INTRO
Ready to test your metal? There is no slouch here with these daunting hikes. When it comes to offering distance and difficulty it is these hikes that dangle the carrot to explorers with bragging rights, personal pride and a litmus for fitness.
How does a trail make this list?
Trails come in all lengths, difficulty, with a variety of features but what makes a hike notoriously known as grueling?
To make our list we took into account elevation gain, the length of elevation gain, exposure to the elements along with physical features to navigate and lastly, which hikes just had a rap for causing injuries.
Let's start with elevation gain. Elevation gain is like new math, its a bit tricky to factor the elevation gain within the distance it occurs . So this means if you have a 1,000 foot gain in just a mile for example, this is a strenuous trail because the gain happens rapidly causing stress to your breathing, muscles and degrades your hydration level. What happens when the elevation gain to distance is elongated as in the case of The Priest which chooses to batter your legs for three miles while ascending 3,000 ft.? The elevation gain is drawn out but still causes stress to the body and furthermore increases the risk of dehydration.
The most fun (in my opinion) are physical features like boulders, rock scrambles, water crossings and other technical elements requiring caution, balance and footwork. There are trails like the Devils Marbleyard which is highly technical boulder scrambling, all the while being completely exposed to the elements. Physical features present a different challenge, the elevated probability of injury because while your body is focusing on staying focused and performing under the elements, during elevation gain its now having to manage physical features just looking to sprain something.
Finally, and yes there is a fourth part of the equation, we must take into account trails that have a rep for causing injuries and are known as hazardous. Old Rag which has the highest rate of injuries within Shenandoah National Park because its technical rock scramble, elevation gain beast, has exposure to the elements that contribute to a greater probability of injury.
So aside from the nice sell job on the factors of grueling hikes, why should you hike these?
Grueling hikes are an example of hard work equals big payoff. These hikes reward the hiker with outstanding summit views, visual hydration in the form of towering trees, stunning water features and abundant wildlife. Equally as noteworthy, grueling hikes are experiential masterpieces, helping fulfill intrinsic motivations to achieve, fulfill and gain. Personally, grueling hikes are my most favorite because of the experience gained and the achievement of the feat are second to none. I would share too that grueling hiking experiences help me in my off the trail life as well, knowing that I am capable of persevering in tough moments and experiences.
With all that said, lace up your hiking boots, top off your water bottle and bring the Advil, here are hikes that absolutely gruel!
Ready to test your metal? There is no slouch here with these daunting hikes. When it comes to offering distance and difficulty it is these hikes that dangle the carrot to explorers with bragging rights, personal pride and a litmus for fitness.
How does a trail make this list?
Trails come in all lengths, difficulty, with a variety of features but what makes a hike notoriously known as grueling?
To make our list we took into account elevation gain, the length of elevation gain, exposure to the elements along with physical features to navigate and lastly, which hikes just had a rap for causing injuries.
Let's start with elevation gain. Elevation gain is like new math, its a bit tricky to factor the elevation gain within the distance it occurs . So this means if you have a 1,000 foot gain in just a mile for example, this is a strenuous trail because the gain happens rapidly causing stress to your breathing, muscles and degrades your hydration level. What happens when the elevation gain to distance is elongated as in the case of The Priest which chooses to batter your legs for three miles while ascending 3,000 ft.? The elevation gain is drawn out but still causes stress to the body and furthermore increases the risk of dehydration.
The most fun (in my opinion) are physical features like boulders, rock scrambles, water crossings and other technical elements requiring caution, balance and footwork. There are trails like the Devils Marbleyard which is highly technical boulder scrambling, all the while being completely exposed to the elements. Physical features present a different challenge, the elevated probability of injury because while your body is focusing on staying focused and performing under the elements, during elevation gain its now having to manage physical features just looking to sprain something.
Finally, and yes there is a fourth part of the equation, we must take into account trails that have a rep for causing injuries and are known as hazardous. Old Rag which has the highest rate of injuries within Shenandoah National Park because its technical rock scramble, elevation gain beast, has exposure to the elements that contribute to a greater probability of injury.
So aside from the nice sell job on the factors of grueling hikes, why should you hike these?
