Hikes with Views State Park Hikes Spring Bluebells at Shenandoah River State Park April 16, 2020 December 27, 2020 Erin Kid-Friendly , Shenandoah River State Park , Shenandoah Valley The Trailhead: From the intersection of US 211 and US 522 in Sperryville, take US 522 south for .8 mile to VA 231. Before you set out into the park, make sure to review the rules and regulations and safety tips for traveling in Shenandoah's backcountry. This park is a real gem filled with stunning mountain views, waterfalls, the Appalachian Trail, and trees that turn brilliant colors in the fall. Sites are gravel, roads paved. This park favorite starts at a high elevation and gets to the top of things in Shenandoah. The park is 1,604 acres with 5.6 miles of river frontage along the south fork of the Shenandoah River. Walk the Passamaquoddy Trail, named for early park proponent George Pollock. I am curious if you have a recommendation on which hike would be most suitable as my husband and I are driving from the D.C. area to stay the weekend in Charlottesville, VA. We wanted to take some time on our drive in on Saturday to hike in Shenendoah but I am not sure what would be the most logical hike based on where we are coming from and headed to! Turn right on VA 643 and follow it for less than a mile to VA 600. There is a network of trails here. Virginia State Parks are well known for their amenities and great trails, and the Shenandoah River Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. State Park is no exception. 33 to the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station off U.S. Rt. From the Thornton Gap entrance, take Skyline Drive south for 15.2 miles to reach the parking area, on your right. A shorter family trek explores the easily reached talus slopes of Blackrock Mountain. … One of the most spectacular experiences in Shenandoah National Park is standing in the thigh-high pool at the base of the South River Falls, gazing at its precipice 83 feet above, and being bathed in its cooling mist. Like a backbone extending down the Blue Ridge, the AT runs the length of the park and attracts large numbers of day hikers and weekend overnighters, in addition to the annual thru-hiker migration. Join the AT northbound. In addition, a wealth of attractions lies outside the park to enhance your Shenandoah National Park experience. Pass through a beautiful river walk with easygoing wide paths throughout much of the hike. Why You Must Hike This Hike: Old Rag is Shenandoah National Park’s contribution to the great mountains of America. The trails are among the smoothest and widest I've found including in Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest. Directions The South District of Shenandoah National Park spans from the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station at U.S. Rt. Because it is an easily accessible preserve delivering national park level scenery. This place is engaging, so give it at least an hour. Great place for running your dog! If you love hiking (all levels) great facilities and not a lot of crowds, spend at least one (or two days) hiking here. Shenandoah is probably best known for its hiking and waterfalls, but there’s so much granite inside the park that it has become a hot spot for climbing, too. There are no particular vista points that will pose a hazard for you. When it rains at a Virginia State Park. Shenandoah River State Park's trail system consists of multi-use trails open to hikers, cyclists and equestrians. Platte River State Trail Distance: 6.7 mi Difficulty: Easy This trail is located in Platte River State Park and has many views of the riverside and even a gorgeous waterfall. Hi John! A large riverside picnic area with shelters, trails, river access, a scenic overlook and a car-top boat launch make this a … If a fear of heights if one is on a narrow trail near a straight drop off is an issue (!) Gary Utz reviewed Big Oak Trail and Tulip Poplar Trail Loop … Appalachian Trail, Hiking, Outdoors, Shenandoah Valley, Travel Ideas / June 7, 2020 by Johnny Molloy / 26 Comments Updated: Nov 25, 2020. Locations are given by mile markers along Skyline Drive. I would first look in the vicinity of Luray. › Shenandoah River State Park › Bird Watching. From the Front Royal park entrance, head south on Skyline Drive for 4.6 miles the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. The trail starts right at the most beautiful overlook. You are not set up as easy to follow format as a new hike might like. Most hikes are accessible via Skyline Drive, though some are accessible from the park boundary. The main spine of the park stretches for 70 miles end-to-end, dividing bucolic Shenandoah Valley from the Piedmont to the east. And as more and more outdoorspeople are discovering, one of the best places to get out of the car and adventure in that scenery is Shenandoah River State Park (also known as Andy Guest State Park).. As many great outdoor spots are, it can be a bit easy to miss. Great Cabins, Wonderful trail variety, and relatively close to town The trail variety is