11 Best Hikes Shenandoah National Park (For Families)

Are you interested in finding the best hikes Shenandoah National Park offers for family-friendly fun?

Good news! I’ve got you covered!

Situated around a 105-mile stretch of scenic mountaintop road known as Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park provides some of the most scenic hiking on the East Coast, with more than 200 miles of trails maintained by the National Park Service.

You’ll even have the opportunity to hike portions of the world-famous Appalachian Trail, which runs directly through Shenandoah National Park and provides sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains.

And if you’re looking for easy hiking trails or moderate hiking trails ideal for families within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park, you’re in luck because you’ll have plenty of great hikes to choose from.

In this article, I’ll give you the scoop on all the best hikes Shenandoah National Park has for your family.

Pin

Shenandoah National Park: Background Information

What is now Shenandoah National Park was once home to Native American groups like the Iroquois and Cherokee nations.

European settlements began popping up around the Shenandoah Valley in the 18th century, eventually becoming a key gateway region to pioneers heading west.

Planning for Shenandoah National Park began in the early 20th century as the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States federal government began buying up land in the area with the goal of creating a national park in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, government-contracted workers constructed much of the park’s infrastructure, including Skyline Drive, Shenandoah’s main road, and the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, as well.

By 1936, Shenandoah National Park had officially opened to visitors, quickly becoming one of the most popular national parks in the United States.

Nowadays visitors from around the world travel to Shenandoah National Park, which is just 2 hours from Washington DC, to view beautiful waterfalls, stunning mountain landscapes, ample wildlife, and gorgeous autumn foliage, as well as spring blooms.

You’ll also find a pair of charming mountainside resorts inside the park, the Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pin

Best Hikes Shenandoah National Park: Interactive Map

11 Best Hikes Shenandoah National Park Has For Families

Now, without further ado, it’s time to look at the 11 best family-friendly hikes in Shenandoah National Park.

These amazing hikes are categorized as easy or moderate, with the easy hikes being more appropriate for younger children and the moderate hikes more appropriate for older kids or those with some hiking experience.

Pin

1. Hawksbill Loop Trail

The Hawksbill Loop Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park, as it takes you to the park’s highest point, the Hawksbill Mountain Summit.

This moderate hiking path combines the Lower Hawksbill Loop Trail and the Salamander Trail to form a loop going up to Hawksbill Summit and back.

Pin

The trail does have a manageable rock scramble or two and can be relatively steep on some portions of the northern side.

I’d recommend taking the counterclockwise root, which means heading left out of the parking lot. This will allow you to bypass the steepest portions of the trail on your ascent, making it the best way to go if you’re looking to avoid sweating too much.

The Upper Hawksbill Trail is a good option if you’d prefer a shorter but steeper hike directly to Hawksbill Mountain Summit. However, the Hawksbill Loop is easier because it’s much flatter and is more scenic, too.

Pin

2. Limberlost Trail

This easy hike is quite flat and can be done with young children. You’ll even be OK with a stroller here since much of the wide path is paved. That’s why this is one of the most popular trails for families.

You’ll also find several benches, often filled with bird watchers and leaf peepers, strategically placed along this lovely little loop trail winding through the forest. These are great places to rest or have a quick snack while enjoying the gorgeous surroundings.

Pin

The best time to hike the Limberlost Trail would have to be autumn, as this is the peak season for the vibrant orange, yellow, and red hues emanating from the abundance of trees, giving you a feeling of walking through a magical storybook world.

This is a great introductory trek for hikers setting out on the trail for the first time and also for older folks who’d like to enjoy the spectacular views without traipsing up a steep mountainside.

Pin

3. Blackrock Summit Trail via Tayfoot Mountain & Appalachian Trail

This pet-friendly loop trail takes about 30 minutes to complete (round trip) and features a slight elevation gain of about 180 feet, making it one of the best places to take the whole family on a hike, including the pup.

The trail is simple to navigate and well-maintained. There is a small rock scramble leading to the summit, but most kiddos and parents should be able to complete it with relative ease.

Once you reach the summit, where you can have a rest on the large boulders formed here millions of years ago, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forested hills.

Plus, the Blackrock Summit Trail gives you the chance to hike a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, a bucket list item for hikers and nature lovers the world over.

This easy loop trail is generally considered one of the best short hikes in the park and an absolute must-do for families.

Pin

4. Dark Hollow Falls Trail

Located just a couple minutes down Skyline Drive from the Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center, where you can speak with park rangers or get a park map and a trail map, the Dark Hollow Falls Trail is a great hike that takes you on a jaunt through the forest, ending at a beautiful waterfall.

