Hiking

PATC Vining Tract Trail

2021-05-17T20:30:26+00:00

Vista; 3 miles; moderate; map

A great local hike adjacent to the Shenandoah National Park. Take Goose Pond Road up the mountain and park in the circle on the left just before the fire road gate. The trail is on the right side of the fire road about 100 feet beyond the gate. The first 1 mile is uphill then levels out briefly before heading back down hill and returning via the fire road. The trail is a loop trail and passes a cool old spring structure on the way up. At the top, there is a cliff with beautiful views of the Stanardsville area.

PATC Entry Run Tract

2019-02-06T14:20:57+00:00

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) Entry Run Tract is a beautiful local hike with options! Looking for a quick, easy walk? Try Quercus Loop Trail. Need something a bit more strenuous for a couple of hours? Entry Run Trail should work! Best of all, these hikes are in our own backyard, free, and maintained by PATC. Limited parking is available at the end of Entry Run Rd and there are no restroom facilities.

Trail Map

Mary's Rock

2026-06-24T14:42:20+00:00

Vista; 3.7 miles; moderate; map

Though the farthest hike from Swift Run Gap entrance in the Central District of the Shenandoah National Park, Mary's Rock is well worth the drive and the hike! Located at MM 31.5 on Skyline Drive, near the Thornton Gap entrance, this 1,210 feet elevation gain hike has beautiful views along the way and will "wow" you at the summit. With a large outcropping of rocks at the top, a picnic lunch would be ideal as you enjoy the nearly 360° view. The trail is very rocky so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.

Frazier Discovery Trail & Loft Mountain Loop

2026-06-24T14:59:42+00:00

Vista; 3 miles; moderate to easy; MM 79.5; map

Shenandoah National Park recommends two different hikes from the Loft Mountain Wayside (MM 79.5 on Skyline Dr.): Frazier Discovery Trail (1.2 miles) and Loft Mountain Campground (3.6 miles). Both of these loops are described on the map, but here's another option. Begin following the Frasier Discovery Trail and choose the path to the right at the intersection. After about a half mile uphill (this is the moderate part), you will come to a trail marker. Turn left onto the Appalachian Trail (north) and after a very short walk, turn left again for an even shorter path to a magnificent view of the Shenandoah Valley. Sit on the rocks and take it all in! When you're ready, retrace your steps back to the trail marker and continue south on the Appalachian Trail for about 1.4 miles (this is the easy part) to the Loft Mountain camp store. Continue on the path past the camp store and follow the somewhat paved trail back to the Loft Mountain Wayside. The total distance for this loop is about 3 miles.

Stony Man Trail

2026-06-24T14:45:30+00:00

Vista; 1.6 miles; easy; MM 41.7; map

This easy hike follows the Appalachian Trail (AT) to the Stony Man Trail loop (you'll see a trail marker); to return, just follow the AT back to the parking area. The spectacular views at the top overlook the Shenandoah Valley, the town of Luray, and the Massanutten and Allegheny Mountains.

To make this hike about 2 miles longer (and still fairly easy), after completing Stony Man Trail loop, turn left at the trail marker onto the Appalachian Trail and continue north (instead of turning right and returning to the parking area). Follow the AT to Little Stony Man for even more outstanding views and then continue the hike along the Passamaquoddy Trail. Finally, turn left onto the Furnace Spring Horse Trail to make your way back to the parking lot. Use the trail markers to keep you on track at the intersections or carry a copy of the map. This hike can be done in reverse which makes it a more moderate uphill hike.

Both options for this hike would make a great outing for groups with children. No pets allowed.