5 Gorgeous Spring Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
You will swoon for these beautiful waterfalls and vistas full of bright green leaves.
Spring is finally making an appearance in Shenandoah National Park with bright, neon green leaves of spring beginning to make their way up the mountainsides. Here are 5 hikes throughout Shenandoah National Park where you will find hundreds of little mountain wildflowers lining the hiking trails, where waterfalls are gushing and mountain rivers are flowing strong.
1. Hike Old Rag Mountain
Photo: Susan Billings
The Draw: This hike is 9 miles long with an elevation gain of 2510 feet. You won't only be hiking on this adventure with the last part of the hike being through a fun rock scramble and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding Shenandoah mountains. To avoid the weekend crowds make sure to arrive earlier than 7:00am or hike it during the week day! Learn more.
2. Hike White Oak Canyon
Photo: Christin Healey
The Draw: This hike is 4.8 miles with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. Along this hike you'll be hiking alongside a river and see multiple beautiful waterfalls that will be gushing with the spring rain. This hike is also a Shenandoah favorite so be sure to arrive at the trailhead early or hike this on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Learn more.
3. Hike to High Top Mountain
Photo: Sarak Giek
The Draw: This lesser known hike in Shenandoah is 3.2 miles long with an elevation gain of 900 feet. This hike will wind you up the Appalachian Trail and offer sweeping views to the west. This is a great spot to watch the sunset and miss the crowds on a beautiful spring day. Learn more.
4. Hike to Doyles Falls
Photo: Brandon Dewey
The Draw: This hike is 3.2 miles long with an elevation gain of 1,190 feet. You'll hike next to a river and past multiple waterfalls that are beautifully surrounded by the young, bright green leaves of spring. Learn more.
5. Hike Bear Church via the Graves Mill Trail
Photo: Christin Healey
The Draw: This hike is 8.5 miles with an elevation gain of 2,250 feet. You'll be hiking along two different beautiful mountain rivers before climbing up to the summit. This hike isn't popular so even on a beautiful spring day you'll only run into a few people. Also if you love fly fishing bring your rod! The Rapidan River is home to some of the most beautiful native brook trout in all of Virginia. Learn more.
Cover photo: Blackrock Summit by Jess Fischer
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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