marvelous, well-maintained, and thoughtfully connected. Thanks for your interest and can’t wait for you to get out and enjoy some of the many views to be had at Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. We are seniors and like few rapids with sit on top kayaks. Situated in the heart of Shenandoah Valley, northern Virginia’s Shenandoah River State Park is an oft-forgotten destination in a heavily-trafficked area. Shenandoah River State Park has so much to offer. Whiteoak Canyon Trail, Shenandoah National Park McGaheysville This is my pick for the best hike in Virginia. Dark Hollow Falls. Walk to a massive rock outcrop with an extensive view, then stop at the Loft Mountain Campground store for ice cream as you complete the loop. Why You Must Hike This Hike: The hike over The Pinnacle to Marys Rock traverses the most spectacular section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) through Shenandoah National Park. Take a left on VA 670 and follow it for 5 miles to VA 643. The trail grades are generally moderate as you descend Browns Gap Fire Road, passing a Confederate grave to then follow Doyles River, crashing in a bouldery canyon with big falls and lesser cascades. Official Tourism Blog Of The Commonwealth Of VirginiaCopyright © 2020 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, Va 23219. 6 Favorite Fall Camping Spots at Virginia State Parks By Shellie Anne Posted September 24, 2020 From Rockfish Gap entrance station, it is a 19.9 mile drive to the trailhead. Enjoy. The 1,619-acre state park wows with more than 25 miles of wooded trails. So why should you hike at Shenandoah National Park? Undertake the following 10 must-do hikes at Shenandoah and you will go away with a montage of experiences reflecting the true nature of Virginia’s largest and wildest national park. May-June are peak months for northbound thru hikers on the Appalachian Trail, while September is the peak month for southbound hikers. 205 and I-64. I suggest going to the park website and see if they have park-approved guides, http://www.nps.gov/shen . This is an excellent park for day hikes, you can probably do them on your own. Most hikes are accessible via Skyline Drive, though some are accessible from the park boundary. Take the Frazier Discovery Trail to the wide-open stony vista, then pick up the world’s most famous footpath, the Appalachian Trail, southward through a transitional forest to meet a paved path near the Loft Mountain Campground camp store. The camp has much to see; you can even embark on a self-guided tour. Good roads. Best Day Hikes in Shenandoah National Park’s South District The hiking landscape of Shenandoah National Park (SNP) is dominated by the Appalachian Trail. Dark Hollow Falls is perfect for all visitors to Shenandoah because it’s less than … Why You Must Hike This Hike: Capture up close Shenandoah’s scintillating geology — huge outcrops rising above the forest and open talus slopes where rocks by the thousands carpet the mountainsides. Required fields are marked *. Volunteers. At Shenandoah National Park, you can discover classic destinations like Old Rag and Whiteoak Canyon, where cataracts roar down trout-filled streams while rock outcrops jut above the diverse forest, allowing far-flung views of the Blue Ridge and surrounding Shenandoah Valley. ... Short and steep trail with great view of the river at the peak. Beautiful and easy trail with many nice spots to pause along the river. Views are expansive and frequent. Mountain views and best River we have kayaked. The Trailhead: The hike starts at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, milepost 4.6 on Skyline Drive. I’m wondering if it’s worth doing the waterfall hikes the first week in October. Shenandoah National Park: Moormans River This 4.2-mile out-and-back hike is a local's favorite, climbing gently from the flood-torn banks of the Moormans River to one of the most impressive waterfalls in the park. These scenic trails highlight the dramatic changes in elevation that create the plentiful waterfalls in this region to wow you. A large riverside picnic area, picnic shelters, trails, river access and a car-top boat launch make this a popular destination for families, anglers and canoeists. overlooks the Shenandoah river and the valley. In spring and early summer, the Doyles River – Jones Run Loop is one of the absolute best day hikes in Shenandoah National Park. Great trail through the woods of Shenandoah River State Park. We stayed in Luray over Thanksgiving and on Weds before Thanksgiving we hiked in Shenandoah River State Park. Thank you for your help! Shenandoah River State Park is a picturesque mountain park located just outside of Bentonville, Virginia. Kinda steep winding road going in but nothing extreme. The Trailhead: The Milam Gap trailhead is located at milepost 52.8, on the west side of Skyline Drive. Length: 6.8-mile there-and-back, optional 1.1-mile loop. Shenandoah’s Best Waterfall Hikes Book your reservation online today or call 877-847-1919. Hi Johnny! Explore the most popular walking trails in Shenandoah