Top 5 Hikes in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park

By: Dan
Published On: 12/31/2005 2:00:00 AM

Hiking in the mountains is a time-honored tradition in America and from Thomas Jefferson to Teddy Roosevelt, great minds in history have loved America's mountain wilderness and worked to protect it from development.  These days we need to elect people who love the wilderness like we do in order to protect it for future generations.  For example, our Governor-elect Tim Kaine is an avid hiker who enjoys fishing and camping in the Virginia wilderness.  No doubt he will remain committed to keeping our mountain wilderness pristine. 

So in honor of our beautiful Commonwealth, below are short descriptions of my personal top five hikes in Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah National Park.  The trailheads for each of these hikes are all within two hours drive from anywhere in Northern Virginia and Charlottesville.  They are also highly accessible from Roanoke, Richmond, and Lexington.  I encourage you all to take a journey, and explore the same mountains that Thomas Jefferson did so many years ago.


#5: Bearfence Mountain The trail to Bearfence Mountain runs over a rugged rock climbing area, with one of the best views in the entire park.  On the way, you will scramble to a 360 panoramic view with mountains on all sides. For more information visit the Bearfence Mountain page on Summitpost.org 

For a topozone map of the Bearfence Mountain area, please click here.

#4: Mary's Rock Mary's Rock has a steep, rocky summit that can be reached via a hike up the Appalachian Trail or climbed by scrambling up a large boulder field.  The summit provides beautiful views of the Shenandoah Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley.  For more information visit the Mary's Rock page on Summitpost.org 


For a 3-D view of the hike, please click here.

#3: Stony Man


Stony Man is the 2nd tallest mountain in Shenandoah National Park at 4,010 feet.  The views from the trail are excellent, and at the summit you can go boulder hopping down to rock cliffs for a better vantage point of the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding mountains and hills.  For more information visit the Stony Man page on Summitpost.org 

For a 3-D view of the hike, please click here.

#2: Little Devils Staircase The Little Devils Staircase is one of the most exhilarating hikes in the entire Shenandoah National Park, with about twenty stream crossings over thirty waterfalls in between rock cliffs. The steep section of the hike climbs 1,000 feet in under a mile.  At the top of the trail, a short hike will take you to the Appalachian Trail, where you can reach the lofty summit of Hogback Mountain. For more information visit the Little Devils Staircase route on Summitpost.org

For a 3-D view of the hike, please click here.

#1: Old Rag
Old Rag is perhaps the most popular hiking destination in Shenandoah National Park. Although lower in elevation than its larger Shenandoah Neighbors, it has unobstructed views for a majority of the trip.  In fact, reaching Old Rag via the standard route involves climbing on your hands and knees, jumping across boulders, and sliding beneath rock walls.  This is a true wonder of the Appalachian Mountains and should not be missed.  I suggest hiking in Spring, Fall, or winter and avoid weekends if at all possible due to the crowds.  For more information visit the Old Rag Route page on Summitpost.org


For a 3-D view of the hike, please click here.

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HAPPY TRAILS FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT RAISING KAINE!


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