Pin

The out-and-back trail takes just over an hour to complete (on average) and has a few steep points with a total elevation gain of about 580 feet.

However, it is one of the most beautiful hikes in Shenandoah National Park and a favorite among wildlife watchers looking to catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer or the occasional black bear strolling through the trees.

So, after seeing the wondrous waterfalls, you’ll still have a lot to look forward to on your return or back hike.

If you want to get up close and personal with a wondrous waterfall, the Dark Hollows Falls Trail is a great way to do it, as it’s one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park.

Pin

5. Stony Man Trail via Appalachian Trail

This moderate trail, just a stone’s throw from the Skyland Resort, is one of the best short hikes in Shenandoah.

Pin

However, despite being a relatively brief hike, you’ll be rewarded with some of the area’s best views at the trail’s end, which puts you on the second-highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, Stony Man Summit.

Pin

In fact, this 4,011-foot peak offers epic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including the nearby Little Stony Man, and is a favorite among photographers looking for snapshots of the vivid sunrises and sunsets you can witness here.

The climb up to the peak does have some semi-steep portions but should be navigable for most kids since many avid hiking families use this trail as an introductory hike for their little ones.

Pin

6. Story of the Forest Trail

The Story of the Forest Trail ranks among the best places for young kids to hike in Shenandoah National Park. The easy hike is mostly flat and takes about 40 minutes to complete (on average).

Plus, if your little ones love animals like mine, this is a great hike because many trail walkers will often see white-tailed deer bounding across meadows just a short distance away.

Pin

The kids can even make friends on this easy trail because the Big Meadows Campground is just down the road, making this a hugely popular hike for camping families.

In fact, you’ll never be too far from other hikers since the Story of the Forest Trail has very easy access and can be traversed at any time of year, including the winter months.

Pin

7. Lewis Spring Falls Trail

Situated about halfway between Shenandoah National Park’s Swift Run Gap Entrance and Thornton Gap entrance, just off of the Big Meadows Campground area, Lewis Springs Falls Trail is another of the excellent waterfall hikes here.

The beginning of the trail is a bit rocky, with some steep portions, amounting to a total elevation gain of about 870 feet. However, most older kids or somewhat experienced hikers shouldn’t encounter any problems.

To avoid strenuous uphill climbs, I’d suggest hiking the loop counterclockwise or heading left from the trailhead. This way, you’ll be descending the trail’s steepest parts on your return trip.

As a reward for your hard work navigating rocks and occasional inclines, you’ll find a lovely mountain stream that quickly becomes a waterfall cascading over a rocky cliff face.

This trail is dog-friendly, though it does require the pups to be leashed, and is open to hikers year-round, making it a great place to catch the late autumn colors and the early spring bloom.

Pin

8. Lake Arrowhead Trail

While not actually located inside Shenandoah National Park, you’ll find the Lake Arrowhead Trail in the nearby town of Luray, Virginia.

This easy hike takes just over 30 minutes to complete (on average) and offers scenic vistas of Lake Arrowhead and epic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

With only about 115 feet of elevation gain on the 1.4-mile hike, younger kids should do just fine here. However, making this hike with a stroller may be challenging as large roots crisscross portions of the trail, which is also relatively narrow at some points.

That said, this easy trail is a great place for a nice hike or a picnic lunch on the lake. You’ll also find benches dotting the periphery of the lake, where you can relax and take in the scenery while the kids go for a dip.

Make a day of it and hang out at the Lake Arrowhead Park and Recreation Area, complete with a cute, clean little beach and plenty of fresh air.

Pin

9. Pollock Knob and Timber Hollow Overlook

Thanks to an abundance of wildflowers growing just off the trail in the spring and summer seasons, the Pollock Knob and Timber Hollow Overlook hike ranks among the most beautiful outdoor adventures in Shenandoah National Park.

Pin

The whole family can join in on the fun and natural beauty because this easy trail, while somewhat long, is relatively flat with a total elevation gain of just under 680 feet spread over almost 4 miles.

You’ll notice interesting rock formations all over the place on this trail, many of which date back millions of years to when the Appalachian Mountains were much taller than they are today.

Additionally, the westward views of the Shenandoah Valley are stunning. Leashed dogs are allowed on Pollock Knob and Timber Hollow Overlook, as well.

The trailhead is just down the road from the Skyland Resort, making it a convenient hike if you happen to be staying in the quaint mountainside lodge.

Pin

10. Rose River Trail

The Rose River Trail, a piece of the larger Rose River Loop, winds its way along a serenely flowing mountain stream before meeting up with the Rose River Falls, making this one of the best waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park.