River State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. This is a great article. Hike to the summit of Stony Man Mountain, where you can capture the patchwork of Shenandoah Valley and superlative mountain montages. It is 26.1 miles north of Rockfish Gap entrance station. Hiking. Table Rock Trail, Table Rock State Park, Pickens Distance: 6.4 Miles, Difficulty: Hard “You’ll boast quads of steel after this eight-mile workout in Table Rock State Park, but most agree it’s one of the best hikes in South Carolina. Stop by Furnace Spring, once was used in a copper mining operation, before completing this highlight-laden loop, located near Skyland. I am fine with stamina and strength and energy but found hiking in Zion on some of the trails to be quite a scary challenge…. Beautiful. Difficulty Level: Moderate; Location: Bentonville, VA; Distance: 6.5 miles; This hike provides some of the best scenic variety of any trail in the area. This well-loved Shenandoah classic is a difficult, yet doable trek. Also the state park is an excellent place to camp. Is the fall a good time to come, Thanks for your interest. Take a right on VA 601 and follow it .3 mile cross the Hughes River, then veer right, staying with VA 601. There are a couple of access points, but they didn’t really do it for us. Interpretive Guides are on site during the warm season. General Information This park is on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and has more than 1,600 acres along 5.2 miles of shoreline. Why You Must Hike This Hike: Explore six sequentially numbered falls ranging from 45 to 86 feet while ascending a rugged, rocky gorge recalling the West. In fact, this may just be my favorite hike in the entire park, which is absolutely one of the greatest American national parks for waterfall hunting . Why You Must Hike This Hike: Conquer Shenandoah’s highest point on this easy hike. Thank you for this, it was so helpful to compare the different hikes! Pets: No. The Trailhead: Blackrock parking area is at milepost 84.8 on Skyline Drive, on the west side. Cabins and a campground, the Shenandoah River that meanders through, fishing, picnic areas, geocaching, a great visitor center and multiple trails. This park is on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and has more than 1,600 acres along 5.2 miles of shoreline. This is a short 1.4-mile… Unfortunately inside-the-park no campgrounds have water and electricity. Looks great anywhere I can connect to electricity and water 💦 for my camper 6 Kid Friendly Hikes in Shenandoah National Park After spending the previous 10 days along the US Atlantic Coast with our kids, we had spent too much time in cities, so we were looking forward to some Shenandoah National Park hiking. Situated in the heart of Shenandoah Valley, northern Virginia’s Shenandoah River State Park is an oft-forgotten destination in a heavily-trafficked area. Stop by Dundo Picnic Area, once the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. Walk around, check out the three buildings and interpretive information. Virginia State Parks / flickr Built around the Shenandoah River, this park is … With various levels of difficulty, there are trails ranging from an easy stroll along the river to a heart-pumping climb up the bluff to a wonderful vista of the river . Why You Must Hike This Hike: Stand atop cliffs rising 3,000 feet above Shenandoah Valley, soaking in views from breezy Stony Man. The Best Shenandoah National Park Hikes One of the biggest attractions in the park is the main road, named Skyline Drive. Thank you for your blog and pictures. Immediately after turning toward the Skyland Resort turn right into the parking for the Stony Man Nature Trail. Milepost 45.6. This turn is at milepost 41.7. Go to the south end of the overlook and pick up the Appalachian Trail there. This is a short 1.4-mile return hike that is suitable for almost everyone and one of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park for families. With only 797 feet elevation gain, the Platte River State Trail There is nothing quite like these falls, and two of the best options for hiking it include the North River Trail, a Shenandoah is located in Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains and is about 1.5 hours from Washington D.C. This is the most popular hiking trail in the park and it is always recommended by park staff. Leave pretty Pinnacles Picnic Area then visit “The Pinnacle” with an outstanding panorama. Get a jump on bagging this peak by starting out at over 3,600 feet, leaving under 500 feet of vertical gain to the nose of Hawksbill. The park is full of well-maintained trails great for hiking and mountain biking. Kyle, I suggest driving down Skyline Drive, getting to Charlottesville, then taking the next day to hike the Browns Gap waterfall loop or Blackrock via Furnace Mountain the next day. Do you have any suggestions for hiking with a toddler and also enjoy the views? Moderate 1.7 miles out-and-back with 690-foot elevation gain. Camping available. Elevation changes only amount to climbs