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5. Bearfence Mountain Loop
Feeling adventurous? Climb up and over an exciting field of boulders to reach this incredible panoramic view of the park!
What You Need to Know
This hike is 1.2 miles roundtrip and gains about 300 feet of elevation. Be prepared to pull yourself up, over, and around boulders as you make your way to the summit.
The route is marked with blue blazes (paint lines on the rocks and trees) to help you find your way. Bearfence Mountain is a fun and exhilarating adventure, but the park warns that it may not be appropriate for really small children or people who are not steady on their feet. No pets are allowed on this trail.
The best overlook up here is not marked, so be sure to take some photos on the boulders before you start heading back to the normal dirt trail!
Getting Here
The Bearfence Mountain Trail is located near the Lewis Mountain area of the park. You’ll find the parking area at mile 56.4 along Skyline Drive. After parking, cross the street and follow the stairway up the side of the mountain. Continue straight at the junction to continue to the rock scramble. After the rock scramble, take the connector trail down to the Appalachian Trail, turn right, and hike back to your vehicle to make a loop hike.
6. Dark Hollow Falls
Discover a majestic waterfall at the end of this charming hike through the forest! A peaceful river leads the way to this popular and exhilarating cascade.
What You Need to Know
The trail to Dark Hollow Falls is 1.4 miles roundtrip and gains 440 feet of elevation. It’s downhill all the way to the waterfall, which means coming back up is where you’re going to feel the burn!
Wear shoes with good traction on this hike…the trail can be a little wet and slippery. Injury is common near the falls, so stay on the trail and enjoy the landscape from the viewing areas.
Pets are not allowed on this trail.
Getting Here
Dark Hollow Falls is located in the Big Meadows area of the park. From the Byrd Visitor Center, drive 0.3 miles north on Skyline Drive and look for the parking area on your right.
7. Marys Rock
Feel like you’re on top of the world as you stand on this dramatic rock outcropping that emerges from the trees! This hike will get your blood pumping, but the views are definitely worth the effort.
What You Need to Know
There are two different ways to get to Marys Rock: the North or South Trails. The Marys Rock North Trail is 3.7 miles roundtrip with 1,210 feet of elevation gain. The Marys Rock South Trail is 2.9 miles roundtrip with about 830 feet of elevation gain. I prefer the South Trail because it meets up with the Appalachian Trail and follows the ridgeline up to the mountaintop, making the hike a little more exciting and scenic.
Rumor has it that Marys Rock is named for the daughter of a local landowner who hiked to the summit on her own. Apparently, on her way back down the trail, she carried a bear cub under each arm! Though the story sounds a little far-fetched, it isn’t uncommon to see bears around here.
Getting Here
Marys Rock is located near the Thornton Gap Entrance Station. To get to the Marys Rock South Trail, drive south (left}) from this entrance for 2.3 miles until you see the Meadow Spring parking area on your left. It’s located at mile 33.5 along Skyline Drive. Park here and then cross the street and walk south for a few paces to find the Meadow Spring Trail. Hike on this trail until you reach the Appalachian Trail, turn right, and follow the signs to Marys Rock. Return the way you came.
8. Sawmill Run Overlook
Experience the beauty of Shenandoah as you gaze at layers upon layers of spectacular blue peaks! A visit to this overlook takes you to a different part of the park that offers solitude and a fabulous view.
What You Need to Know
This overlook is a great place to catch a fabulous sunset and soak in the mountain landscape. Skyline Drive is especially exciting in this area as well, with several other fantastic viewpoints and trees that nearly tunnel over the road!
Getting Here
The Sawmill Run Overlook is located at the southern end of the park, near the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station. From this entrance station, drive 9.6 miles north along Skyline Drive. Look for the viewpoint on your left.
If you’re interested in a long day hike, check out Old Rag (Note – tickets are required March- November) or Whiteoak Canyon Upper Falls and Whiteoak Canyon Lower Falls.
Have a fabulous time in Shenandoah National Park. Happy trails!
Hi! Any suggestions for hikes that would be appropriate for a 5yr old? (AKA not somewhere they may fall off a cliff)
We take our young kids to all of the parks with us, and they’ve completely all of these activities without a problem. I suggest just working your way through the list and holding your 5 yr old’s hand as you hike!
Hello! How would you compare the views/experience between Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway? I am planning to drive through them perhaps all the way to Smoky but not sure if I could get tired of all these mountain views… they are more than 600 miles combined right?
They are pretty similar! I would choose one or the other, or smaller sections of both. I personally would not try to drive all of everything…it would start to feel a little monotonous I think :)
What hikes do you recommend for older adults—in pretty good shape (walk/run 12 miles a week) but still a little concerned about steep up and down hikes.
Anything on this list should be ok!
What area would you recommend at base camp if we are planning 2 full days in Shenandoah N.P.
I like staying somewhere near either Luray, Skyland, or Big Meadows!
How many days should someone spend if they want to do all this + old rag mountain
2-3 days!