The Best Hikes to do in Shenandoah National Park

Meandering along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia is Skyline Drive. It makes its way 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park. Boasting seventy six overlooks where drivers can make a stop, it’s a fantastic way to take in the countless layers of blue and green forested peaks that give these mountains their name.

But, if you limit yourself to the roadside sights you’re missing out on a huge part of the Park.

A network of hiking trails lives in those hills, intersecting with and breaking off from the Appalachian Trail, a 101 mile artery of foot traffic that runs north to south through Shenandoah. Numerous other trails, both short and long, offer access to wetlands, rocky peak vistas, and waterfalls.

Below, we’ve collected our recommendations for the best hikes to do in Shenandoah National Park.

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Blackrock Summit

‍Distance | 1.1 miles Elevation gain | 180 feet Difficulty | Easy Duration | 30 minutes

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Short. Easy. Impressive views. This is one of our favorite hikes in Shenandoah. We liked it so much that we made two separate trips here.

The first time we came the hills were completely socked in by a dense fog. With the contrast against the massive black boulders, it gave the entire area a beautifully moody vibe.

A quick walk along this forested trail will suddenly spit you out onto a large talus slope. The hike itself is easy, but once you reach the boulders you have the option of scrambling around and choosing your favorite vantage point.

This area makes a great spot for catching sunset over the rolling blue hills. Our second visit here was for that exact purpose. We knew that if the fog cleared the views would be even more impressive and we were right.

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Bearfence Scramble

‍Distance | 1.0 mile Elevation gain | 242 feet Difficulty | Moderate Duration | 1 hour

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If a good rock scramble fits your definition of fun, then you’ll want to try Bearfence. Some will find the hike a bit more intimidating than others. If you have a strong fear of heights or are less confident in your footing on uneven ground, then you may want to pass. However, this trail is a short and only moderately challenging way to get some elevation above the surrounding terrain.

We’d recommend it to just about everyone and we did see families with young children during our hike. Elementary school aged kids might need some assistance near the peak of the climb.

Those who take on the scramble will be rewarded with some impressive 360 degree views from the top.

Blue blazes painted on rocks will mark the easiest path up. When you’ve soaked up enough of the scenery and are ready to return to the parking area, turn right at the second fork. The other route continues on the Appalachian Trail, but it will be clearly marked.

The return walk is bumpy, but otherwise an easy half mile descent back.

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Hawksbill Summit

Distance | 1.6 miles Elevation gain | 672 feet Difficulty | Moderate Duration | 1 hour 30 mins

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In our opinion this hike is a must-do, if for no other reason than to say you hiked to the tallest peak in the Park.

The hike up is steep and uneventful until you reach the top. There’s a longer but less strenuous option of doing the Hawksbill Loop (2.7 miles).

Once you’re near the summit you’ll see the Byrd’s Nest #2, a stone shelter. Continue uphill beyond this a few hundred feet to officially reach the summit. There you’ll see a stone viewing platform and, undoubtedly, other hikers seated among the rocky peak taking in the views.

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Dark Hollow Falls

‍Distance | 1.6 miles Elevation gain | 583 feet Difficulty | Moderate Duration | 1 hour 30 mins

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The trail to this impressive waterfall is a great option for mid-day, because it’s an easy, shaded walk down.

There’s a viewing platform above the falls, but don’t be fooled - this isn’t the finish line. Make sure you continue further down to the base of the falls. You’ll get a much better view looking directly up from here. It’s also well shaded and there are plenty of places to relax on and around the rocks.

You’ll need to rest a bit, because a really easy, descending walk down means you’ve got to go uphill almost 600 feet back to the parking area.

Take some time to walk along the stream and see what interesting things you can spot in the water before heading up.

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Old Rag

‍Distance | 9.3 miles Elevation gain | 2595 feet Difficulty | Hard Duration | 7 to 8 hours

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This is the most popular hike in the Park and it’s considered very difficult, but absolutely worth it.

We’re disappointed to say that we didn’t hit this one on our visit to Shenandoah. Because of a knee injury, we chose to save it for a return trip, rather than risk putting ourselves or anyone else in a dangerous situation. It’s not uncommon for hikers who come unprepared to be hauled out by a search and rescue team.

If you do come well prepared and your knee isn’t giving you fits, then you should definitely do Old Rag.

A generous amount of steep switchbacking uphill leads to an intense scramble around, over and under boulders.

Others have described the first few hours as ‘grueling’ and caution that you’ll need a moderate amount of upper body strength to be able to pull yourself up onto and confidently climb down off of the massive granite boulders.

After finally reaching the summit, you’ll begin rock hopping down on the Saddle Trail, which passes two shelters, before turning right onto the Weakley Hollow Fire Road for the last four miles back.

It’s also important to note that between March and November you’ll need to purchase a $1 day-use ticket on recreation.gov to hike Old Rag. The NPS started this as a pilot program in 2022 in order to limit congestion on the trail. Make sure you plan ahead of time, especially during the busier summer months.

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Jones Run - Doyle’s Falls - Brown’s Gap Fire Road

‍Distance | 7.0 miles Elevation gain | 2,391 feet Difficulty | Moderate Duration | 4 to 5 hours

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This route pieces together three separate trails into a loop and is a great way to see several of Shenandoah’s waterfalls, along with some smaller cascades.

Start at the Brown’s Gap parking area, which is at mile 83 on Skyline Drive.

Cross the road and head south into the forest along the Appalachian Trail. You’ll pass Dundo Campground on the right. Another half mile and you make the left onto Jones Run Trail. This 2.3 mile section is a steady descent down, roughly following the Run until you reach the 42 foot falls.

Eventually you’ll reach a bridge and then begin the uphill portion, this time following along the Doyles River. Two falls, the Lower and then Upper, will give you a chance to stop and catch your breath on this moderate ascent.

A few other unnamed falls and easy stream crossings make this very well shaded hike interesting and if you’re quiet enough you may spot some wildlife.

When you arrive at the four way junction, 0.3 miles uphill from the Doyles Upper Falls, make a left onto the Brown’s Gap Fire Road. This will take you on a manageable 1.7 mile climb back to the parking area.

If you wanted a more scenic return trip, you could finish out the remaining 0.9 mile of Doyles River and then follow the Appalachian Trail 2.0 miles back.

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