Whether or not you’re an avid hiker, you’ve most likely heard of the infamous Appalachian Trail. Though it would make for a wild adventure to thru-hike the entire 2,200 mile trail that stretches across the Eastern region of the country, hiking small chunks of the trail is more realistic. Part of the Appalachian Trail snakes through the Blue Ridge Mountain range in Virginia. One-of-a-kind vista views, grand waterfalls, and adventurous rock scrambles dot this trail and carry across the entire Shenandoah National Park.
The park, due to its massive 196,000 acreage, is divided into three districts: North, Central, and South. Skyline Drive is the road that snakes through the park, trails branching off at different mile markers. Since the distance from the North to the South District is about 100 miles, I’d recommend choosing trails within the same district—or pick central trails along with trails that are either in the north or the south—unless you’re planning on spending a full week (or more) at the park or don’t mind a lot of driving.
For our particular trip, we planned for two full days of hiking. Since this wasn’t a lot of time, we attempted to select trails that were clumped pretty close together. After scanning through photos, articles, and AllTrails, we chose trails in both the Central and South Districts. Since there was an entrance station in the middle of the park, we made that our starting point.
We entered the Swift Run Entrance Station and followed the windy road to our first trailhead, Bearfence Rock Scramble. After stepping through, up, and over many rock scrambles, the trails’ finish line boasted stunning, sweeping views of the valley below, mountains zigzagging along the horizon.
Our next trail was Dark Hollow Falls. This moderate, 1.4 mile out and back trail boasted a prized 70-foot waterfall cascading down a mountain at its finish line. When people ask me what my favorite waterfall is, it seems like an impossible question to answer. But a few waterfalls come to the front of my mind, and this is one of them. The sheer volume, its vast height that seems to stretch to the sky, and the magnificent sound the water makes when cascading down the mountain as it tumbles over slippery rocks are reasons that this trail is one of the most popular spots in Virginia. Since we went in late April and began hiking at sunrise, we were blessed with no crowds, and we were able to enjoy the waterfall in peace for several minutes without another soul in sight.
Rose River Falls was next on our list of trails. Just one mile north of Dark Hollow Falls on Skyline Drive, Rose River Falls is a moderate, 3.5 mile out and back trail. This trail is quite steep, but man, is the finish-line worth it! You’ll hear the waterfall well before you see it. The falls were tucked underneath a rock wall in a sunken concave, splashing over rocks and branches, flowing into an emerald green pool. Another waterfall we were able to enjoy by ourselves. Another wave of appreciation for nature. Another surge of overwhelming emotion. This 67 foot waterfall absolutely dazzled us. I found myself mesmerized once again by the sheer volume of the falls. We found a rocky ledge to sit and watch the falls and snapped one of my favorite pictures of us. View it below!
About three miles past Rose River Falls was our next trailhead destination, Upper Hawksbill. This moderate, 2.1 mile trail is the easiest route to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, the tallest mountain in Shenandoah National Park. At the summit, the wind was whipping with fierceness as we soaked in the incredible 360 view of the Shenandoah Valley and Old Rag Mountain.
About five miles north of Upper Hawksbill Mountain was Stony Man Trail, which was the last trail that we hiked that day before sunset. This easy, 1.2 mile trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail, is perfect for all age groups and activity levels. The view at the end of the trail is remarkable. This was another trail we had completely to ourselves, which gave us all the time in the world to draw in the breathtaking views that awaited our arrival at the top of the mountain. I’ll never forget looking down below at the valley and watching the winding road off to the right of the mountains, little Matchbox-sized cars driven by ant-sized people zipping around the bend. It’s truly at this vantage point that you realize how small you are compared to the towering mountains that surround you.
The second hiking day, we entered the same entranced station but went south instead. We hiked Blackrock Summit (mile marker 84) and Turk Mountain (mile marker 94).
Blackrock Summit proved to be one of my favorite trails in the park. I know, I know; I say this about almost every trail, but the truth is, it’s hard to pick a trail that doesn’t dazzle me in a national park. I am always in awe of nature, whether I’m wandering a wooded forest with tall pines, tilting my neck to view a massive waterfall, or climbing a steep, rocky mountain.
Transitioning back to the Blackrock Summit, this easy hike is a 1.1 mile loop, also part of the Appalachian Trail. The trail blazes through a forest and opens up to reveal a 360 mountain view. Tumbled black rocks—yes, the very rocks that give the trail its name—lay precariously as though someone shook them like dice and tossed them onto the trail, creating a fun obstacle to stumble across. You won’t regret the stunning views and fun rock scramble adventure!
Our last hike was Turk Mountain, ten miles past Blackrock Summit. 5 miles out and back, this section of the Appalachian Trail is rated as easy, but I’d rate it closer to moderate due to the elevation gain and length. Aside from encountering quite a strange situation—you can read about it here—this trail was stunning! Most of the trail weaves through pines as you make your way to the top of Turk Mountain. At the top lies another precarious rock scramble. Be careful! The rocks are bigger, further separated with daunting gaps, and overall a bit more intimidating than those at Blackrock Summit. But once you reach the end of the rock scramble, you will once again be blessed with more sweeping, mountainous views of Shenandoah! It was quite a way to wrap up another adventure!
There are lots of trails that we have yet to discover in this park; our next visit will no doubt consist of mostly North and Central hikes. Until then, I love reminiscing about our past adventures, perusing through photographs, and sharing our experiences through words and pictures.
Happy hiking!
Wonder. Wander. Repeat. 