Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
country. Numbered mile posts mark the way and there's lots of pull-offs. Our favor-
ite is around Mile 51.2, where you can take a moderately difficult 3.6 mile-loop hike
to Lewis Spring Falls.
Activities
There are two visitor centers in the park,
Dickey Ridge
( 540-635-3566; Skyline Dr, Mile
4.6; 9am-5pm Apr-Nov)
in the north and
Harry F Byrd
(Mile 51; 8:30am-5pm Mar 31-Oct
27)
in the south. Both have maps, backcountry permits and information on horseback rid-
ing, hang gliding, cycling (only on public roads) and other wholesome goodness. Shen-
andoah has more than 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian
Trail. The trails described in this section are listed from north to south.
Old Rag Mountain
HIKING
This is a tough, 8-mile circuit trail that culminates in a rocky scramble only suitable for
the physically fit. Your reward is the summit of Old Rag Mountain and, along the way,
some of the best views in Virginia.
Big Meadows
HIKING
A very popular area with four easy to medium difficulty hikes. The Lewis Falls and Rose
River trails run by the park's most spectacular waterfalls, and the former accesses the
Appalachian Trail.
Bearfence Mountain
HIKING
A short trail leads to a spectacular 360-degree viewpoint. The circuit hike is only 1.2
miles, but it involves a strenuous scramble over rocks.
Riprap
HIKING
Three trails of varying difficulty. Blackrock Trail is an easy 1-mile loop that yields fant-
astic views. You can either hike the moderate 3.4-mile Riprap Trail to Chimney Rock, or
detour and make a fairly strenuous 9.8-mile circuit that connects with the Appalachian
Trail.
