Best Day Hikes in Shenandoah

Shenandoah National Park is one of the gems of the U.S. East Coast. It contains over 500 miles of hiking trails, jaw-dropping views over the Shenandoah Valley, and spectacular waterfalls. It’s only 90 minutes from Washington, DC but contains the best day hikes near DC and the best hikes in Virginia. As a Washingtonian, Shenandoah is one of my favorite city escapes, and I’ve spent many weekends exploring its trails. So to help travelers who are short on time but want to see the best of the park, I compiled this list of the best day hikes in Shenandoah.

 

These hikes vary in length and difficulty — from quick and easy strolls to rock scrambles to brutal climbs lasting several hours. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before you set off on one of the best day hikes in Shenandoah. The park has tons of variety, and this list includes suitable hiking trails for everyone.

 

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1. Old Rag Mountain

 

Old Rag Mountain
Old Rag Mountain. Photo credit: National Park Service.

 

Topping the list of the best day hikes in Shenandoah National Park, and one of the best national park hikes in Virginia, a hike up Old Rag Mountain is an experience not to be missed. The hike is most famous for the epic Old Rag Mountain rock scramble. Less-fit (or more-vertigo-prone) hikers will appreciate the more moderate trail up the other side.

 

Old Rag is most beautiful in the fall, as the leaves are changing colors. It also makes an amazing sunrise/sunset hike (don’t attempt the rock scramble in the dark).

 

A good pair of hiking boots is essential if you’re going to attempt the Old Rag rock scramble.

 

The Rock Scramble

 

Hikers slowly make their way through the Old Rag rock scramble.
Hikers slowly make their way through the Old Rag rock scramble. Photo credit: National Park Service.

 

The typical route starts at a parking lot near Sperryville (overflow parking is available, but you have to pay). The ascent is along some very steep switchbacks that last about three miles. Then, you must traverse the open rock face to the summit — roughly a mile of rock scrambling. The summit is the ideal lunch stop. Then, descend along the fire road to complete the loop.

 

Even though the hike isn’t particularly long, you should allow at least six hours to complete it. For one, you’ll want to linger at the summit for awhile to enjoy the views. But the rock scramble also takes considerably longer than normal walking would. Expect to spend 90 minutes on this one-mile section. Also note that you pick up most of your distance on the descent, so carry snacks to power you through to the end!

 

A few words of warning are necessary about this day hike in Shenandoah. One, hiking at Old Rag gets extremely crowded on nice days between April and November. You may have to wait 20+ minutes to get through some of the narrow sections of the scramble. For that reason, I don’t recommend reversing the route and attempting to descend on the scramble — you’ll end up having to wait for an endless stream of folks coming up.

 

Additionally, while it’s one of the best hikes in Shenandoah, don’t be misled by the popularity of the trail — it’s difficult and can be dangerous. I wouldn’t even consider it in wet or slippery conditions. Injuries are common. Go slow and ask for help if you need it. And definitely carry your belongings in a backpack like this instead of trying to carry a water bottle, camera, etc. in your hands.

 

Route Information

Difficulty: Hard

Distance:  9 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,415 feet

Why it’s so great: Awesome rock scramble to the summit. Epic views over the Shenandoah Valley.

Route Map: https://www.hikingupward.com/snp/oldrag/

 

The alternative route

 

Still want to experience one of the best day hikes in Shenandoah without the rock scramble? No problem! The alternative route up Old Rag is for you.

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This hike starts in the (very small) parking area just past the lower entrance to White Oak Canyon. It begins along a fire road, before turning off onto a vertical — but not overly steep — trail straight to the summit. You’ll have to walk across some large boulders at the top, but they’re not difficult to traverse and don’t require any climbing.

 

This route is radically less crowded than the rock scramble, but it does still see plenty of people. Try to get on the trail by 9 am to avoid them. The very limited parking also means an early start is essential.

 

It only takes about three hours to go up and down the mountain in this direction, making it easy to fit into a morning.

 

Route Information

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 5.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet

Why it’s so great: Same views as the rock scramble version, with fewer crowds and a far easier ascent

Route Map: https://virginiatrails.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/old-rag-from-berry-hollow.pdf

 

2. White Oak Canyon

 

Most of the White Oak Canyon hike follows this river down a string of waterfalls.
Most of the White Oak Canyon hike follows this river down a string of waterfalls. Photo credit: National Park Service.