and drops of 450 feet each – not bad for this park, not bad at all. Take the Little Stony Man Trail to Little Stony Man, where more overlooks await. Why You Must Hike This Hike: The cool, historic visitor center at the trailhead, pioneer homesteads and cemetery, trailside interpretive information, and a view! The hike is do-able by most everyone. Museums, visitor centers and nearby historic sites make state parks cultural treasures. This is super helpful; thanks! These home sites reveal another era of Shenandoah, rich in cultural history that once found settlers squeezed into the narrow valleys in the shadow of the Blue Ridge. The Frazier Discovery Trail leaves from the wayside near the entrance to Loft Mountain Campground. Shenandoah’s Best Waterfall Hikes Book your reservation online today or call 877-847-1919. In addition to meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic vistas overlooking Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. Easy access, old farmsteads and a rewarding vista sum up much of what Shenandoah National Park offers on this one hike. Walk the Passamaquoddy Trail, named for early park proponent George Pollock. Shenandoah River State Park is nearly pristine, just like the other state parks we've seen. Whiteoak Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park, and for good reason. From Thornton Gap entrance, take Skyline Drive south for 5.2 miles to the Pinnacles Picnic Area entrance. Use this guide to choose the best Shenandoah hikes no matter how long your park visit is! Shenandoah is not only known for its breathtaking Skyline Drive but also its beautiful, flowing, high waterfalls. The South District of Shenandoah National Park spans from the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station at U.S. Rt. Adding an additional 2.7 miles Hiking Coastal. Park "Shenandoah River State Park", category "Hikingidpark" results in following blogs. Rich vegetation and large wild land helps support an impressive array of mammals – over 50 species – including the black bear. There's even a zip-line available to participate in if … Catch a great view of the Shenandoah Valley on your way back, then enjoy more attractive ridgeline woodland. … Take the Mill Prong Trail into the cool Rapidan River valley. This 4.8 mile round trip hike descends from the Skyline Drive 1200’ to a beautiful 86’ waterfall. The Trailhead: This hike starts near the north entrance to Skyland Resort off Skyline Drive. Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. Park "Shenandoah River State Park", category "Swimming" results in following blog. Overall though, the Shenandoah River State Park was … Thanks for your blog! This loop takes you to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain which is the largest peak in the park. Shenandoah is not only known for its breathtaking Skyline Drive but also its beautiful, flowing, high waterfalls. The trails are multi use. You can also reach the… Our list of hikes is by no means all-inclusive, but we did our best to pick the “must-do” trails if you plan on being in the park for several days. Still more views await along the way to arguably the best vista in the entire park — Mary’s Rock with its 360 degree views. Check out TravelAwaits’ picks for the best hikes in all 50 states here.Shenandoah National Park, extending across the Blue Ridge Mountains, is located northwest of Charlottesville and includes 200,000 acres divided by the Skyline Drive. Hawksbill Mountain is the park’s highest peak at … Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. S henandoah River State Park is situated on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River with more than 1,600 acres along 5.2 miles of shoreline. Happy hiking! You can only see portions of the river from the trail as the trail is not right next to the river, but instead on the other side of the the tree line next to the river. Turn left on VA 600 and follow it for 3.7 miles to Berry Hollow. Hiking Time: Elev. Johnny Molloy, author of Top Trails: Shenandoah National Park, has been day hiking and backpacking at Shenandoah for over two decades, in addition to trekking destinations throughout the Old Dominion and beyond. In fact, it’s hard to sort through them all and pick the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park. 2. Virginia’s 37 state parks include several in the Valley—Shenandoah River State Park, Natural Bridge, and Douthat among them. And yes, there are hikes you must do here. The 1,600 acre park, which opened in 1999, has 17 trails making up 24 miles, a virtual labyrinth. Elevations vary from 4,050 feet atop Hawksbill down to less than 550 feet near Front Royal. Bryan Lowe reviewed Wildcat Ledge Trail Thanks. Hike to the summit of Stony Man Mountain, where you can capture the patchwork of Shenandoah Valley and superlative mountain montages. This is the most popular hiking trail in the park and it is always recommended by park staff. Shenandoah National Park is the scenic mountain haven of the Mid-Atlantic, the glittering jewel in the crown of the Virginia Appalachians. Thanks, Johnny Molloy. As folks flock to Skyline Drive to see the fall leaves, they rarely venture down the mountain to what I think is one of the most beautiful parks in Virginia. I’m assuming your book is on Amazon? Since there are no fords, you can hike this in winter and spring without worry — when the falls will be their boldest. 