SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
According to the VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS tourist site, there are 10 MUST DO HIKES in Shenandoah National Park.
The DICKEY RIDGE LOOP is a moderate 5-mile double loop hike. You can visit Fox Farm and Snead Farm as you hike. Near Dickey Ridge is the Virginia State Arboretum, Sky Meadows, and Skyline Caverns.
The MARY’S ROCK VIA THE PINNACLE is a moderate 7.2 there-and-back hike. At Mary’s Rock you have a 360 degree vista of the valley. While in the vicinity of Mary’s Rock you can visit Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, Luray Cavern’s and all its attractions, and the Luray Zoo
Hiking to OLD RAG is a difficult 9.1 mile loop. This is a very strenuous hike. Local attractions here are the Copper Fox Distillery and the Castleton Festival.
The hike to WHITEOAK CANYON FALLS is a moderate 5.2 mile there-and-back hike. You will see six water falls with drops ranging from 45 feet to 86 feet. Attractions near this hiking venue include Blue Ridge Pottery, DuCard Vineyards, the Four County Players Theater, and James Madison’s Montpelier.
The HAWKSBILL SUMMIT hike is an easy 2.2 there-and-back hike. HAWKSBILL has an almost 360 vista view at its end. The town of Luray offers many small shops for exploring as well as a picturesque greenway to stroll. From here you can also visit the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park Shenandoah Caverns, and Endless Caverns.
The STONY MAN LOOP hike is an easy 3.7 mile loop. While hiking you can stop by Furnace Spring, a former copper mining operation. Attractions here include the Skyland Stables, Sharp Rock Vineyards, and Skyland’s Pollock Dining Room.
If you have never been to RAPIDAN CAMP, this is a must hike. This is a 3.8 mile there-and-back hike. RAPIDAN CAMP was the presidential retreat of President Hoover. You can enjoy (about an hour long) self-guided interpretive tour of the retreat. Other attraction\s near here are the Massanutten Water Park, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and the James Madison Campus.
The LOFT MOUNTAIN LOOP hike is easy 2.9 mile loop hike. After this very family-friendly hike you can stop in at the Loft Mountain Campground store for ice cream. Attractions here are the Rosebrook Inn, Grand Caverns and you can even paddle the Shenandoah River.
The FURNACE MOUNTAIN VIA BLACKROCK SUMMIT hike is a 6.8 moderate there-and-back hike. Attractions here include the Humpback Rocks, the Le Bleu Ridge Bed & Breakfast, and the American Shakespeare Center. Near here you could also visit the Woodrow Wilson Home and Presidential Library, as well as The Frontier Culture Museum. The Frontier Culture Museum is a day-trip all by itself.
The BROWNS GAP WATERFALL LOOP hike is a 7 mile moderate loop hike. On this hike you will enjoy the cascades of the Doyles River. After the hike you can enjoy time at the Carter Mountain Orchard, the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, or the Augusta County Railroad Museum.
As you can tell, hiking the trails in the Shenandoah National Park would make a wonderful vacation get-a-way.
Written for DAILY ADDICTIONS: MAP.
