Top Trails: Shenandoah National Park. Johnny Molloy
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beauty everywhere you look in this rough canyon. After emerging from the upper canyon, take Keyser Run Fire Road to enjoy a highland vista, then view pioneer internment Bolen Cemetery along the way.
Day Hiking, Backpacking
9.2 miles, Loop
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
This challenging loop drops more than 2,000 feet, and then climbs back up, every last foot. Join remote Beecher Ridge, making a glorious walk through lush forests before dropping to Overall Run. Work upstream in a rugged gorge, passing a superlative swimming hole. Come to Overall Run Falls, the park’s highest at 93 feet. Observe this cataract, and enjoy a mountain panorama before finishing the circuit.
Day Hiking, Backpacking
7.2 miles, Loop
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
This Mathews Arm area trek has no single superlative feature to draw in hikers but offers solitude aplenty. Hike secluded Beecher Ridge, traveling the spine of this regally forested highland before picking up the Heiskell Hollow Trail. Plenty of pioneer evidence awaits a sharp-eyed hiker.
Day Hiking
5.6 miles, Loop
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
This classic Shenandoah circuit first navigates a boulder field before making a pleasantly level highland track on the Blue Ridge. Eventually dip to Jeremys Run. Pick up the seldom-trod Knob Mountain Trail on a remarkably level track to finish the circuit.
Day Hiking, Backpacking
6.8 miles, Out-and-back
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
The scenery on this solitude-laden hike meets high Shenandoah standards, and the falls are a worthy destination. Gently wind your way through eye-pleasing, high-country woods to the Piney River Valley and the three-tier falls.
Day Hiking, Backpacking
13.1 miles, Loop
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
Knob Mountain and Jeremys Run Loop
This is a long yet rewarding loop exploring points high and low. Traverse Knob Mountain, soaking in views en route to Jeremys Run. Make your way up gorgeous Jeremys Run valley, crossing the stream more than a dozen times. Don’t expect company on Knob Mountain, though you may see a few people along Jeremys Run.
Day Hiking, Backpacking
14.0 miles, Loop
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
Neighbor Mountain and Jeremys Run Loop
This circuit leaves Elkwallow Picnic Ground, southbound on the Appalachian Trail, traversing a pleasant stretch of the world’s most famous pathway. Join secluded Neighbor Mountain Trail, and grab some views on your way to Jeremys Run, one of the prettiest and most productive trout streams in the park. Crisscross to the upper valley of Jeremys Run, then make a final climb, returning to the trailhead.
Day Hiking, Backpacking
7.9 miles, Loop
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
Make a quiet, solitude-rich hike through history, combined with high-country trekking. Enter once-settled Thornton Hollow. Walk along the alluring North Fork Thornton River, wandering richly forested flats between creek crossings. Leave the lowlands on the Hull School Trail, crossing Skyline Drive. Trace the Appalachian Trail on a pleasant track back to the trailhead.
Even turtles love the trails of Shenandoah.
TRAIL 1 North District
Dickey Ridge Historic Hike
TRAIL USE
Day Hiking, Pets Prohibited
LENGTH
4.3 miles, 2.5–3.5 hours
VERTICAL FEET
±700'
DIFFICULTY
–1 2 3 4 5 +
TRAIL TYPE
Loop
START & FINISH
N38° 52.296'
W78° 12.273'
FEATURES
Ridgeline
Autumn Colors
Great Views
Historical Interest
FACILITIES
Picnic tables
Restrooms
Visitor center
Water
Easy access, old farmsteads, and a good view piece together a nice family or group hike that sums up much of what Shenandoah National Park offers. Leave the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, and slip down to the old Fox Farm, which has many pioneer vestiges, including a cemetery. Walk south on Dickey Ridge. Walk south to the Snead Farm site, and check out more human history. Make a rewarding woodland walk. Catch a great view of the Shenandoah Valley on your way back, then enjoy more attractive hilltop woodland. Note: Pets are not allowed on this trail.
Best Time
After the leaves fall—winter through early spring—is the best time for this hike. This is when you can best see the ample evidence of pre-park residents. Summer can be warm and busy.
Finding the Trail
The hike starts at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, milepost 4.6 on Skyline Drive. From the Front Royal Entrance Station, head south on Skyline Drive 4.6 miles to the visitor center.
Trail Description
Leave the visitor center near the flagpole.