The Shenandoah National Park offers over 500 miles of Hiking Trails, all of which are accessible from Skyline Drive, for hikers of every skill and endurance level.   They range from the Limberlost Trail, near Skyland (mile 43), which is so easy and smooth that it is wheelchair accessible, to Jeremy Run (mile 24), accessed from the Elkwallow Picnic Area,  which presents a 2800 foot climb back up after you hike to the bottom of the canyon.

Headwaters; Whiteoak Canyon Falls

Hiking Shenandoah National Park

In the SNP, Waterfalls attract the most visitors. But, perhaps you want a trail that leads you to isolated areas off of the Drive.  If this is the case, you'll be happy to know that there are still 495 miles of other trails that will cater to every skill, endurance level, or time constraints.

The easiest hike is the Limberlost Trail, which is less than a half-mile from the south entrance to the Skyland Resort. This is the only wheelchair-accessible trail in the park. However, it is also one of the most beautiful and serene. Along this trail, you will walk through a thick forest of huge, ancient Hemlock trees. You will walk through the remnants of an Apple and Peach Orchard once owned by mountaineers prior to the establishment of the Park. You will also be walking through the home of one of the many Bears in the Park. Limberlost Trail provides lucky hikers with a good chance to encounter one of natures most elusive creatures.

Another, more difficult hike, is Hawksbill (mile 45.6).   At 4060 feet, it's the highest peak in the Park.  The hike is fairly moderate, and it's murder on hot, humid days.   At some points, the grade is fairly steep, and it seems to go on forever.  But when you reach the top, you'll see why it is on the itinerary of any serious hiker, or lover of natural beauty.

Hawksbill; View from Summit

Another challenging hike is the trek to Old Rag,  a 3100 foot "monster" that is actually apart from the chain of ridges that Skyline Drive follows.  The closest approach to Old Rag is via the valley, using existing roads.

From Skyline Drive, a hike to Old Rag can be accomplished by using the Old Rag Fire Road, accessible at the entrance to the Limberlost Trail. The 'fire road' is the easy part of the hike, which becomes progressively difficult as you start up the mountain proper.  You will be climbing over rocks and through boulder fields, and the elevation is steep. At some places, ladders are erected to allow those without climbing gear to safely reach the summit.

The 'Old Rag' is an all-day hike, requiring you to bring along all necessary supplies as you would any other hike that is expected to last at least 8-9 hours, round trip.

Corbin Cabin; Circa 1908; Near Skyline Drive

The Appalachian Trail

Many of the trails that you access from Skyline Drive cross the famous Appalachian Trail, or 'AT,' as it's known by those who hike it. The AT creeps along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and in most cases, parallels Skyline Drive.  In fact, Skyline Drive was built along the original route of the famous trail.

Many people, but mostly experienced hikers, enjoy the challenge and beauty of completing the entire 105-mile section of the AT that lies within the Shenandoah National Park. Stopping to camp at several spots along the way, hikers can take advantage of facilities like restaurants, stores, restrooms and hot showers, to make the journey more comfortable.

Some of the trails that lead to waterfalls can be steep and hazardous.  The most popular waterfall-hike is Whiteoak Canyon Falls (mile 42.6), which is located across from the Skyland Resort. At 86 feet, it's the Park's second highest waterfall.  The round-trip hike is 4.6 miles, and it's considered a moderate hike, despite its length and the 1000 foot climb back UP to the parking area.   Another very popular hike is Dark Hollow Falls, less than a 1/4 mile from Big Meadows.

The highest waterfall, Overall Run (mile 21.1), offers a round trip hike of 6.4 miles, and is moderately difficult, with steep, rocky paths.  But the view is worth it.  In fact, some of the most difficult trails in the SNP are those that take you to waterfalls.

If you have children, please ask them to be quiet along the trails or speak in a normal tone of voice. Many visitors seek the hiking trails for peace and quiet, and to observe wildlife in a serene setting. Screaming and/or un-controllable children ruin this experience. Use this great opportunity to teach children about conduct that is condusive to viewing wildlife.

Limberlost Trail; Skyline Drive

Stony Man Nature Trail offers a self-guided nature walk that takes you past a tree that has grown up between two rocks !!

Other hikes lead to places of historical interest within the SNP.   The most popular of these are old, pioneer homes, churches and cemeteries.   Many of these homes are in ruins, but enough remain intact that hikers are treated to a bit of early Americana, and a taste of days gone by when they come across these relics of the past.   You can even retrace the path that Confederate General, Stonewall Jackson and his troops used to cross the mountain from west to east, on his way to Fredericksburg.  

The hike to Corbin Cabin is a 'must' for the history buff. Built in 1908 as a home, it is now managed by the Potomac Appalachian Trail (PATC) Club, and can be rented by anyone who doesn't mind total isolation, or the steep, 1200 foot climb back to Skyline Drive where you parked.

Located in an area called 'Nicholson Hollow',you will find the ruins of many pioneer cabins that once stood in this area, and the remnants of family cemeteries that have long been forgotten.

Because the AT passes so close to Skyline Drive, you can access it from almost everywhere there is an area to park. In some places, such as around Big Meadows, the AT is relatively flat and makes for a very pleasant hike. In other places, it can be quite steep and can even involve climbing over and around boulder fields.

The best information about the AT is from the PATC -- the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, which is responsible for the maintenance of the AT in this region.  You can visit their website for more information about the Appalachian Trail in this region. At this website, you can also make reservations for Corbin Cabin, or many other Cabins located in the region.