205 and I-64. Leave Dickey Ridge Visitor Center to first visit the old Fox Farm. Enter a maze of boulders, with some bona fide rock scrambling to reach the summit with eye-popping views. Gently descend back to Loft Mountain Wayside. The rolling, mountainous land features steep slopes and is mostly wooded. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. Apr 5, 2020 - Planning which Shenandoah National Park hikes to do on your visit? Once you finish soaking in the outstanding views of Blackrock Summit with other hikers, enter one of the park’s more remote areas on the Trayfoot Mountain Trail then the Furnace Mountain Trail, availing maximum solitude. Why You Must Hike This Hike: View Big Rock Falls on the way to Rapidan Camp, the preserved presidential retreat of Herbert Hoover. Shenandoah River Raymond R. “Andy” Guest, Jr. State Park VIRGINIA STATE PARKS ARE A TONIC FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT. Parked at Culler’s Viewpoint and traveled Campground Trail, Culler’s, Red Tail Ridge, Tulip Poplar, Big Oak and back to Culler’s and Campground for a 7 mile loop. Just exercise a little caution and you’ll be fine. The Trailhead: The Pinnacles Picnic Area is located at milepost 36.7 on Skyline Drive. The North District of Shenandoah National Park spans from the Front Royal Entrance Station at the town of Front Royal off I-66 to the Thornton Gap Entrance Station at U.S. Rt. Shenandoah River State Park. Return along the Passamaquoddy Trail, where still more views can be seen. Turn right on VA 231 and follow it 8 miles to VA 601, Peola Mills Road. Gain: Parking: 3.5 hours plus a half hour for lunch 650 ft Park at the Horse Barn Area Virginia State Parks are well know n for their amenities and great trails, and the Shenandoah River Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. State Park is no exception. Your email address will not be published. Turn up Jones Run to find the ancient tulip trees. At the turn you will see a sign indicating this is the highest point on Skyline Drive. Why You Must Hike This Hike: This ideal family hike or afternoon stroll starts at the Loft Mountain Wayside. Hiking Central. Discover pioneer vestiges there, including a cemetery. It can be reached by driving north on Skyline Drive for 12.7 miles from Swift Run Gap entrance. can you suggest what hikes to stay away from? Reach the confluence of Laurel Prong and Mill Creek, where Rapidan Camp lies in a lovely wooded setting. The hiking is easy from here out. Virginia State Parks are well know for their amenities and great trails, and the Shenandoah River Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. State Park is no exception. Here a few suggestions for hikes that will have your kids begging to come back! Located along the south fork of the Shenandoah River, this 1,600-acre park features #6 - Big Oak Trail and Tulip Poplar Trail Loop, Hemlock Hollow, Bluebell and Overlook Trail Loop, River Trail Easy and Culler's Trail Double Track Loop, Big Oak Trail and Tulip Poplar Trail Loop. From the Rockfish Gap entrance station take Skyline Drive north for 21.6 miles to trailhead, on your left. Elsewhere, your footsteps can lead past what once were pioneer farms, places like Dickey Ridge. In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. The granite-topped peak delivers incredible views and a rock scramble along the way. The Trailhead: The Upper Hawksbill trailhead is on the west side of Skyline Drive at milepost 46.7. Perfect trails for an afternoon of hiking/biking/jogging. The trails both parallel the banks of the river as it snakes through the Shenandoah Valley and through the rolling hills, which provides great views of the river and surrounding mountains. Outcrops below the summit are just warm-ups for the nearly 360-degree view atop Hawksbill. Shenandoah River Loop (Shenandoah River State Park, VA) Posted on October 24, 2015 by Andrew Wojtanik Situated in the heart of Shenandoah Valley, northern Virginia’s Shenandoah River State Park is an oft-forgotten destination in a heavily-trafficked area. It’s hard to keep track of all the falls at Whiteoak Canyon tumbling through a chasm of geological wonderment, a place where the rocky base of Shenandoah protrudes above the rich forest. SHENANDOAH RIVER STATE PARK Approximate Distance / Time from Alexandria: 69 miles: 80 miles; 1 hour, 30 minutes (Pictured above.) Stay with the blacktop as it becomes Nethers Road and leads up the Hughes River valley to the lower Old Rag parking lot at 3.3 miles. Strike up the north slope of Old Rag, emerging onto a massive granite slab, revealing far fetched panoramas. Very nice. Top out on a rock promontory with a view of the uppermost falls. Thank you – very helpful. Love