At nearly 14 miles, this is one of the longer hikes in the park. Begin at Elkwallow Picnic Area, milepost 24 on Skyline Drive in the park’s northern district. The descent is steep and stream crossings are difficult, but the rewards of hiking along this beautiful, cascading stream far outweigh the challenges. Consider making it an overnighter, camping at one of the established primitive campsites in Jeremy’s Run Drainage. (540) 999-3500; www.nps.gov/shen. GPS: N38 44.46’ / W78 18.713’. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 74, C2.
Park at Stony Man Overlook at milepost 38.6 on Skyline Drive in the park’s central district. Nicholson Hollow was once a populated area of 400 families. Old home foundations and other evidence of past lives are visible along this 5.8-mile one-way trail. Use Corbin Hollow Trail and Indian Run Trail to make an extended backcountry loop, with primitive campsites and swimming holes. (540) 999-3500; www.nps.gov/shen. GPS: N38 36.769’ / W78 21.632’. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 74, D2.
Parking for the Whiteoak Canyon Trail is at milepost 42.6 on Skyline Drive in the park’s central district. The steep gorge features waterfalls, giant boulders, and quiet pools that make this one of the most popular and beautiful places in the park. The connecting Limberlost Trail is accessible for people with disabilities. There is no backcountry camping. (540) 999-3500; www.nps.gov/shen. GPS: N38 35.174’ / W78 22.972’. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 74, D2.
Begin this hike at Big Run Overlook at milepost 81.2 on Skyline Drive in the park’s southern district. A classic Shenandoah hike: all downhill to the park boundary, followed by a steep climb back to Skyline Drive. In total, a strenuous 14.6-mile loop. (540) 999-3500; www.nps.gov/shen. GPS: N38 15.229’ / W78 41.046’. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 67, C6.
The parking area for this 10-mile hike is at milepost 90 on Skyline Drive in the park’s southern district. Chimney Rock, Calvary Rock, and a swimming hole are highlights on this trip. So are the springtime mountain laurel blooms along Riprap Trail as it descends through Cold Spring Hollow. (540) 999-3500; www.nps.gov/shen. GPS: N38 10.649’ / W78 45.896’. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 67, C5.