Grueling hikes are an example of hard work equals big payoff. These hikes reward the hiker with outstanding summit views, visual hydration in the form of towering trees, stunning water features and abundant wildlife. Equally as noteworthy, grueling hikes are experiential masterpieces, helping fulfill intrinsic motivations to achieve, fulfill and gain. Personally, grueling hikes are my most favorite because of the experience gained and the achievement of the feat are second to none. I would share too that grueling hiking experiences help me in my off the trail life as well, knowing that I am capable of persevering in tough moments and experiences.
With all that said, lace up your hiking boots, top off your water bottle and bring the Advil, here are hikes that absolutely gruel!
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OLD RAG MOUNTAIN
NETHERS, VA SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK THE INTRO: The icon of shenandoah national park, a hike that's famous for its rock scramble and three false summits. The hike is a staple for weekend hikers, boy scouts and it also is the most popular for medical rescues. Located just south of the town of Sperryville, Virginia. The Old Rag trail positions itself between Robertson mountain and White Oak Canyon for an outstanding area of hiking. WHY IT’S A BEAST: 2700 FT. of elevation gain , three false summits and a 1.25 mile long rock scramble to compliment the near 10 mile hike. THE REWARD: Ride geologic time with car sized boulders, crevice crawls and rock hops on your way to bountiful summit views. Yes friends, bask in 360 degree summit views of Luray and Shenandoah Valleys. |
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BUCK HOLLOW TO MARY’S ROCK
SPERRYVILLE, VA SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK THE INTRO: This 9.0 miler is a combination of two hikes and makes our list with ease. Buck Hollow starts on route 211 just after the welcome sign for Shenandoah National Park and will lead you up to Skyline Drive for a link up with Mary's Rock. The second half of the hike (Mary's Rock) starts on Skyline Drive at the Hazel Mountain parking area. Just cross the street to begin your second ascent. This hike is well marked and well maintained and reward filled. WHY IT’S A BEAST: 2640 FT. of elevation gain in 1.8 miles . Legend has it, the initial start is a straight launch of 1000ft elevation gain via switchbacks. I call this part the Onion, because if you are wearing layers, you are sure to peel them off due the trail stress and overheating. This start is sure to burn up your second and third winds pretty quickly. THE REWARD: Mary's Rock has a 270 degree view of Thornton Gap. It's a rock outcrop that's the perfect setting for lunch and plenty of pictures. . The return hike back to your car via buck hollow is filled with the sights and sounds of nature's soundtrack in waterfalls and creek crossings. |
Vertical Divider
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BOOTENS GAP
SKYLINE DRIVE MILE MARKER 55 SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK THE INTRO: Sure it sounds more pirate than hike and has sections like Cat Knob to make you believe its cute and cuddly but fear not this back country trail is a push your buttons day hike. WHY IT’S A BEAST: 9.8 miles of back country, translation tons of elevation change, rocky single-track, and a calf burning technical descent to Bear Church Rock. THE REWARD: The hike is filled with lush greens in the form of mountain laurel, towering oaks , ferns and carpeted moss. The summit is Bear Church Rock, a large granite slab with views of skyline drive and the rolling mountain side. |
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VIRGINIA TRIPLE CROWN
CATAWBA, VA BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS THE INTRO: Southwestern Virginia's gem is the Virginia Triple Crown. A 32.5 mile, three summit trek along portions of the Appalachian Trail (AT) that requires overnight camping. Want to experience AT trail life for an extended weekend? Wondering if your wanderlust to one day hike the entire AT is for real? The trek in Catawba Valley (just north of Roanoke) is made up of Dragons Tooth, Tinker Cliffs and McAfee Knob. This three trail combo touts some of the best technical hiking and summit views in the state. WHY IT’S A BEAST: Three summits, 32.5 miles and if you need more then how about elevation gains of 1,700 ft , 1,945 ft. AND 1500 ft. Your calves will want to have a chat with you. THE REWARD: One of the longest and toughest segment hikes in all of Virginia showboats one of the most popular and iconic summit views on all of the AT in McAfee Knob. This is bucket list stuff here. |
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ROBERSTON MOUNTAIN
