Welcome to Travel Tuesday! I went to Shenandoah National Park a few years back and hiked Old Rag, but had more time to explore this time around!
Stony Man Loop Trail in Shenandoah National Park
Distance: 1.6 miles (loop)
Elevation: 321 ft
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Duration: <1 hour
Trailhead Address: 38.59307,-78.37564
Parking: Lot available ($25 for admission into park, or free with annual interagency pass)
For the Stony Man Trail, follow the blue + white blaze markers on the trees (this is part of the Appalachian Trail)! When you get to the trail post, follow the blue-blazed tree markers to reach the viewpoint.
If you have binoculars (we have this one [affiliate link]!), keep an eye out to see if you can spot peregrine falcons! They used to be permanent residents in the Appalachians but their numbers have unfortunately dwindled because of DDT. They were re-introduced into the park in 1989-1993 and over the last 2 decades or so, they’ve successfully restored 151 peregrine falcons back into the park!
You get a great view of the Shenandoah Valley + Massanutten Mountain from the viewpoint!
- Pets are not allowed on the trail.
- There should be free maps at the entrance stations, visitor centers, and www.nps.gov/shen
- Do a tick check after you return from your hike!
- Avoid going off-trail as you could be trampling sensitive vegetation! :[
- What’s the last hike you went on?
- Last national park you visited?
12 comments
Skip to comment form
Very beautiful! Thank you!
It was such a beautiful park to explore! <3
1.6 miles seems like a very doable hike with a mild amount of elevation gain! Would love to do it. Wish I could take my dog , but I understand why they’re not allowed.
Thanks for all the great tips to hike this trail. I’m not much of a hiker but love scenic walks!
I dunno if there’s a hard and fast definition for a hike vs a scenic walk, but I feel like this one would count as the latter!
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: September 2023
Pretty sure I hiked this trail when I visited 6 years ago. It was perfect for our young family and the views are amazing. Great suggestions and tips. Thanks for recommending binoculars – we didn’t bring any on our trip, but they would have been a fun addition.
I’m usually pretty bad about remembering to bring em’, but I’ve added it to my packing list for future travels!
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: September 2023
Thank you for your review of the trail, especially noting not taking pets. I mostly hike with my pup and that would have cost me more time arriving and then learning Goose could not go. Great views too!
For sure! I’ve been wanting to bring my fluff along on trails so I’ve been paying more attention to where he’s actually allowed to go! :P
Looks like a fun trail with great views :)
They were definitely pretty! :D!
Woooah what an amazing view for just an hour! Especially if you get to see peregrine falcons! I have a feeling this one will be stunning in a months time when the colours start to change!