Stanley

Top Spots

Hawksbill via Appalachian Trail and Redgate Road

Stanley, Virginia

13.33 mi / 2520 ft gain

The Three Falls Hike in Shenandoah National Park will take you past three beautiful waterfalls all found within the central district of the park: Lewis Spring Falls, Dark Hollow Falls, and Rose River Falls. You are able to start the loop from any of the waterfalls’ trailheads, but I prefer to start at the Lewis Spring Fall Trailhead because it has the largest parking area and a bathroom. To re...

Dark Hollow via Appalachian Trail and Story of the Forest Trail

Stanley, Virginia

6.07 mi / 1509 ft gain

Camp at Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park

Stanley, Virginia

4.4

Visiting Shenandoah National Park for the first time can be quite overwhelming. The 109 mile long Skyline Drive, combined with over 500 miles of hiking trails, makes camping is a necessity if you truly want to experience Shenandoah.From the Appalachian thru-hiker to the RV'er, Big Meadows is perfectly located for all types of travelers. Located off of MM 51.2, it's a great campsite for those tr...

Photograph Spilter Knoll Overlook

Stanley, Virginia

5.0

The Spitler Knoll is one of 72 overlooks for people to enjoy as they travel through Shenandoah National Park along Skyline Drive. Skyline Drive is the road that winds through the heart of Shenandoah National Park, starting at Front Royal in the north and ending at Rockfish Gap in the south. This 105 mile long road offers great views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and valleys while sim...

Hike the Rose River Falls to Dark Hollow Falls Loop

Stanley, Virginia

5.0

4 mi / 950 ft gain

Parking at the trailhead is a few miles north of Big Meadows at the Fisher's Gap Overlook parking area. You will find much more solitude along this loop trail than if you were to park at the Dark Hollow Falls trailhead as the Dark Hollow Falls is much more popular. That makes being able to find the shot or picture that you want without other hikers getting in your shots, much easier. The ...

Backpack Rose River Loop

Stanley, Virginia

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 Loop begins to the left of the fire road (you'll come up this fire road on the way back). The trail st...