Shenandoah River State Park and Shenandoah Valley.34 foot fifth wheel. While lacking the heights of nearby Shenandoah National Park or Massanutten Mountain, a tangle of hiking and biking routes crisscross the state park, exploring fields and bluffs adjacent to the Shenandoah River, the waterway… The trail system is generally wide and not very technical compared to the surrounding George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah National Park. Shenandoah National Park is located just 75 miles west of Washington, DC. Furthermore, you can discover lesser-visited yet equally scenic sights at places like Jones Run and Furnace Mountain where cataracts roar among old-growth trees spared by the logger’s axe and lonely lookouts beg to be visited. This is Shenandoah River State Park, one of the best-kept secrets in the area. Excellent trail marking. Mountain Biking Shenandoah River State Park Add a review #194 of 284 mountain bike trails in Virginia #9,919 in the world. Best walking trails in Shenandoah River State Park, Virginia 202 Reviews Explore the most popular walking trails in Shenandoah River State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Walk south on Dickey Ridge to Snead Farm site and check out more human history. Virginia Route 340 between Front Royal and Luray is perhaps one of the more underrated scenic drives in the state. Or you can engage other hikes, to Stony Man and Hawksbill, where lofty heights reveal more views, biodiversity, and park history with every footfall among these stately highlands. But we had to try. However just outside the park you will find campgrounds that will suit your needs. The park opened in June 1999. State Park Fee is $3 or 4$. Previous trail description listed just Bear Bottom Loop. Overview. Park here. Blackrock will suffice both views and with a toddler. The Trailhead: Loft Mountain Wayside is located at mile 79.5, on the west side of Skyline Drive. Hiking Mountains. Come along Mill Prong and see 15-foot Big Rock Falls, with its deep beckoning pool. Like a backbone extending down the Blue Ridge, the AT runs the length of the park and attracts large numbers of day hikers and weekend overnighters, in … By Shellie Anne Posted July 21, 2018. Enough hills to get the heart pumping but with easy, well maintained, smooth trails. Be prepared for crowds when the weather is nice and views from the uppermost outcrops. I have a book entitled Top Trails: Shenandoah National Park that would help. A man-made observation platform showing the cardinal points enhance this highest of Virginia national park panoramas. This vertical variation is one of the reasons for the incredible diversity of life found within its boundaries. 211. To help you narrow down where to go, and accepting that everyone has a different idea of what makes their “bucket list,” we suggest the following trails as warranting serious consideration. And did I mention it has over 500 miles of trails to explore? Locations are given by mile markers along Skyline Drive. The park opened in June 1999. Your email address will not be published. Seven Bends State Park provides public access to the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and features two hand-carry boat launches, picnic areas, one single family-sized picnic shelter, vault restrooms, and 8 miles of hiking trails. Shenandoah River State Park is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The Trailhead: From the town of Madison, on US 29 north of Charlottesville and south of Culpepper, drive north on VA 231 for 5 miles to VA 670. #1 - Hemlock Hollow, Bluebell and Overlook Trail Loop, #3 - River Trail Easy and Culler's Trail Double Track Loop. 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The Front Royal Park entrance, take Skyline Drive north for 21.6 miles to 601... Of Virginia National Park to enhance your Shenandoah National Park’s comprehensive Trail network allows to. At Jewell Hollow overlook, milepost 36.4, as well as a new hike might like sit on kayaks... Was farmland ) 5.6 miles of wooded trails Old Rag is Shenandoah River State Park is 1,604 acres with miles... Over 50 species – including the black bear being in the world the Virginia.... 75 miles west best hikes shenandoah river state park Washington, DC near Front Royal SNP ) is by. Shopping easy, Old farmsteads and a rewarding vista sum up much of what Shenandoah National Park McGaheysville is... Hikers on the south fork of the Shenandoah best hikes shenandoah river state park State Park wows with than! Exercise a Little caution and you ’ ll be fine making grocery shopping easy Trail variety marvelous... Because it is a difficult, yet doable trek Visitor Center to first visit the Old.. For kids ages 6 and up, high waterfalls is in the woods and being out in the along... Email, and thoughtfully connected where still more views can be seen the Mill Prong and if! 50 species – including the black bear driving north on Skyline Drive 1200 ’ to a beautiful overlook the. Trail on your own the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp eye-popping..