The mountains are calling!  Spend a great day outdoors, following our Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive Hiking Tour or design your own tour using the hikes listed on our website.  Choose from short hikes to long treks, waterfalls to vistas...whatever suits your mood, the Shenandoah National Park has it all!

9157 Seminole Trail
Ruckersville, Virginia 22968

Phone: 434-985-6663

This 105-mile road winds along the crest of the mountains through the length of the Shenandoah National Park and provides priceless views of the luxurious rolling landscape to the east and the west. Driving on Skyline Drive is a particular treat in the fall when the leaves all along the road and through the valleys change to a canvas of bright and sensational colors.

For an alternative to driving, hop on a bike to see these breath taking views.  With a speed limit of only 35 mph for vehicle traffic, Skyline Drive is a comfortable place to bicycle.  While there are plenty of climbs a...
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Skyline Drive
Stanardsville, Virginia 22973

Phone: 540-999-3500

Start your day in the Shenandoah National Park by heading to Big Meadows at MM 51 on Skyline Dr.  Drop in at the Byrd Visitor Center where, through movies and interactive exhibits, you can learn how the Park was created.  Take a stroll on the Story of the Forest Trail, check out the Ranger Programs schedule, or focus those binoculars on the many species of birds you will be sure to find in the meadow.  Pack a picnic to enjoy while relaxing at the
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MM 51, Skyline Dr
Stanley, Virginia 22851

Phone: 540-999-3500

Falls; 1.4 miles; moderate; MM 50.7; Map

This round trip hike is an easy downhill journey with a very steep return, but the 70' cascading waterfall makes it worth every step. Dark Hollow Falls trail follows the Hog Camp Branch through a forest of defoliated hemlocks in one area and then is surrounded by hardwoods in another.  The trailhead is located at Dark Hollow Falls Parking, MM 50.7 on Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park (SNP). Pets are not al...
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MM 50.7, Skyline Dr
Stanley, Virginia 22851

Phone: 540-999-3500

Falls; 4 miles; moderate; MM 49.4; map

The Rose River Loop is a beautiful trail leading to the Rose River Falls. You’ll be following both the Rose River and the Hog Camp Branch along the loop and also get to see the ruins of an old copper mine.  The loop heads up the Rose River fire road for the return and passes by the Cave Family Cemetery.  Park at the Fishers Gap Overlook, MM 49.4 on Skyline Dr. in the Shenandoah National Park (SNP).  Walk to the north en...
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MM 49.4, Skyline Dr
Stanley, Virginia 22851

Phone: 540-999-3500

Falls; 2.6 miles; moderate to moderately strenuous; MM 62.8; map

The trailhead for the beautiful 83’ South River Falls is located at the South River picnic area, MM 62.8 on Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park (SNP). This round trip hike comes alive in spring with wildflowers and warblers.  Before heading back up the mountain, take a break on the rock ledge, refuel, and enjoy the view of the 3^rd highest falls in the park. 

MM 62.8, Skyline Dr.
Elkton, Virginia 22827

Phone: 540-999-3500

Falls; up to 8 miles; easy to strenuous; MM 42.6; map

White Oak Canyon Falls, a series of 6 falls in the Shenandoah National Park (SNP), can be accessed via Skyline Drive or in Madison County. At mile 42.6 on Skyline Drive, the trail is 4.6 miles round trip to the upper falls and an additional 2.7 miles round trip to the lower falls.  The upper falls trail ends at an impressive 86’ waterfall, the 2^nd highest falls in the SNP.  The return trip is v...
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MM 42.6, Skyline Dr.
Luray, Virginia 22835

Phone: 540-999-3500

Falls; 3.3 miles; moderate to moderately strenuous; MM 81.1; map

Doyles River Falls offers two waterfalls for the price of one hike! The upper waterfall is the smaller of the two at only 28’ but is in a beautiful setting of trees and rocks.  The 63’ lower waterfall is a sheer drop; its proximity to the trail makes it well worth seeing.  The trail is accessed from the Doyles River Parking area at MM 81.1 on Skyline Dr. in the Shenandoah National Park (SNP).  It begins with a steep des...
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MM 81.1, Skyline Dr
Crozet, Virginia 22932

Phone: 540-999-3500

Falls; 3.2 miles; easy to moderate; MM 84.1; map

Park at the Jones Run Parking area (MM 84.1) on Skyline Dr. in the Shenandoah National Park (SNP) for this fun hike. This trail has an easy descent to the falls and a moderate climb back to the parking area.  If you prefer a longer (6.5 miles), more taxing hike, take hike #2 described on the map; this option takes you past both Doyles River Falls as well as Jones Run Falls for a very scenic hike.

MM 84.1, Skyline Dr.
Crozet, Virginia 22932

Phone: 540-999-3500

History; 4 miles; moderate; MM 52.8; map

Interested in history? Don’t miss the opportunity to visit, explore, and learn about President Hoover’s Rapidan Camp, a National Historic Landmark .  The Mill Prong trail begins across Skyline Dr. from the Milam Gap Trailhead Parking area (MM 52.8) in the Shenandoah National Park (SNP).   Mainly moderate, this hike has a few steep sections and...
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MM 52.8, Skyline Dr
Stanley, Virginia 22851

Phone: 540-999-3500

Scramble/Vista; 1 mile; moderate; MM 56.4; map

Bearfence Rock Scramble is a circuit hike located at MM 56.4 on Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park (SNP) and can be completed in about an hour. Fun for kids and adults too, you will be pulling yourself up, over, and between boulders, using your feet and hands to reach an incredible 360° viewpoint.  Pets are not allowed.

