I am interested in creating a TOPO! explorer map of the good hikes and activities. Anyone have suggestions of best hikes in the area?

Hi, Nate. I’m surprised no one else has responded.

Shenandoah National Park:

- Riprap Trail [southern section of the park]

- Rose River Loop [central section]

- Old Rag [central section] [This hike to the top of Old Rag is sometimes so crowded it’s like the interstate of hiking trails. Go at off times of the year.]

- Cedar Run/White Oak Canyon Loop [central section] [Take the White Oak Road shortcut back to the Skyline Drive, just north of Cedar Run Trail. This is my personal favorite.]

- Right across from the top of the Cedar Run Trail there’s a short hike to the top of Hawksbill. Best view in the entire park.

- Turk Branch Trail down to the South Fork of the Moormans River to the Charlottesville Reservoir [also called Sugar Hollow Reservoir by locals], north along the North Fork of the Moormans River, to the trail going back up to the Skyline Drive just below Blackrock Gap.

Outside the SNP:

- From US 250 at Rockfish Gap, go south down the Blue Ridge parkway about 4 or 5 miles to the Humpback Rock trail; this a great overlook.

- Saint Marys Wilderness, centered on the Saint Marys River, is best approached for the west-side bottom of the Blue Ridge; Take US250 west across Rockfish Gap to the US340 exit, south to Stuarts Draft where you’ll turn left onto rt. 608 headed south.

- Ramseys Draft Wilderness may be too far west to be considered Shenandoah Valley, but it’s worth the trip. Take US250 west past Staunton.

- Cub Run and Roaring Run at Catherine Furnace on Massanutten Mountain. This is about 5 or 6 miles north of the town of Shenandoah on rt. 685 off of US340. Don’t go during hunting season.

Regards,
Warren

Hi ‘wcy’,

Thanks for the excellent hiking suggestions in-and-around Shenandoah National Park. By chance, have you collected any GPS data on those trails? If so, we’d be thrilled if you’d like to share that data with the community.

Thanks!
-John