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 Blaze | Meaning |
White | Appalachian Trail |
Yellow | Open to hikers and horseback riders |
Blue | Open to hikers only |
Unblazed | Nature trails for hikers only |
Red-Orange | Park 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
Name | Location |
Big Meadows | Mile 51 |
Dickey Ridge | Mile 4.6 |
Elkwallow | Mile 24.1 |
Lewis Mountain | Mile 57.5 |
Loft Mountain | Mile 79.5 |
Pinnacles | Mile 36.7 |
South River | Mile 62.8 |
Waterfall Hikes
Falls | Location | Section of Park | Height (ft) |
Cedar Run | Mile 45.6 | Central | 34 |
Dark Hollow Falls | Mile 50.7 | Central | 71 |
Doyles River No 1 | Mile 81.1 | South | 28 |
Doyles River No 2 | Mile 81.1 | South | 63 |
Jones Run | Mile 84.1 | South | 42 |
Lewis | Mile 51.2 | Central | 81 |
Overall | Mile 22.2 | North | 93 |
Rose River | Mile 49.4 | Central | 67 |
South River | Mile 62.8 | Central | 83 |
Whiteoak No 1 | Mile 42.6 | Central | 86 |
Whiteoak No 2 | Mile 42.6 | Central | 62 |
Whiteoak No 3 | Mile 42.6 | Central | 35 |
Whiteoak No 4 | Mile 42.6 | Central | 41 |
Whiteoak No 5 | Mile 42.6 | Central | 49 |
Whiteoak No 6 | Mile 42.6 | Central | 60 |