The Experience
You will love: Short and sweet with a big payout, good for kids and a grade A summit view!
You need to know:
This hike summary is from the Little Stony Man parking lot just after the overlook parking lot. This parking lot/ trail head is right off of Skyline Drive, it is small and tight on parking (however it gives you two peaks!!).
From the Little Stony Man parking lot use the trail head to begin your ascent. This entire trail is a slow and steady ascent of 915 ft. in total. The trail is a composite of roots, small rocks and crushed earth. Follow the trail head for 0.2 to the first outcrop view. From here, look right to get a nice aerial view of skyline drive snaking through the treeline and then look left to see your next summit, Stony Man. (It looks more daunting than it truly is). The trail continues from here for another .07 miles to a four way intersection. Go left and follow the summit signs for Stony Man. The summit is a rocky outcrop that shines a light on the beautifully vast lands of Shenandoah Valley Gap, from here you can see as far as the Elizabeth Furnace area (George Washington national forest). The summit is a perfect lunch spot with plenty of rock nooks to take a seat. Once you have filled your senses with all the beauty of the summit view, then retrace your steps back to your car.
This trail is kid friendly, good for all fitness levels however pets are not allowed at the summit.
HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
You need to know:
- Popular trail, come early on weekends
- Fee required to access the park.
This hike summary is from the Little Stony Man parking lot just after the overlook parking lot. This parking lot/ trail head is right off of Skyline Drive, it is small and tight on parking (however it gives you two peaks!!).
From the Little Stony Man parking lot use the trail head to begin your ascent. This entire trail is a slow and steady ascent of 915 ft. in total. The trail is a composite of roots, small rocks and crushed earth. Follow the trail head for 0.2 to the first outcrop view. From here, look right to get a nice aerial view of skyline drive snaking through the treeline and then look left to see your next summit, Stony Man. (It looks more daunting than it truly is). The trail continues from here for another .07 miles to a four way intersection. Go left and follow the summit signs for Stony Man. The summit is a rocky outcrop that shines a light on the beautifully vast lands of Shenandoah Valley Gap, from here you can see as far as the Elizabeth Furnace area (George Washington national forest). The summit is a perfect lunch spot with plenty of rock nooks to take a seat. Once you have filled your senses with all the beauty of the summit view, then retrace your steps back to your car.
This trail is kid friendly, good for all fitness levels however pets are not allowed at the summit.
HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
- 1 Water Bottle
- Snacks
- LIGHT HIKE FOOTWEAR
