this large grassy expanse is one of the best Shenandoah wildlife viewing spots.

At dawn, deer prance all over the place, while black bears can occasionally be seen foraging on woodland’s edge.

There are no designated trails here, but you’re free to explore as you please. Do try, however, to stick to the already well-trodden pathways through the grass, as to avoid damaging any plants or compressing any soil.

A stroll in Big Meadows can last only ten minutes or as long as a whole afternoon. It’s up to you!

• Distance: various
• Duration: various
• Difficulty: easy
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 51 at the Big Meadows visitor complex
• Suggested time of day: any time of day is excellent, but the best wildlife spotting is early in the morning
• Map: Big Meadows Area

Best Wilderness Day Hike in Shenandoah National Park

Trayfoot Mountain-Paine Run Loop

The Trayfoot Mountain-Paine Run Loop may just be one of the most underrated Shenandoah National Park day hikes. This is an absolute beauty of a hike. Moreover, it’s certain to offer you the solitude and quietness you may be looking for.

This remote hike leads you deep into the park’s pristine wilderness—no less than 40% of Shenandoah’s surface area is designated wilderness. There are a number of things that make this hike so recommended.

For starters, it leads you past/over Blackrock Summit, one of the most scenic mountain summits in the park. The trail then continues along a ridge to the top of Trayfoot Mountain (no views) before descending into the wilderness.

The last section of the Trayfoot Mountain Trail and the first of the Paine Run Trail, around the Paine Run crossing, is where your chances of spotting a black bear are highest.

When I hiked this trail, I did see a moderately sized bear jump out of a tree right before I walked past. It quickly ran off, though.

Just because you’re hiking in wilderness, miles from the nearest road or house, this is a great area for bear spotting—exactly why I recommend this hike so much.

Additionally, after our hike, right after we got back in our car, we came across another bear (family) that crossed Skyline Drive.

• Distance: 9.6 miles, loop
• Duration: 5 hours
• Difficulty: moderately strenuous
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive MP 87.4 at Blackrock Gap
• Suggested time of day: this is a rather long hike, so start early

Best Long Day Hike in Shenandoah National Park

Old Rag Mountain Trail

The park’s most popular and most dangerous mountain, Old Rag also makes for one of the best day hikes in Shenandoah National Park.

This is a long and challenging hike and you’ll have to scale numerous boulders, climb through cliffs and ascent ledges.

There are no ropes or any other aides along the trail, so the use of your hands is often necessary.

Being able to lift your own body weight is a good indication of the fitness level you’ll need. Be prepared and know what awaits you when starting this hike.

If your physical fitness is good and you’ve left your fear of heights at home, this hike could just be one of the best ones you’ve ever done.

This hike is not just a hike. It’s an experience and an adventure, and it’s all rewarded with sensational views from the summit.

As the park’s website correctly states: “a day on Old Rag is one of Shenandoah’s premier experiences”. Just be aware of the dangers and be prepared.

Make sure to bring plenty of food and water, but don’t overpack. Hiking Old Rag involves rock scrambling and a big backpack will only get in your way. (Trust me on this, I had my large camera backpack with me.)

Also note that of all Shenandoah National Park day hikes, this is the only one that doesn’t start from Skyline Drive. The trailhead lies near a parking lot in the village of Nethers, Virginia.

• Distance: 9.2 miles, loop
• Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Difficulty: very strenuous
• Trailhead: Old Rag parking area and fee station, Nethers, Virginia
• Suggested time of day: this is an extremely popular hike, so arrive at the trailhead early in the morning to secure a parking spot and enjoy a (relatively) quiet hike; best on weekdays
• Map: Old Rag Area

Hiking in Shenandoah National Park – Tips for Success

Hitting the trails in Shenandoah National Park is always a delight. As I said before, it’s by far the best way to experience the glorious beauty of the Blue Ridge.

However, I urge you to keep in mind that this is still a wild place. Shenandoah is not an urban park and, even though wildlife sightings are common, it’s definitely not a zoo either.

You’re in the mountains, whether on rugged summits or in deep, wooded hollows. If things go wrong or you misjudge the time needed for a hike or your own ability, help is often also a hike away.

So, with that in mind, prepare and be aware. The topics below are things you should know when going on day hikes in Shenandoah National Park.

Don’t skip this part! They’re all essential—the very key—to a successful and memorable hike.

1. Water and Food

Even though many hikes listed in this post are (relatively) short, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t take some time to complete them. Carry at least 20 oz. (600 ml) of water, much more on warm days.

Old Rag and other longer hikes, for example, should not be hiked without more than a liter of water—and that’s the absolute minimum.

Always bring some day hiking snacks with you as well. The classic hiking food such as trailmix, energy bars and dried fruit works well, is healthy and tasty. But there’s really nothing like packing a freshly made sandwich and having lunch on the side of a trail!

