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Shenandoah National Park A Shenandoah Salamander crawls on an old tree.  NPS Photo By: Lester Via
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Shenandoah National Park
Hiking
 
A hiker makes his way up Old Rag on a foggy day.

A hiker begins his journey to the top of Old Rag Mountain.

Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint; others penetrate deep into the forest and wilderness.

Click here for a list of printable (Adobe PDF format) hiking maps.

With such an abundance of trail options you will certainly be able to find something to fit your interest and ability. Maps have suggested ability descriptors. Whenever you hike be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take plenty of water.

Click here for
Hiking Alerts


Most trailheads are located along Skyline Drive. A few, like Old Rag Mountain are best accessed from the boundary.

Old Rag Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the park. It is also the most challenging. Before embarking on this hike visit our Old Rag pages for important information about planning your hike.

Limberlost Trail (milepost 43), is often enjoyed by persons with mobility challenges. The trail was originally constructed to meet ADA accessibility standards; however, the requirements have recently been revised. Shenandoah National Park has plans to upgrade Limberlost to meet the new standards. In the meantime, use this description of the trail to determine if it is appropriate for your use: This circuit hike of 1.3 miles is for people of all ages and has a 5' wide crushed greenstone walkway on a gentle grade with frequent benches, a boardwalk, and a bridge. The trail passes through forest and a stand of mountain laurel - stunningly beautiful when it blooms in June.

Several commercial businesses are permitted to offer guided hiking and hiker support services in Shenandoah National Park.

A camper assembles her campsite in Shenandoah's backcountry.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry and Wilderness camping information.
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Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace
Take care of your park! Learn about LNT
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Maps
Maps
Click for hiking and general Shenandoah maps
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A hiker is dwarfed by the huge, round, lichen-covered boulders of Old Rag Mountain.

Did You Know?
The large rounded boulders on the top of Old Rag, Shenandoah National Park’s most popular peak, were formed in place by chemical and physical weathering, called spheroidal weathering.

Last Updated: August 29, 2011 at 07:33 MST