MM 56.4, Skyline Dr.
Elkton, Virginia 22827

Phone: 540-999-3500

Scramble/Vista; 9 miles; very strenuous; Madison Co.; map

Old Rag Mountain is accessed via Madison County at the eastern boundary of the Shenandoah National Park (SNP); SNP entry fees apply. This extremely strenuous 9-mile hike is the Shenandoah’s most popular and most dangerous with a challenging rock scramble and spectacular views.  Allow 7-8 hours and carry at least 2 quarts of water per person.  Before hiking this trail, please read the important
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Nethers Rd
Roberston, Virginia 22740

Phone: 540-999-3500

Vista; 3 miles, moderately strenuous; MM 66.7; map

Hightop Mountain is a continuous 1.5-mile climb along the Appalachian Trail in the Shenandoah National Park (SNP). Hikers will be rewarded with a spectacular view at the top.  Park at mile 66.7 on Skyline Drive for this round trip hike.

MM 66.7, Skyline Dr.
Elkton, Virginia 22827

Phone: 540-999-3500

Vista; 1.7-2.9 miles; easy to moderately strenuous; MM 45.6; Hawksbill map; Upper Hawksbill map

Hawksbill Mountain is the highest point in the park with widespread views both east and west. At the Hawksbill Gap Parking area , MM 45.6 on Skyline Dr in the Shenandoah National Park (SNP), there are two separate routes from which to choose to get to the top.  The first option is the Lower Hawksbill T...
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MM 45.6, Skyline Dr.
Luray, Virginia 22835

Phone: 540-999-3500

Vista; 3.4 miles; moderate; MM 90; map

This hike leads past Calvary Rocks and then to a lovely viewpoint near Chimney Rock, the park’s most beautiful rock structure. Despite being ravaged by two wildfires, this wilderness area is regenerating itself with abundant wildflowers and newly sprouting mountain laurel.  Park at the Riprap parking area located at MM 90 on Skyliine Drive in the Shenandaoh National Park (SNP).  Follow the Appalachian Trail to the right (north) and then turn left onto the b...
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MM 90, Skyline Dr.
Crozet, Virginia 22932

Phone: 540-999-3500

Road bike; 13 miles; moderate

Park at Lewis Mountain Picnic Area (MM 57.5 on Skyline Dr. in the Shenandoah National Park) and head north for this great 6.5 mile family ride to Big Meadows (MM 51.2).  Children who are accustomed to riding in light traffic will enjoy this route as it’s the easiest section of Skyline Drive with the fewest hills.  Once at Big Meadows, you’ll have plenty of energy left to tour the facility, including a stop at the Byrd Visitor Center.  On the return trip, hop off your bikes at Bearfence Mountain (MM 56.4) for a fun rock scramble (1 mile round trip) which...
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MM 57.5, Skyline Dr
Elkton, Virginia 22827

Phone: 540-999-3500

Road bike; 30 miles; strenuous

Park at the Swift Run Gap entrance to the Shenandoah National Park. This 30 mile round trip ride starts off with a long 5 mile climb sure to warm up your legs quickly.  The remainder of the route is rolling, 1 mile hills to Big Meadows (MM 51.2).  Your hard work at the beginning of the trip is rewarded on the return with those last 5 miles being a treat to your weary legs.  For those flatlanders who are a bit intimidated by the start, park at Baldface Mountain Overlook (MM 61) to begin your ride instead.  

Skyline Dr.
Elkton, Virginia 22827

Phone: 540-999-3500

Road bike; 50 miles; strenuous

Instead of stopping at Big Meadows (MM 51.2), continue the "Swift Run Gap to Big Meadows" ride 10 miles further north to Skyland (MM 41.7).  Just after Big Meadows, a fast, long downhill means a 2.5 mile climb will follow!  The remainder of the route becomes more like the rolling hills you experienced before Big Meadows.  Be sure to reserve some energy for the return climb to Big Meadows.  You’ll find great dining options at both Big Meadows and Skyland to refuel your body for this 50 mile round trip experience.

Skyline Dr.
Elkton, Virginia 22827

Phone: 540-999-3500

Road bike; 50 miles or 70 miles; extremely strenuous

Are you hard core? Try this very demanding climb with an elevation change of over 3500 ft.  Park at the commuter lot in the Town of Stanardsville (school complex) and head west on Route 33 to Skyline Dr. in the Shenandoah National Park.  Route 33 has challenging grades, a high volume of traffic and a small portion of the road without a shoulder.  Only serious bicyclists who are comfortable riding with traffic should attempt this ride.  Even with all of these warnings, this route is still a local favorite for a great workout.  Choo...
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64 Monroe Dr.
Stanardsville, Virginia 22973

Phone: 540-999-3500

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 Tra...
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MM 41.7, Skyline Dr
Luray, Virginia 22835

Phone: 540-999-3500

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 mod...
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MM 79.5, Skyline Dr.
Elkton, Virginia 22827

Phone: 540-999-3500

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...
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MM 31.5, Skyline Dr
Luray, Virginia 22835

Phone: 540-999-3500