Shenandoah National Park, established in 1935 and located in northern Virginia, protects nearly 200,000 acres of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The long and narrow park straddled by the Shenandoah River to the west and the Virginia Piedmont to the east is frequently viewed from the fantastic Skyline Drive that runs the length of the park. This famous 105-mile National Parkway running north to south from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap is the primary means of how the over 1.5 million visitors see this amazing place. But for those willing to truly experience the natural beauty and abundant wildlife of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park offers over 500 miles of incredible hiking trails, including 101 miles of the great Appalachian Trail running through the park.

AT sign at Shenandoah National Park — The “AT” trailmarker found throughout the Shenandoah National Park

For those looking to get boots on the ground, we would like to present 5 must-do hikes within this hikers paradise. With over 500 miles of trail within Shenandoah National Park, there are hundreds of incredible trails within the park boundaries. One could spend a lifetime hiking up and down the Blue Ridge Mountains, but as many visitors to this park have a limited time to explore the diverse landscape of Shenandoah National Park, we feel these hikes provide you with an immersive experience through all districts of the park and taste of the excellent summits, meadows, waterfalls, and rock scrambles that are found within this magical place! For those looking for a complete itinerary on where to stay, eat, and hike while enjoying this fantastic park, be sure to check out our 4-Day Shenandoah National Park Itinerary!

Mary's Rock Tunnel Shenandoah National Park — Mary’s Rock Tunnel on Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park

One thing before we begin: The infamous Old Rag trail is not on our list, and not because it is not an amazing hike (it certainly is well worth it the effort), but because Old Rag is a full day hike which now requires a permit and begins from the low lying park boundary rather than branching off of Skyline Drive. Because of this, many visitors to the Shenandoah National Park may find they do not have a full day to use on this trail, but to those who have the ability to spend 4-5 days within the park, Old Rag should certainly be on your list!

Black Bear Shenandoah National Park — The elusive black bear in a tree at Shenandoah National Park

The 5 Must-Do Hikes at Shenandoah National Park

Bearfence Trail

The Bearfence trail, located at mile 56.4 on Skyline Drive is a short 1.4 mile (round trip) hike/rock scramble leading to an incredible view of the Shenandoah Valley.

The Bearfence trail starts off as an easy uphill walk before bisecting the Appalachian Trail and transitioning into a rock scramble. The scramble, which is indicated by blue blazes rises high above the surrounding areas as you climb your way across the boulder ridgeline. For those with a fear of heights, or anyone visiting during wet or icy conditions, this trail should be avoided as it does present a high fall exposure throughout the scramble.

For those looking to access the spectacular valley views without the rock scramble, taking the right onto the Appalachian Trail before the rock scramble will allow you to travel alongside the massive boulders and come to a viewpoint at the end of the Bearfence scramble. This 1.1 mile out-and-back route is a great alternative for those not looking to scale the rocky ridgeline or if conditions are simply not conducive to scrambling along the rocks.

Dark Hollow Falls Trail

The popular Dark Hollow Falls trail takes you on a short, yet rewarding hike down to one of most famous waterfalls within Shenandoah National Park. Like all waterfall trails within the park, they require significant elevation changes to and from the waterfall.

Big Meadows Wayside Shenandoah National Park — The Big Meadows Wayside is a great spot to get some food before the Dark Hollow Falls Trail

The Dark Hollow Falls trailhead, located at mile marker 50.7 along Skyline Drive, is well marked and provides ample parking. The trail begins with a 0.75 mile hike descent, taking you down 440 feet to the base of the falls.

Dark Hollow Falls Shenandoah National Park — Dark Hollow Falls at Shenandoah National Park

The well-marked trail provides magnificent views of the 63 ft cascading waterfall. Once you’re ready, head back up the trail you came down to complete the 1.5 mile out-and-back trail and return to your vehicle.

Hawksbill Summit Trail

The Hawksbill Summit Trail, located at mile marker 45.5 along Skyline Drive, climbs over 600 feet from the trailhead to lead you to the highest point in the park, Hawksbill Summit at 4051 feet.

Hawksbill Summit Shenandoah National Park — Hawksbill Summit Trail at Shenandoah National Park

The 1.7 mile (round trip) Hawksbill Summit trail winds through the dense forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains before climbing up to the Byrds Nest 2 Shelter. From the Shelter, a short walk will take you to the viewing platform for one of the best views in the park!

After soaking in the view, head back down the trail to return to your vehicle, being sure to remind yourself that you just summited the highest point in Shenandoah National Park.

Black Rock Summit Trail

The short, but exceptionally fun Black Rock Summit trail, located at mile marker 84.4 on Skyline Drive provides incredible views of some of the many talus fields located throughout the park.

Blackrock Summit Shenandoah National Park — Talus field on the Black Rock Summit Trail

This 1 mile lollipop trail climbs 175 feet, and follows the Appalachian Trail into the talus field. From there, a well marked, flat trail brings you around the black rock covered peak and allows you to scramble up to the talus field summit.

A short spur trail can be found coming off the back of the loop and right before you begin your return around the rock covered summit. The spur trail, which gradually descends down the ridgeline adjacent to the talus field is an incredibly fun hike through the layered black rocks surrounding the trail.

Return up the spur trail and back to the main trail to complete the loop and return to the trailhead.

Frazier Discovery Trail

The Frazier Discovery Trail, located at mile marker 79.5 along Skyline Drive, is a 1.2 mile loop climbing 429 feet to a series of overlooks of the surrounding area. The Frazier Discovery Trail trailhead is directly across from the Loft Mountain Wayside, which has a large parking lot, so finding a spot should not be a problem.

The winding trail climbs up and through the dense, hardwood forests before summiting at a phenomenal overlook. One of the truly great characteristics of this trail is the quietness and tranquility of the trail. As this trail tends to see fewer crowds, wildlife is abundant in this area.

Be sure to tread slowly and quietly as you descend from the overlook to return to the trailhead as small mammals, deer, and the possible black bear may be foraging around the bend!

Honorable Mention: South River Falls Trail

The 3.3 mile (round trip) South River Falls Trail descends 910 feet towards the park boundary to the 83 ft waterfall. Starting at mile marker 62.7, a series of switchbacks take you down to the South River, which you will follow to the large waterfall.

South River Falls Shenandoah National Park — A stream running along the South River Falls Trail

After reaching the falls, you will link up with the South Falls Fire Road (marked with a yellow blaze). Take the South Falls Fire Road to the Appalachian Trail (white blaze), where you will take a left on the Appalachian Trail to the South River Falls trailfork. At the fork, turn right to return up the South River Falls Trail that you descended on.

The incredible variety of trails at Shenandoah National Park make it one of the best parks in the National Park system for novice and experienced hikers alike. From the 75 overlooks along Skyline Drive to the 101 miles of Appalachian Trail running through the park, Shenandoah National Park is a place of wonder and awe for all that visit this magical ridgeline along the Blue Ridge Mountains.

5 Must-Do Hikes in Shenandoah National Park