2. Bears

Shenandoah is bear country and one of the best national parks for wildlife watching. In fact, it’s said that the park has one of America’s densest concentrations of black bears.

When driving Skyline Drive, bear sightings are a major highlight. And they do happen quite often. During hikes, too, you may run into a bear.

It is vital to know what to do and how to behave when you encounter a black bear on the trail:

1. Park regulations require that you stay at least 50 yards away from the bear, so keep your distance.
2. Make noises, whistle, shout, talk, sing, clap your hands to notify the bear of your presence.
3. In case the bear approaches you, back away slowly but, by no means, turn your back to the bear. Make yourself as large as possible, hold your backpack over your heard and keep making noise.
4. Keep children close and stay in group. (Hiking with a partner or buddy is always a good idea, not only because of possible bear encounters, but also just in case something else happens.)
5. If the bear charges, always stand your ground. Talk to it in a calm, monotone voice and wave your arms. It’s typically a bluff charge.
6. In case the bear does attack, fight back as hard as you can. Actual black bear attacks are extremely rare (none has ever been recorded in Shenandoah, a place with abundant food supplies for the bears) but they are almost without exception predatory in nature. Black bears are not that big and if they notice that you’re more trouble than expected, they will back off.

Remember that black bears are generally friendly and curious animals. They tend to keep to themselves and typically leave the area once they notice the presence of humans.

The only exception is when food’s present, which is why you must store your food in bear-proof containers and always clean up after yourself.

Trust me when I say that a black bear sighting in the wild is an exhilarating experience. I’ve seen more than fifteen bears on various visits and it’s always a real treat.

Don’t let this section scare you. It’s only meant to inform you, so you can enjoy Shenandoah in a safer and more conscious way. Just wait until you spot a bear. You’ll be absolutely delighted.

3. Gear

Of all these day hikes in Shenandoah National Park, none except for Big Meadows are on flat surfaces. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes are an absolutely necessity when hiking in Shenandoah.

Hiking poles aren’t necessary but can be useful on many trails. The surface of basically all trails is pretty rocky and rootsy. Trails near waterfalls or in hollows may be wet and slippery, so having some extra support can be convenient.

Note that rock scrambles such as Bearfence Mountain and Old Rag are much easier with a small backpack. Leave your hiking poles in the car on those particular two hikes, too.

Remember that you’re in the mountains, so I advise that you look into the weather forecast before going on a hike.

You don’t want to arrive at an exposed summit just when a thunderstorm rolls in, nor do you want to find yourself deep in the wilderness during a heavy rain shower.

It is always a good idea to bring an extra layer of clothing with you. That could be a rain jacket or fleece sweater.

In case of rain, ponchos are super-convenient, lightweight and easy to throw over yourself and your backpack in just seconds.

Long story short, make sure you have the proper hiking (and camping) gear for your particular adventure in Shenandoah National Park.

4. Pets

Shenandoah National Park is one of the few national parks in America that allow visitors to hike with their pets.

That’s not to say there aren’t any rules, though. The “leave no trace” principle applies to both humans and pets—don’t leave anything behind.

Additionally, pets must always be on a leash, which cannot be longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters). Also note that pets are not allowed on all trails.

You can find more information about pets in Shenandoah National Park here.

5. Trail Markings

All hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park are well marked with colored paint on trees or rocks. Blue paint indicates the regular trails, while yellow paint indicates horse trails or fire roads. The Appalachian Trail is indicated by the iconic white blazes.

At pretty much every trail intersection, you’ll find a cement post. These posts have a metal wrapping around their top, on which trails, directions and distances are clearly marked.

Even though Shenandoah’s trails are clearly marked and getting lost is very unlikely, it is still a good idea to have a map (and compass) with you. Sometimes, you just want to doublecheck your map to make sure you’re going in the right direction.

This Shenandoah National Park map by National Geographic is probably the best  and most detailed map of the park you’ll find anywhere.

More About Shenandoah National Park

• Park Website
• Travel Guide
• Topographic Map
• Top Things To Do in Shenandoah National Park
• Where to See Wildlife in Shenandoah National Park
• Best Viewpoints
• Fall Foliage in Shenandoah National Park
• Shenandoah National Park Dog Rules
• Accommodation

Have You Ever Done Any of These Best Day Hikes in Shenandoah National Park Day? Are There Other Shenandoah Hiking Trails You Really Recommend? Share Your National Parks Experience in the Comments Below!

Other National Park Hikes

• Day Hikes in Acadia National Park, Maine
• Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
• Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
• Backpacking in the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park
• Best Hikes in Arches National Park, Utah
• Recommended Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
• Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, California
• Best Haleakala National Park Hikes in Maui, Hawaii
• Top Hikes in Redwood National and State Parks, California