Easy Hikes in Shenandoah National Park | 2024

Shenandoah National Parks starts in Front Royal, VA (Northern entrance) and goes 105 miles South to its Southern entrance (outside of Waynesboro, VA). Not only is this a very drivable National Park but there are also roughly 500 miles of beautiful trails. And the Appalachian Trail zig zags throughout the park.

I put this quick blog guide together to help anyone who wanted to do quick day hikes within the park. The ranking for these trails is based on the NPS trail ranking system (check out link HERE).

Make sure to always be on the look out for hikers and wildlife while traveling through the park.
It is important to follow Leave No Trace principles while enjoying its beauty.

Before visiting the park always ensure that you have water and appropriate clothing for the weather. Shenandoah National Park is sometimes effected by inclement weather, always check the park website for road conditions and park closures before going.

Compton Peak (Mile Marker 10.4)

Compton peak trail is 2.4 mile round trip with two different peaks to explore and interesting geological features.

This trail is best done in the winter time to allow for a clear view of the surrounding mountains.

Park at Compton gap parking area across skyline drive.
There are ~16 available parking spots.

NPS Compton Peak Info

Mary’s Rock (Mile Marker 33.5)

Mary’s Rock Summit is an iconic location and likely one of the most popular view points in Shenandoah National Park.

You can access the summit via two different trails, both approaches are consider moderate hikes.

The longer hike (3.7 miles round trip) starts at mile marker 31.6 with parking located at Panorama parking area near the Thornton Gap entrance.

The shorter hike (3.1 miles round trip) starts at mile marker 33.5 with parking at Meadow Springs Trail parking area.

The view is speculator and best enjoyed on a sunny day.

NPS Mary’s Rock Summit Info

Stony Man Mountain (Mile Marker 41.7)

This hike is an easy 1.6 mile round trip hike with some of the best views of Shenandoah National Park along Skyline Drive. It’s also one of the highest points in the National Park.

This trail is great to hike all year round as the views are open through out the year.

The trail begins on the Appalachian Trail with the entrance in the upper right end of the Stony Man parking lot. Pay attention to the trail markers and map while hiking because there are multiple intersecting trails.

Pets are NOT allowed on this hike.

NPS Skyland Area Map

Frazier Discover Trail (Mile Marker 79.5)

Frazier Discover trail is a easy 1.3 mile circuit trail with iconic views towards the West.

Park at Loft Mountain wayside which is at mile marker 79.5

Pets are NOT allowed on this hike.

NPS Frazier Discover Trail Info

Blackrock Summit (Mile Marker 84.4)

Blackrock Summit (1.1 mile loop) is a short hike that passes some impressive rock formations.

The hike starts in the woods and is a gradual uphill. About 0.5 miles in the loop opens up to a beautiful view of the mountains and very interesting

NPS Blackrock Summit Info

Turk Mountain Trail (Mile Marker 94.1)

Turk Mountain is a considered an easy hike (2.4 mile hike) via the NPS website.

Parking at Turk Mountain Parking area is very limited so make sure to arrive.
There are many trails that are accessible from this parking lot so make sure to check the trail markers before proceeding. Turk Mountain trail begins across the road.

The trail starts with a nice slight down hill and a very pleasant walk through the woods. It then gradually changes to some slight uphill with the steeper sections being as you approach the summit.

Turk Mountain Summit is a beautiful and very rocky summit. It has gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and town.

NPS Turk Mountain Info