The trailhead near Fisher’s Gap allows you to head out in a clockwise direction on the Rose River Loop Trail or counterclockwise on the Rose River Fire Road.

While both are good scenic hikes, I’d recommend taking the clockwise route, which will put you on the well-maintained Rose River Fire Road, the easiest portion of the trail, for the home stretch when those muscles are getting achy.

That being said, even the most difficult parts of this moderate loop trail are generally manageable, even for the little ones, and the trail is well-maintained with sound footing.

Though the elevation gain isn’t huge here, this hike can be somewhat lengthy, often taking over 2 hours to complete, so please keep that in mind.

Pin

11. Luray Hawksbill Greenway

A fun and, more importantly, fully paved flat route, the Luray Hawksbill Greenway is a walking path that runs right through downtown Luray, VA, a lovely little town with all the modern amenities you’ll ever need.

The path follows along a mountain stream emptying from the upper reaches of the Blue Ridge Mountains and makes for a great time for young kids, mom and dad, and grandma and grandpa, too.

Stop into one of the many excellent restaurants in town and walk off the impending food coma on the path afterward. If it’s a warm day, you can even hop into the crystal-clear cold waters of the adjacent stream.

Or, if you’d prefer, bring some fishing poles along and try to catch your dinner, as many locals love to fish along the banks of this mountain water-fed stream.

This makes for a great day on your way out of Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park since it’s so relaxed and, for sure, the easiest hike on this list.

Pin

Best Hikes Shenandoah National Park That Aren’t Ideal for (Most) Kids

Many of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park, and favorite hikes for hardcore hikers, are far too strenuous for young kids. However, if you happen to have teenagers who are strong hikers, you may want to try one of the more difficult trails in the park. Of course, it’s up to you.

While these are some of the best hikes Shenandoah National Park has, they should be avoided by most families:

• Old Rag Mountain Loop: Considered by many to be one of the best hikes in the American Southeast, the Old Rag Mountain Loop is certainly not your average day hike. Instead, it spans almost 10 miles with over 2,500 feet of elevation gain and 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Multiple trails, including the well-known Saddle Trail, make up this challenging loop.
• Mary’s Rock via Appalachian Trail North Approach: Maybe the best day hike in Shenandoah National Park for hiking enthusiasts, Mary’s Rock via Appalachian Trail North Approach provides loads of natural beauty but requires climbing severely steep and rocky trails to do so.
• Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run Trail Loop: An 8.3-mile trek with over 2,300 feet of elevation gain, the Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run Trail Loop is a challenging hike with beautiful waterfalls and amazing views but plenty of steep, sometimes slippery climbs.
• Bearfence Mountain Trail: While technically a moderate trail, the Bearface Mountain Trail necessitates a serious rock scramble that is likely too difficult for most kids and many adults, especially those afraid of heights, but the views are outstanding.
• Overall Run Falls via Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail: Located about 20 miles from the north entrance to Shenandoah National Park and the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, this loop trail is often found on a list of the best hikes in Virginia because it brings you past awe-inspiring waterfalls but is long and arduous.
• Rapidan Camp, Cat Knob, and Hazeltop Loop: A great place to view wildflowers, this loop trail spans 11.5 miles past Rapidan Camp, Cat Knob, and Hazeltop, taking most hikers almost 6 hours to complete, which means most of us would be feeling pretty sore the next day.

Pin

Final Family-Friendly Shenandoah National Park Hiking Tips

• Stop by One of the Visitor Centers: Visitor centers are great places to take in the views from an observation platform and gather information about a national park. In Shenandoah National Park, you have three options – the Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center, the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, and the Loft Mountain Visitor Center.
• Ensure Your Vehicle is in Tip-Top Shape: From north to south, Shenandoah National Park spans 105 miles, and many great hikes require a long drive. It’s important to make sure your car can carry you over those rolling hills and not strand you somewhere far from civilization.
• Stick to Marked Trails: Some thrill-seeking hikers love backcountry hikes or getting out on the back trail for more adventure. As awesome as that may be, it brings plenty of inherent danger. For safety reasons, it’s best to stick to marked, maintained trails.
• Be Mindful of the Elevation: The highest peak in Shenandoah National Park sits at over 4,000 feet. And while they may not seem like too much to some, it’s good to be mindful of the effects high elevation can have on your body. You may need to take more breaks and drink more water while hiking.
• Check The National Park Website: Check park conditions on the official Shenandoah National Park website, especially in winter or the shoulder seasons, when weather conditions can force some park amenities to close.

Pin