 

Serious hikers, take note: While tourists flock to Shenandoah National Park for Old Rag, those in the know head for White Oak Canyon. This very-difficult but incredibly-beautiful hike takes you past a string of Shenandoah’s best waterfalls.

 

The best thing about White Oak Canyon is it’s a spectacular year-round hike. In the fall, the leaves are gorgeous. In the summer, you can swim in the waterfalls’ pools and slide down the natural water slide at the first waterfall. The waterfalls are at their most spectacular after spring rains. And if you’re lucky enough to have the chance to snowshoe this hike in winter when the waterfalls freeze over, it’s sure to be your most memorable Shenandoah experience.

 

There are several variations on White Oak Canyon, all of which would qualify as among the best day hikes in Shenandoah. For this guide, I’m covering the most difficult version — but you could easily just do a quick and rewarding down-and-back jaunt along the Cedar Run Trail to the first few waterfalls.

 

The Full Circuit

 

Start on the White Oak Canyon trail. It goes down — sometimes quite steeply — for about three miles. Remember, going down is harder on your body than ascending. So take it easy on this first half of the hike to reserve your energy for the climb out. The ideal lunch spot is at the bottom of the canyon, in view of its most spectacular waterfall.

 

Then, prepare for the long, brutal climb back out of the canyon. You’re going to gain about 3,000 feet of elevation here, and most of it is in the final 2 miles — in other words, it’s very steep, and it gets steepest at the end of the hike. Allow yourself plenty of time for the ascent. You’ll be on the Appalachian Trail for the first half, before switching to the Cedar Run Trail for the final push.

 

If you want an easier hike, just reverse the circuit — start on the Cedar Run side. It’s a less satisfying trek, and it’s very easy to get lost on the way out, but it does cut about 400 feet off the elevation gain and it’s a much more gradual ascent.

 

While it’s personally my favorite of the best day hikes in Shenandoah, this is one of the hardest hikes in Virginia and you need to come prepared with all the day hiking essentials. Make sure you bring enough food and water to fuel yourself for six hours — attempting to finish the hike faster than that will leave you very, very sore. (Trust me, I once did it in 4.5 hours and couldn’t walk for days afterwards.) A CamelBak water bladder is essential for this hike, and I highly recommend walking poles if you have knee trouble. If you’re going to try some of the more remote offshoot trails, you should definitely bring a compass or other navigation system, as a few of these routes require unmarked stream crossings.

See also  Dupont State Forest Waterfalls and Hiking Trails: A Local's Guide

 

Route Information

Difficulty: Very difficult

Distance: 11 miles (with shorter variations available)

Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet

Why it’s so great: Hands-down #1 of the best waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park

Route Map: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/WhiteoakCanyon_RoadTrail.pdf

 

3. Lewis Falls Circuit

 

The overlook at Lewis Falls is what gets it on this list of the best day hikes in Shenandoah
The overlook at Lewis Falls is classic Shenandoah

 

You don’t have to be a hardcore trekker to enjoy the best day hikes in Shenandoah National Park. The Lewis Falls Circuit offers two of the best parts of the park — fall colors and waterfalls — in a moderate, half-day package.

 

This hike starts and ends at Big Meadows Lodge. So there is ample parking, access to clean restrooms, and the chance to get a big post-trek meal or milkshake at the restaurant.

 

The first mile of the trail is a moderately steep descent to the waterfall. Cross the river to get to the best overlook, from where you can see the entire gorge. Then, take the Appalachian Trail back out for a gradual 2.5 mile climb.

 

Because it’s so accessible from one of the lodges, Lewis Falls can get pretty crowded. Go in late afternoon to avoid huge groups. (In the fall and spring, if you start out by around 2 pm you should have plenty of time to finish before dark.)

 

Route Information

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

Why it’s so great: Canyon and waterfall views, especially beautiful in the fall

Route Map: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/BigMeadows_RoadTrail.pdf

 

4. Little Stony Man

 

View from Little Stony Man.
View from Little Stony Man. Photo credit: National Park Service

 

The easiest of the best day hikes in Shenandoah, Little Stony Man takes you to one of the park’s best overlooks. Anyone capable of walking 2 miles can complete this hike, as the ascents and descents are not steep and the trail is very well-maintained.

 

The trail starts near Skyland Lodge. It goes up for about 3/4 of a mile, where you’ll reach the overlook. (There are two good viewpoints; keep walking past the first to reach the better one.) Then, the gradual descent goes along the Appalachian Trail before linking back up with the Little Stony Man trail.

