Shenandoah National Park is one of the more popular National Parks in all of the country, add in access to the Appalachian Trail, towering waterfalls, rock scrambles, a world renowned hike (Old Rag) and show stopping fall foliage and this park has it all. As a blessing to the area, you may find yourself hoping to avoid more well known trails and all that comes with it. You may find yourself looking to engage the park in a different way and explore its backcountry to find those hidden gems.
Check out the tips to exploring hidden gems and then dive in and feast on the hidden gems trail list of Shenandoah National Park.
Check out the tips to exploring hidden gems and then dive in and feast on the hidden gems trail list of Shenandoah National Park.
TIPS
- Backcountry - Fall is exceptionally popular, be prepared for crowds on the roads , parking lots and trails.
- Go early - Hit the trail early in the morning to enjoy the best natural light for your photos, cool fall air and less crowds.
- Pack - The right gear is the difference between amazing experience and forgettable experience.
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TRAILS
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Hazel Falls & Caves
Distance: 5.3 miles Trail Grade: Moderate (2) Location: Skyline Drive Mile Marker 33.5 What to know: Waterfalls, dog friendly, kids 8+, entrance fee About this trail: A magical area that lives and breathes serenity. Your trail experience is serviced with towering tree canopy, Mountain Laurel and an easy to navigate trail leading to Hazel Falls. About those falls, its a quick venture down into the falls area where you will be blessed with car sized boulders to lay out on, a towering rock wall and the falls themselves. The falls are accessible by foot path and even sport a "cave" to slither through. Enjoy the tide pools during the summer to cool off and make sure to bring a picnic or snack to really finish the trail moment |
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Millers Head
Distance: 1.5 miles Trail Grade: Moderate (2) Location: Skyline Drive mile marker 42.5 What to know: Summit view, kids 8+ About this trail: A find, truly a find within the very bustling Shenandoah National Park. This family friendly trail meanders down through a heavy dose of trees, picturesque views and very manageable trails for kids and dogs alike. Your payoff is a man made stone perch with views of the valley, a slithering skyline drive along the mountainside and its all to yourself to enjoy. |
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Mill Prong
Distance: 7.6 miles Trail Grade: Difficult (3) Location: Skyline Drive mile marker 52 What to know: Waterfalls, historic, Kids 12+ About this trail: A famous but not so famous hike. First, its the site of the former presidential retreat called Camp Rapidan for President Hoover. Your trail experience is complete loop with stream crossings, bountiful and lush forest canopy, a few waterfalls and a little bit of history. Not bad for a day hike! |
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Robertson Mountain
Distance: 6.7 miles Trail Grade: Very Strenuous (5) Location: Syria, Virginia What to know: Summit view, waterfall, kids 12+ About this trail: The neighbor of Old Rag gets little fanfare but can easily compete in terms of views. Your trail experience will be ripe with stunning summit views, endless symphonic sounds of water, towering trees all the while avoiding the crowds of Old Rag. This hike comes with work, its a grinder with a big pay off! |
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Double Bear Rocks
Distance: 8.5 miles Trail Grade: Difficult (3) Location: Sperryville, Virginia What to know: Summit view, Kids 8+ About this trail: A gentle giant, this eight miler is all big teddy bear. A manageable saunter is enriched with an easy to navigate trail system, a trail hut, campsites and a quiet perch to enjoy all that is Shenandoah National Park. |
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Bootens Gap
Distance: 9.4 miles Trail Grade: Very Strenuous Location: Skyline Drive mile marker 55 What to know: Summit view, rock scramble, kids 12+ About this trail: This here is a tough day hike that will work you for all nine + miles. It's gift to you is a prized SNP backcountry experience with groves of Mountain Laurel, minor rock scrambles and a boulder overlook. The Bootens Gap trail handshakes the summit with the Bear Church trail that lays just outside the park. |
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Mount Marshall
Distance: 13.2 miles Trail Grade: Very Strenuous (5) Location: Skyline Drive mile marker 12.0 What to know: Summit view, Backcountry About this trail: It's pretty daunting to look at a plus 13 mile trail isn't it? However fear not, this trail comes with wonderful offerings in summit views, lush forest, and a few miles along the historic Appalachian Trail. This unique experience hides from routine fanfare because its trailhead is hidden in plain site, once you enter it becomes the magical backcountry world of Shenandoah National Park. |
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