Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park - From Beginner to Expert
With over 500 miles of hiking trails, Shenandoah National Park has something for every appetite. There are views and adventures a plenty that showcase why this is one of the most-visited hiking destinations on the East Coast. It’s steeped both in history, and a diverse natural ecosystem with everything from lush forests to towering rock spires.
If you love waterfalls, ancient mountains, rolling hills, and fall colors, hiking in Shenandoah National Park should be on your short list. No matter if you’re just getting into hiking, or you’re looking for big challenging loops, Shenandoah has a hike for you. With this in mind, we’ve put together this guide to help you find the right hike for you!
Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park by Distance and Difficulty
The Best Easy Hikes in Shenandoah National Park - For Kids, Families & Beginners
Bearfence Viewpoint
This short hike might not be very challenging, but it has a huge payoff. It leads to an incredible view of the entire Shenandoah valley, in all its glory. If you want a hike that’s accessible to kids, but will knock their socks off with the view, this is it. Mileage/Elevation: 1.1 miles/305’ round-trip
Difficulty (out of 10): 2
Trailhead: Bearfence Parking Area
Lands Run Falls
This short hike follows a stream from the road to the drop-off where it cascades 80+ feet in a beautiful waterfall. While the hike is very safe, there are some larger drops and cliffs near the waterfall, so it’s worth being cautious and safe.
Mileage/Elevation: 1.3 miles, 325’ round-trip
Difficulty (out of 10): 2
Trailhead: Lands Run Parking Area
Stony Man
If you want to get a tiny taste of the legendary Appalachian trail, combined with a great viewpoint, this is the hike for you. It’s mellow and approachable, with a great payoff and views of the rolling hills of the park.
Mileage/Elevation: 1.6 miles, 340’ round-trip
Difficulty (out of 10): 2
Trailhead: Stony Man Parking Area
Moderate Hikes
Hightop Summit
This hike leads to one of the best viewpoints in the park, with a rocky viewpoint overlooking the rolling hills and valleys. While it’s not terribly far, it does include more elevation gain than the easier hikes.
Mileage/Elevation: 3 miles, 935’ round-trip
Difficulty (out of 10): 4
Trailhead: Hightop Mountain Parking Area
Lewis Falls Trail
This trail leaves the Big Meadows Amphitheater and follows a blazed trail that connects to the Appalachian Trail, and ultimately leads to a beautiful waterfall that’s over eighty feet tall. It does include some steeper and more technical sections.
Mileage/Elevation: 3.3 miles, 990’ round-trip
Difficulty (out of 10): 4
Trailhead: Big Meadows Amphitheater
Chimney Rock
Description: Shenandoah National Park is home to some incredible rock formations, and the Chimney Rock trail takes you to both Calvary Rocks, and Chimney Rock. This monolith really puts the geological timeline and scale of the region in perspective. Mileage/Elevation: 3.4 miles, 830’ round-trip
Difficulty (out of 10): 4
Trailhead: Riprap Parking Area
Best Difficult & Expert Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
Little Devils Stairs Loop
This loop combines the best historical and natural aspects of Shenandoah. You’ll travel past a cemetery, pause to take in the beauty of cascading waterfalls, and spend miles immersed in the silent woods.
Mileage/Elevation: 7.4 miles, 1,897’
Difficulty (out of 10): 6
Trailhead: Keyser Run Parking Area
Old Rag Circuit
This is one of the more popular loops in the park for a reason. Get your day-use ticket, and check out this hike that’s part beautiful trail, and part adventurous rock scramble. This is one of the most unique experiences in the park.
Mileage/Elevation: 9.4 miles, 2,348’
Permits: Requires special Old Rag Permit
Difficulty (out of 10): 8
Trailhead: Old Rag Parking Lot
Riprap to Wildcat Ridge
This loop is perfect for trail runners looking to stack some miles. It delivers several incredible viewpoints, along with stream crossings, and the secluded trails that Shenandoah is known for.
Mileage/Elevation: 9.8 miles, 2,365’
Difficulty (out of 10): 8
Trailhead: Riprap Parking Area
What to Know Before You Go
Best Months & Seasons to Hike in Shenandoah National Park
Much of Shenandoah’s hiking is accessible year-round, making it a great visit when it might be off-season elsewhere. That said, it’s still worth being strategic with the timing of your visit. The park is exceptionally pretty in the fall, when all the leaves are colorful, and in the spring, when everything is lush and green. If you’re looking for a less crowded experience, a winter visit makes sense, just come prepared with warmer clothing. Similarly, the park can get very hot and humid at the peak of summer.
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the weather, and check the Shenandoah National Park webcams for the most current info. It does rain often in the summer in Shenandoah, so it’s a good idea to always have a raincoat, and spare clothes with you.
In terms of wildlife, Shenandoah is home to smaller black bears. Bear spray is not required, and if you carry it, make sure you know how to use it and avoid an accidental discharge. Shenandoah is home to both venomous timber rattlesnakes, and copperheads, so be aware, and watch your step. Similarly, there are ticks in Shenandoah, so check yourself regularly and avoid tall grass.
What to Bring Hiking in Shenandoah
It’s always a good idea to be prepared, no matter where you’re hiking. Shenandoah sees the whole gamut of temperatures, from sub-zero in the winter, to over 100° in the summer. So always bring a selection of layers, starting with synthetic or wool (not cotton) baselayers, an insulating layer, and a waterproof jacket. That way you can adjust your outfit to whatever the weather does. Check out our more in-depth guide here.
There aren’t many technical objectives in Shenandoah, but in the winter, you will benefit from a pair of microspikes to help with traction on ice. And then, of course, make sure you have comfortable shoes with good traction and sticky rubber soles. Hiking in Shenandoah is not a good time to bust out those cute new sandals, or those brand new boots you haven’t broken in yet.
Always bring more snacks than you think you’ll need, and make sure you’ve got a good mix of sweet and salty options. Finally, stay hydrated. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, and drink before you feel thirsty. Hiking is hard work, and especially in the summer, Shenandoah can be a sweaty place.
Shenandoah National Park Planning Resources, Fees, and Permits
Beyond your parks entrance fee, most hikes in Shenandoah don’t require a special permit. The big exception to that is Old Rag. You’ll need a $2 day ticket to hike Old Rag, and those tickets are released 30 days prior to the day they’re valid on. So make sure to plan ahead if you want to experience this highlight of the park.
While much of the park does have cell service, it’s still a good idea to use a mapping software like OnX, and download all your maps so that you view them without using data. That way, even if plans change, you can still navigate.
The park has several visitor centers, two of which are permanent, and one mobile center which moves throughout the park. These centers are great resources for up-to-date info on the park, events, and other programs.
