Outbound Collective logo

The Best Backpacking in Stanley

Looking for the best backpacking in Stanley? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Stanley. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top backpacking spots in and near Stanley

  • Stanley, Virginia

    Backpack Rose River Loop

    5.0
    4 mi / 900 ft gain
    The trail can be found on Skyline Drive.  Though it is a little challenging to locate, you should park at  Fisher’s Gap Overlook (mile marker 49.4), and then walk over across the road and find the trail. You'll spot it by looking over the side of the road and then hiking down.  The Rose River Loo...
    Read more
  • Luray, Virginia

    White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls

    4.8
    4.28 mi / 866 ft gain
    Between mile 42 and 43 of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is the trailhead for WhiteOak Canyon. Begin at the trailhead from the parking lot and cross the Limberlost Trail in .3 miles. Continue on and you will cross your first footbridge shortly. After another mile you will cross the s...
    Read more
  • Stanley, Virginia

    Hike to Bear Church Rock via Bootens Gap

    3.5
    9.4 mi / 800 ft gain
    The trail leads along the ridge of Jones Mountain to the gorgeous views at Bear Church Rock, and it's the perfect hike for those seeking solitude - didn't see another soul the entire time on a holiday weekend.From the parking lot, head out left on the AT northbound. In .4 miles you will come to a...
    Read more
  • Syria, Virginia

    Rose River and Rapidan Road Loop

    11.84 mi / 2057 ft gain
    Rose River and Rapidan Road Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Syria, Virginia.
    Read more
  • Syria, Virginia

    Cedar Run, White Oak, Old Rag, Weakley Hollow and Nicholson Hollow Trail

    18.45 mi / 4718 ft gain
    Cedar Run, White Oak, Old Rag, Weakley Hollow and Nicholson Hollow Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Syria, Virginia.
    Read more
  • Elkton, Virginia

    Fridley Gap Trail

    9.59 mi / 2785 ft gain
    Fridley Gap Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Elkton, Virginia.
    Read more
  • Rileyville, Virginia

    Backpack Jeremy's Run Trail, Shenandoah NP

    3.3
    10 mi
    This hike is best done as a two-day, one-night backpacking trip, however it can be done as a day hike if you don't wish to backpack.Jeremy’s Run is a beautifully forested 10 mile roundtrip hike with numerous stream-crossing. The trailhead starts at the Elkwallow Picnic area, at about mile 24 of S...
    Read more
  • Rileyville, Virginia

    Hike to Overall Run Falls

    5.0
    6.1 mi / 1700 ft gain
    Start at the Hogback parking lot at MP 21.1 on the Skyline Drive. Take the Appalachian Trail south for 0.8 miles, and turn right onto the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. After 0.5 miles you will come to another intersection-keep right to stay on the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. A final intersection...
    Read more
  • Rileyville, Virginia

    Beecher Ridge and Overall Run Loop via Appalachian Trail

    11.42 mi / 2946 ft gain
    Beecher Ridge and Overall Run Loop via Appalachian Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Rileyville, Virginia.
    Read more
  • Elkton, Virginia

    Rocky Mount Trail Loop

    3.2
    9.58 mi / 2200 ft gain
    The trail begin 0.1 miles north of Two Mile Run Overlook at milepost 76.2 on Skyline Drive. You can park at this overlook for the night, just make sure you fill out a (free) wilderness permit and walk the short way on Skyline Drive to the trailhead. Immediately climb a wooded knoll before headin...
    Read more
  • Free Union, Virginia

    Brown Rocky Mountain Trail

    9.37 mi / 2254 ft gain
    Brown Rocky Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Dyke, Virginia.
    Read more
  • 38.82346,-78.17039, Virginia

    Appalachian Trail: Compton Gap to Jenkins Gap

    4.84 mi / 1257 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Compton Gap to Jenkins Gap is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Huntly, Virginia.
    Read more
  • Wardensville, West Virginia

    Hike to Tibbet Knob

    5.0
    3.1 mi / 830 ft gain
    Park for free at Wolf Gap Campground and cross the road where you will pass some picnic tables and campsites.  Follow the signs to the the yellow blazed Tibbet Knob trail.  In half a mile, there is a little path to a summit on your left where you can catch a glimpse of Mill Mountain and Big Schlo...
    Read more
  • Wardensville, West Virginia

    Tibbett Knob

    5.0
    3.25 mi / 751 ft gain
    This hike is short, but steep and very rocky.  Park your car at the Wolf Gap Recreation Area (no fee). For a longer hike, head around the campground loop and find the trailhead for the Mill Mountain road, and hike up to Big Schloss (this will add 4 miles total to your day).  **Note: There is no...
    Read more
  • Crozet, Virginia

    Loft Mountain Campground via Jones Run Trail

    10.97 mi / 3150 ft gain
    Loft Mountain Campground via Jones Run Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Crozet, Virginia.
    Read more
  • Wardensville, West Virginia

    Backpack White Rocks, George Washington NF

    4.5
    9.8 mi
    The trail begins near the upper parking area next to a closed gate. If you park in the lower parking area, you'll have to walk about .3 miles up the road to get to this gate.Start out on the forest service (FS) orange blazed trail, following it for about a quarter mile. From there head onto Old M...
    Read more