20 Best Hikes And Trails in Shenandoah National Park

Old Rag Mountain Loop is one of the most demanding but very popular trails of Shenandoah National Park. Although getting a bit is challenging, the views from the summit are unreal. So, if you are the one that loves to be challenged then this could be your perfect hiking spot.

Make sure you bring the downloaded map with you so that you can choose the best route for you. April to November is the most suitable season to explore the mesmerizing trial. A certain amount is charged as an entry fee and also the annual pass is available to purchase. Keeping the difficulty level in mind, no pets are allowed here. This hike is also called a Brutally Awesome hike by several hikers.

• Length: 15.1km
• Elevation gain: 794m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Hard
• Kid-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: No

Though it is rated as a moderately challenging trail but is one of the steeper routes almost throughout the trail. The trail takes you through the lush green forest providing a cool environment and making your trek even more enjoyable.

Every step feels worthy at the end when you reach the summit, the breathtaking views are just amazing. Some sections are rocky and use of caution is advised.

An entry fee is a must to enter the place and has easy parking in a medium-sized lot. Generally, the place is not crowded except for weekends and holidays.

• Length: 2.6km
• Elevation gain: 205m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Enjoy this one of the short and beautiful trails perfect for families to get in nature to have some quality time with their loved ones. It takes you through the woods on a wide gravel and boardwalk trail. It also can be accessed using a wheelchair, stroller, or any other mobility equipment with all-terrain tires.

It requires an entry fee and has easy parking available. The place is usually peaceful and enjoyable but may get crowded on weekends.

• Length: 2.3km
• Elevation gain: 31m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 31 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: No

Explore the best hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park which is a beautiful downhill trail, which is approachable from Hawksbill Gap Parking Area on Skyline Drive. The trail goes down, passing by various swimming holes, and finishes at the Whiteoak boundary parking area. This route contains rocky sections, so good footwear is recommended.

Natural water slides and amazing scenery make your trip enjoyable and memorable. The Shenandoah National Park will charge entry fees and it doesn’t allow dogs on this route. However, it is less crowded and easy to park in.

• Length: 9.3km
• Elevation gain: 680m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Estimated time: Around 4 hours
• Kid-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: No

Although this hike is rated as a moderately challenging trail, it contains too many ups and downs along with much scrambling. With a stream crossing, it brings you to a gorgeous waterfall that you are going to fall in love with but the flow may reduce in dry conditions.

With an entry fee, free parking is available in a medium-sized lot and the trail is not overly crowded. Heads up, the trail allows the dogs but should be kept on a leash.

• Length: 7.6km
• Elevation gain: 389m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 42 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

A well-maintained rail in Elkton, Virginia is a popular birding and hiking destination among the hikers. With a beautiful waterfall and lovely scenic surroundings, it makes your trek special. Depending on weather conditions it may have some overgrown and muddy sections and also, it is known for rattlesnakes and copperhead snakes presence which is why extra caution is advised.

An entry fee will be charged by the Shenandoah National Park and the place isn’t usually overcrowded. Easy to park in and good condition bathrooms available. Dogs are welcome but make sure to keep to keep them on a leash all the time.

• Length: 7.4km
• Elevation gain: 388m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Head out on this beautiful trail that features lovely forest views along with the Shenandoah Valley and gorgeous 80-foot-tall Lewis Spring Falls. It also includes rocky and challenging sections and depending on weather conditions it may have some overgrown areas as well.

A certain amount of entry fee will be charged and easy parking available. Also, this place is not quite crowded allowing the hikers the best and peaceful experience. Dogs are permitted here but make sure you follow the safety precautions.

• Length: 4.8km
• Elevation gain: 266m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Short and easy hikes in the Shenandoah National Park that take you to the summit of the Blackrock. It features some lovely views of Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain. This is a perfect option for the family outing in the lap of nature.

There has been the appearance of rattlesnakes and copperhead snakes so, hikers are advised to keep a close eye on where to step foot and take extra care of children and pets.

Entry fee is a must to explore this beautiful trail. As it is not overly crowded the is no parking difficulty and available good-condition bathrooms. Dogs can be taken on this trail however don’t forget to keep them on a leash for the safety of all including the pet itself.

• Length: 1.8km
• Elevation gain: 55m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 30 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

A lovely hike along the Appalachian Trail that features super views of the nearby valleys, mountain tops, and ridges. With a strenuous uphill climb and rocky conditions in some sections, it requires good footwear.

Easy to park in a medium-sized lot but requires an entry fee. The trail is not crowded on normal days but may get crowded on weekends and holidays.

• Length: 4.5km
• Elevation gain: 276m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

One of the popular and best hiking trails in the southern part of the Shenandoah National Park which is strenuous but scenic. It leads you through the incredible covered forest and over various stream crossings. Several swimming holes are present on the way where hikers can have some chill time.

Shenandoah National Park charges a certain amount as an entry fee. Dogs are permitted here on a lash and has easy parking. On the whole, it's a great hike that one should try out at least once.

