Shenandoah National Park Hiking Guide

Shenandoah National Park Hiking Guide

Shenandoah National Park Hiking Guide

General Information

There are over 500 miles of hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park. The trails vary in length from short-stretchers to a 101 mile segment of the Appalachian Trail that runs the length of the park. Many of the trailheads are located on Skyline Drive and in the developed areas. The Whiteoak Canyon Trail leads to six waterfalls and an old-growth forest.

All trails, except self-guided nature trails have blazes, (marks on trees made with paint). The color of the blaze indicates the following:

Blaze Marks

Color of BlazeMeaning
WhiteAppalachian Trail
YellowOpen to hikers and horseback riders
BlueOpen to hikers only
UnblazedNature trails for hikers only
Red-OrangePark boundary


Ticks

Protect yourself against ticks.

As you walk through foothill grasses, a tick may hitch a ride. Tick bites are painless, but a small percentage of ticks carry Lyme disease. If you have been hiking in brushy or grassy areas, check yourself thoroughly when you return from your hike. Use tick repellent to all clothing, including footwear, according to label instructions. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks. If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers and seek a ranger’s or doctor’s advice. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.

There are seven picnic areas. Tables, fireplaces, drinking fountains and restrooms are provided.

Picnic Areas

NameLocation
Big MeadowsMile 51
Dickey RidgeMile 4.6
ElkwallowMile 24.1
Lewis MountainMile 57.5
Loft MountainMile 79.5
PinnaclesMile 36.7
South RiverMile 62.8

Waterfall Hikes

FallsLocationSection of ParkHeight (ft)
Cedar RunMile 45.6Central34
Dark Hollow FallsMile 50.7Central71
Doyles River No 1Mile 81.1South28
Doyles River No 2Mile 81.1South63
Jones RunMile 84.1South42
LewisMile 51.2Central81
OverallMile 22.2North93
Rose RiverMile 49.4Central67
South RiverMile 62.8Central83
Whiteoak No 1Mile 42.6Central86
Whiteoak No 2Mile 42.6Central62
Whiteoak No 3Mile 42.6Central35
Whiteoak No 4Mile 42.6Central41
Whiteoak No 5Mile 42.6Central49
Whiteoak No 6Mile 42.6Central60

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