NETHERS VA SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK THE INTRO: The neighbor to Old Rag has secrets, its actually just as good as Old Rag without all the crowds! The hike is a 9 mile beast that begins with fervor and ends with serenity. WHY IT’S A BEAST: Elevation gain of over 1,700 ft. in just 1.2 miles , its ascent is one of the toughest in the entire Shenandoah National Park! The ascent is merciless with its seemingly never-ending single-track that climbs with reckless abandon over a few false summits. THE REWARD: Amazing summit experience with views of Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park and Old Rag mountain. Enjoy big views of the neighboring mountains to yourself with this summit. the walk back on your loop is filled with waterfalls, towering trees and a meandering descent to your car. |
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DEVILS MARBLEYARD
NATURAL BRIDGE, VA JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST THE INTRO: A treasure within Jefferson National Forest is parts playground and parts geological lesson. A once magnificent mountain came to ruin many thousands of years ago due to worms, ice, rain and gravity. Yes, worms. The result is something your eyes and body won't soon forget. This natural playground is comprised of boulders the size of cars, tractor trails, refrigerators, need I say more? The trail is ala carte, so choose your way up and enjoy the views along the way. WHY IT’S A BEAST: 2,300 ft. of elevation gain , non stop boulder climbing, and lack of protection from the elements THE REWARD: The “summit” reward is millions of years in the making ! This unique trail summits at the highest boulder you wish to climb too. Know that all the while at your back is miles of trees and poem worthy mountain scape of the Jefferson National Forest. |
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ELLIOT KNOB
SWOOPE, VA JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST THE INTRO: Elliot Knob is a tricky devil, what starts out as a beautiful forest saunter crossing babbling brooks and slithering through mountain laurel turns into a wicked witch on the back end. WHY IT’S A BEAST: 2,400 ft. of elevation gain that comes in the middle of your trek. Oh that elevation gain, its a ruthless mile of forest road that's filled with ankle beating rocks, dirt and a constant push. Want more? Just when you think your done, it climbs again for 0.2 miles, just enough to hurt your feelings. THE REWARD: The “summit” reward is a one of a kind summit, yes friends make your way up to the top of the fire tower for breath deep views of the North Mountain range. |
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MOUNT MARSHALL
SKYLINE DRIVE MILE MARKER 12 SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK THE INTRO: A Shenandoah National Park top day hike, this is a cocktail of forest fun, big mile mixed with a rocky scramble and birds nest summit. Here's what you can expect to love about this trail, its quiet, remote and relatively speaking its limited elevation gain. WHY IT’S A BEAST: 13.2 miles with the summit at the end of it all. Yes, I just heard you gasp. THE REWARD: Yes, wildlife is a plenty ( hi bear). But the beauty here is the finish. After the summit, enjoy a few miles of fast tracking to your car via a steady descent. Why is that special? Well close your eyes and visualize lush forest, the crush of dirt under your feet and the strum of bird chirps as you zoom down the Appalachian Trail. |
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THE PRIEST
TYRO, VA GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST THE INTRO: Part of Cardinal Range, the Priest is not tall but it's long. Rather its elevation climb is long, one of the longest in the state. The trail is a well maintained and managed single track with a false summit in the way just to tease your spirit. Still, its a wonderous big forest trail that pays off at the end. WHY IT’S A BEAST: 3,117 ft. of elevation gain over 3.75 miles, some calling it daunting, some call it endless... it's a tough slug on your lungs. THE REWARD: The Priest summit is one of those that looks like a postcard. A series of car sized boulders that jetty out into the wild of the Tye River Valley. |
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HOUSE MOUNTAIN
LEXINGTON, VA JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST THE INTRO: This looks neither daunting or like a tough tackle, but friends here is the secret its two mountains in one. The House Mountain and Big House Mountain trail combine to form this southern Virginia bully. The initial onset of trail has its own climb but after the T intersection and joining up with Big House you soon find out why this one is grueling. The final 740 ft feel like a straight up climb along loose rocks decorating the forest road, and to add salt to your spite the ending has a small tight scramble to navigate , just because it can. WHY IT’S A BEAST: 2,850 ft. of elevation gain , with 740 ft. of it on tough as grits rocky forest road that will bully your spirits. THE REWARD: The summit boasts things like Tabletop Rock and a big outcrop view of the Shenandoah Valley. With a vast ridgeline to explore, this one is worth the work. |
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