 

You could easily complete this hike in about an hour. If you’re looking for a longer hike, the trailhead for Miller’s Head is within walking distance — it’s another short, easy hike to a viewpoint.

 

Route Information

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 340 feet

Why it’s so great: One of Shenandoah’s best overlooks

Route Map: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/Skyland_RoadTrail.pdf

 

Practicalities to plan a trip to Shenandoah National Park

 

Hiking safety on the best day hikes in Shenandoah

 

Black bears are everywhere in Shenandoah.
Black bears are everywhere in Shenandoah. Photo credit: National Park Service.

 

Shenandoah’s accessibility can lead to a false sense of security on the trails. Yes, the park has a major road and a number of lodges. But you should still take typical hiker precautions — carry a small first aid kit, good insect repellent, sunscreen, plenty of food, and at least 3 liters of water per day.

 

Bears are a serious issue in Shenandoah. I’ve seen at least one bear on nearly every springtime hike I’ve done in the park. They’re generally harmless if you keep your distance and aren’t threatening. Practice basic bear safety and never get between a mother and her cubs.

 

If you stick to the best day hikes in Shenandoah, chances are you won’t run into any trail maintenance issues. But if you start exploring less-worn paths, you may run into downed trees and tough stream crossings. This is especially an issue in winter. If a trail presents too many obstacles, turn back.

 

Most of Shenandoah National Park lacks cell phone coverage. Always hike in a group so you can get help in case of an emergency.

 

Travel to Shenandoah National Park

 

See also  Moore Cove Falls Trail: Top waterfall hike in Pisgah National Forest

The easiest way to reach Shenandoah is by car from Washington, DC. It’ll take you about 90 minutes to drive from the city (take Route 66 west).

 

The park is divided into three districts. Access to the Northern District (for Little Stony Man) is through Front Royal. The Central District (for White Oak Canyon and Lewis Falls) is most easily reached from Warrenton. Old Rag is on the boundaries of the Central District, so pass through Warrenton and connect with the access roads in Sperryville. The Southern District is of less interest to day hikers, but you can reach it through Culpepper.

 

Skyline Drive is the main road if you want to drive through Shenandoah National Park. It’s a gorgeous drive, and well worth exploring before or after your day hike. You can pull over at any of a number of viewpoints — Hawksbill is my favorite — for sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley.

 

Watch out for bears, cyclists, and hikers when you’re driving along Skyline Drive. Keep your speed within the speed limit — park police are serious about enforcing it.

 

If you don’t have a car, check out Capital Hiking Club’s upcoming events. This group organizes bus hikes around the DC area, including frequent Shenandoah hikes. While there is a hike leader, it’s not really guided group hiking — everyone goes at their own pace and you’re responsible for getting yourself to the end safely. The hikers in this group tend to be more serious, so you should be able to walk at least 9 miles at a moderately quick pace.

 

Where to stay when you visit Shenandoah National Park

 

Given the short distance from Washington DC to Shenandoah National Park, it’s easy to day-trip. But if you want to spend a little longer exploring the trails, there are a handful of good accommodation options. Within the park, the lodges and campgrounds are only open from late March to mid-November.

 

The three Shenandoah National Park hotels are the lodges at Skyland, Big Meadows, and Lewis Mountain. All three offer roughly the same range of accommodation — from rustic cabins to hotel rooms. Big Meadows is the best campground in Shenandoah National Park, and the Lewis Mountain Campground is also pretty nice. For reservations, visit the National Park Service’s booking site. Prices skyrocket at peak times and rooms fill up well in advance.

 

If you’re camping, in addition to the lodge campgrounds, you can find a site at Matthew’s Arm or Loft Mountain. Note that Lewis Mountain and Matthew’s Arm campgrounds are first-come, first-served and don’t take reservations. You can also try backcountry camping Shenandoah. And the Appalachian Trail runs through Shenandoah National Park, along which basic shelters are available.

 

If you prefer to stay outside the park, there are bed and breakfasts and cabins near Old Rag, and plenty of other places to go camping around Shenandoah National Park. Sperryville is the main town in the area.

 

Park Admission

 

If you drive to Shenandoah, you’ll pay a flat fee of $25 for access to the park. This lasts seven days. Cyclists or bus passengers will pay $10 per person. You can also purchase a $50 annual Shenandoah pass (giving you unlimited visits for a year) or an $80 National Park Pass, which buys you unlimited access to all national parks and public lands in the U.S.