• Length: 15.9km
• Elevation gain: 645m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Estimated time: Around 5 hours
• Kid-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: Yes

This is an easy-to-moderate trail located near Crimora, Virginia that takes you to big views of the Turk mountain trail and rocky overlooks. It can be approached from the opposite of the skyline driving from the parking area. The trail includes some rocky and narrow sections so visitors are advised to be cautious while exploring.

Entry fee is a must apart from that there are no other charges. Pets are allowed with some restrictions. This less crowded place has easy parking facilities available but you may find difficulty with the bathroom.

• Length: 3.9km
• Elevation gain: 212m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Explore this moderately challenging route near Syria, Virginia. This is a famous route for birding and hiking which is also noted for its incredible waterfall and scenic ridges. Conditions might be muddy and slippery especially after the rain so use of the caution is advised. The waterfall view can be even more gorgeous after the storms.

An entry fee is mandatory to explore this beautiful trail and is usually not overcrowded except for the weekends and holidays. It has easy-to-park conditions and allows pets with restrictions.

• Length: 8.2km
• Elevation gain: 306m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

An amazing place in Stanley, Virginia that features a circuit hike to the camp rapidan. It has three stream crossings but be careful on the rainy day as the water level may be more than average. The lovely hiking experience along with the amazing scenery and historical elements will make your hike a special one.

An entry fee is a must and easy and free parking is available. Usually, it is less crowded and allows pets with some restrictions. Don’t forget to bring enough water and hiking poles.

• Length: 6km
• Elevation gain: 228m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: Around 2 hours
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

An easy-to-moderate hike near Stanley, Virginia suitable for all ages. A perfect choice for families to get out onto one of the best trails in Shenandoah National Park. This easy hike may feel a bit strenuous while returning. Some parts of the sections may be wet and slippery so, take your time while crossing them.

You will be charged an entry fee by the Shenandoah National Park but has a free and easy parking condition available. Generally, it's less crowded which also allows the pets with restrictions.

• Length: 2.6km
• Elevation gain: 178m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: Around 1 hour
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

With a demanding rock scrambling, it takes you to the stunning 360-degree view of the Virginia Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley. Bearfence is not for everyone and is marked as the best scramble climbing route. conditions could be even more challenging when wet, so the appropriate footwear is recommended.

Despite the difficulty, the family is considered suitable for adventurous families as well. Entry fee is a must to enjoy this amazing trail. It has a good parking facility along with campsites and lodging as well as good-condition restrooms.

• Length: 1.6km
• Elevation gain: 74m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Kid-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: No

It is located in Port Republic, Virginia, and features a lovely but challenging hike with a steep descent which is then followed by the demanding climb back. The route is mostly shady providing good conditions to the hikers enhancing the overall hiking experience.

It requires an entry fee to get on this trail and has a dedicated parking space available. The place isn’t that crowded on normal days however it might get crowded on weekends.

• Length: 5.5km
• Elevation gain: 361m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 14 minutes
• Kid-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Enjoy the moderately challenging and lovely surroundings of Shenandoah National Park. An easy to follow trai may contain some overgrown section depending on the weather conditions. It has great scopes to experience plenty of wildlife including deer and bears. The mostly shady trail provides an ideal condition for the hikers making it cool and enjoyable.

Entry is mandatory to explore this piece of beauty and has a fair parking facility as well as restrooms. Bug spray is recommended to visitors, as there is a possibility. Generally a less crowded peaceful place.

• Length: 6.1km
• Elevation gain: 223m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Little Devils Stairs Trail is a demanding route located in Sperryville, Virginia. It features several streams crossing along with difficult rocky sections in between. Depending on weather conditions you may experience some slippery parts, especially after the rain so use of caution and moving slowly is advised.

In the end, it rewards with incredible views and diverse landscapes making every step worth it. You will be charged the entry fee and free parking. Dogs are allowed with some restrictions.

• Length: 9km
• Elevation gain: 455m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Estimated time: 3 hours and 10 minutes
• Kid-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: Yes

It offers you an excellent viewpoint with some great geological features. This moderately difficult route is also a suitable trail for families and casual hikers. Pleasant and shady conditions create a perfect hiking environment pushing you every step forward and giving you the option of the best places to hike in Shenandoah National Park.

An entry fee is a must to explore this route which is not so crowded with easy parking conditions. Dogs are allowed with restrictions and as it holds chances for bugs, don’t forget to carry bug spray as a precaution.

• Length: 5.1km
• Elevation gain: 253m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 1 hour and 47 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Enjoy this short and easy-to-moderate route in Front Royal, Virginia that displays the rich history of Shenandoah Valley and parks. Wildlife and wildflowers on the way enhance the hiking experience along with the quality scenery. This place is also a great choice for families as it offers suitable conditions.

You will be charged an entry fee for this short and enjoyable hike that has easy-to-park spaces and is usually not quite crowded. It has good-condition bathrooms available.

• Length: 2.1km
• Elevation gain: 70m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 37 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: No