 

Whether you’re in the DC area or road-tripping the USA’s East Coast, Shenandoah National Park is sure to be a highlight of your trip. It’s one of the U.S.’s best national parks for hiking. Hit the trails and see the best of what this park has to offer!

 

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Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, USA offers amazing waterfalls and beautiful viewpoints. See it all on one of the best day hikes in Shenandoah -- including Old Rag, White Oak Canyon, Lewis Falls, and Little Stony Man...

 

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Lisa Michele Burns
5 years ago

I love finding articles about places in the US I’ve never heard of before! White Oak Canyon looks beautiful!

April
5 years ago

I loved exploring Shenandoah! Unfortunately, I only had a day and half to drive the entire skyline so I had to keep my hikes short. Next time, I’m gong to check out White Oak Canyon. That looks beautiful! Two small hikes that I did that I enjoyed were to Dark Hollow Falls and Black Rock.

Kathleen C
Kathleen C
5 years ago

It’s so pretty. It sounds like a great place to spend a long weekend, camping out and exploring it all. Fun, fun trip!

Aleah
5 years ago

I would love to visit Shenandoah. Rock scrambling is definitely one of my favorite activities. Bears scare me but at the same time, I also want to see one because I haven’t had the chance to see one in the wild yet LOL What’s your favorite season to visit Shenandoah?

Anuradha Goyal
Anuradha Goyal
5 years ago

Wow, so many trails in one Shenandoah national park. Old Rag hike sounds exciting but with the number of precautions you mention, I guess I will stick to the easy ones. Nature is smart – it keeps its best secrets for those who ca toil to reach them. Do the Black Beers roam in open in the park or in a contained area?

Chris Bloomfield
5 years ago

Shenandoah National Park is one of our favorites. When we were hiking down to Lewis Falls, a mamma black bear and her cubs were near the trail. I love that you give some bear safety tips because they are common in the park and some people don’t know they can be dangerous. I enjoyed staying in Big Meadow because you could walk to the Appalachian Trail.

Meg Jerrard
5 years ago

I love that Shenandoah is only 90 minutes out of DC – we loved DC and will definitely be back at some point, but we’re big outdoor / nature enthusiasts so Shenandoah National Park would definitely be included as a day trip. I love that there’s a range of hikes for varying levels of difficulty. The hike up Old Rag Mountain looks stunning – and I’m excited now about this epic rock scramble!

Indrani
5 years ago

The black oak hiking route seems most interesting to me provided I don’t encounter any bears along the way. 🙂
Excellent pictures from the trails. As you said the sights are indeed jaw dropping.

Debra Schroeder
5 years ago

Over 500 miles of trails! That sounds like my kind of place! Great details on each trail, who it’s best for, and what to bring, wink 🙂 I haven’t hiked any of that area but it sounds like a fun day trip from DC.

Carol Perehudoff
5 years ago

I love rock scrambles so I’d definitely opt for the Old Rag scramble, even with the crowds. Although White Oak Canyon sounds spectacular and more quiet. I’ve heard of Shenandoah but never had the chance to go there. I’m much more motivated now.

Sandy N Vyjay
5 years ago

Shenandoah National Park really has some exhilarating hikes. I was really fascinated reading ab bout the Old Rag Mountain and the Rock Scramble. This is something that really interests me. But of course as you suggest, it is not something to be taken lightly. I can well imagine how it can be when it has rained. I was reminded of a recent hike that I had done here in India, where a portion involved negotiating rocks and because of the rains it was quite difficult and on the beorder of being dangerous.

Nancy
5 years ago

We plan to visit Washington, DC. and the close proximity to Shenandoah National Park makes it an easy addition to our upcoming family vacation. It’s great to hear about the range of hiking trails. The Old Rag sounds challenging – I hope I can plan a visit when it’s not too busy.

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Josy A
3 years ago

Ooooh those views are stunning! Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails!? You could hike there for years and still have more to see! <3

Little stony man and the rock scramble both look great for sunny days, but the waterfalls and tree-full walks would be fun even in the rain. What a place!

Valentina Vucicic
3 years ago

Well done! I love hiking so I really enjoyed in this post!

Charlotte Lint
Charlotte Lint
3 years ago

These hikes look and sounds amazing! Can’t wait to go out again and start exploring!

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[…] have an entire post on the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park, but here are a few you should not […]

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